Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something fresh, zesty, and incredibly simple to whip up, this Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic is bound to become your new weeknight staple. Imagine tender, flaky cod bathed in a zingy lemon-butter sauce, accented by the warmth of spices and a punch of fresh garlic. Every juicy, golden bite is bursting with Mediterranean comfort and color, but you’ll only need a handful of basic ingredients and less than half an hour from start to finish. This is one of those dishes that tastes like a special occasion, yet fits snugly into your busiest evenings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic lies in its short, thoughtful ingredient list. Each item does some heavy lifting—brightening, seasoning, and turning simple fish into something exquisite. Here’s what you’ll need and why it’s essential:

• Cod fillet pieces: Choose fresh, thick fillets for the flakiest texture and naturally mild flavor that soaks up all the seasonings.
• Fresh parsley: This classic herb finishes off the dish with a burst of vibrant color and leafy freshness.
• Fresh lemon juice: The citric acidity is key—brightening the fish and sharpening all the flavors.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds silky richness to your sauce and helps the fish form a golden, flavorful crust during searing.
• Melted butter: A buttery note makes the sauce luxurious and velvety.
• Garlic cloves (minced): The unmistakable aroma and depth of garlic infuse every bite and make the dish truly crave-worthy.
• All-purpose flour: Lightly coats the cod, giving it just enough body while soaking up that flavorful sauce.
• Ground coriander: Adds gentle citrusy warmth, perfectly complementing the lemon.
• Sweet Spanish paprika: Contributes a gorgeous red hue and a whisper of sweet smokiness.
• Ground cumin: Brings earthy, nutty undertones that deepen the Mediterranean vibe.
• Salt: Brightens the fish’s flavor and balances the punchy lemon and spices.
• Black pepper: For a little bit of savory heat in every forkful.

How to Make Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first—crank your oven up to 400 degrees F. Getting your oven hot and ready ensures that your cod will bake to flaky, melt-in-your-mouth perfection, locking in all those juicy flavors.

Step 2: Mix the Lemon-Butter Sauce

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and melted butter. Leave the garlic out for now! This lip-smacking sauce is the zesty foundation of your Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic, guaranteeing every fillet gets a tangy, luscious coating.

Step 3: Prepare the Dredge

Grab another shallow dish and combine the all-purpose flour, ground coriander, sweet Spanish paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is what gives the cod a delicate, crispy crust and loads the fish with flavor from the start.

Step 4: Dip and Dredge the Cod

Pat your cod fillets dry (this is key to getting a nice sear!). Dip each piece in your lemon-butter sauce first, then coat in the seasoned flour mix. Shake off any excess flour so you only get a light, even layer. Save that leftover lemon sauce for later!

Step 5: Sear the Cod

Heat a couple tablespoons of olive oil in a hot cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan. Once the oil shimmers, sear the cod for about 2 minutes on each side. You’re just looking for a bit of color—not to cook it through—so the exterior gets golden and lightly crisped. Then take the skillet off the heat.

Step 6: Add Garlic to the Sauce

Now it’s time for the garlic to join the party! Stir the minced garlic into your reserved lemon sauce. Drizzle this garlicky goodness all over the pan-seared fillets, letting the flavors seep in before baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cod

Pop the skillet straight into your preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Start checking even sooner—the fish is done the second it easily flakes with a fork. Just before serving, shower the fillets with chopped parsley for a final burst of color and freshness. Serve piping hot!

How to Serve Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic

Garnishes

The finishing touches on this Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic are simple but elevating. A handful of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but a refreshing herbal twist. Try grating a little extra lemon zest right over the top for next-level brightness, or scatter thin lemon slices around the platter for an elegant look.

Side Dishes

This dish is delightfully versatile, so you have lots of pairing options. Serve the cod alongside fluffy couscous, herby rice pilaf, or a heap of roasted potatoes to soak up every drop of sauce. Need a lighter touch? A crisp green salad with cucumber and cherry tomatoes or simple steamed green beans will round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try plating the cod on a wide serving tray, layering fillets slightly overlapping, and topping them with sprigs of herbs and lemon wheels. Or, tuck the cod into warm pita wraps with a dollop of tzatziki and crunchy slaw for a playful, casual twist. The Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic also shines served family-style, right in the skillet for everyone to share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic, simply allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. The cod remains moist, and the flavors continue to meld for an even heartier bite the next day.

Freezing

Cod freezes surprisingly well! Wrap each fillet tightly or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep up to one month. To make thawing easier, consider freezing sauce separately so the fish maintains its texture when reheated.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat the cod gently. Place fillets in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 300-degree F oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the delicate fish and dull those lively flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just let your fillets thaw fully and pat them dry before starting. This ensures the Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic comes out tender and not watery.

What can I substitute for cod?

If you can’t find cod, feel free to try haddock, tilapia, halibut, or another mild white fish. The lemon and garlic sauce pairs beautifully with any flaky variety.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute it with a gluten-free flour blend or even almond flour. The results are just as tasty!

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You can mix the lemon juice, olive oil, and melted butter together a few hours in advance (leave out the garlic until you’re ready to bake), which saves valuable prep time.

Why do I need to sear the fish before baking?

Searing locks in moisture, creates a delicate crust, and deepens the rich flavors of the Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic. It’s the secret to that irresistible crust-meets-flake texture.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic truly brings big flavor to your table with minimal fuss. Whether you’re new to baking fish or just craving something light yet utterly satisfying, this dish is sure to delight. I hope you’ll give it a try and share it with someone you love—it’s a keeper!

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