If you’re searching for a light yet flavorful dinner that’s as easy as it is impressive, look no further than Lemon-Herb Baked Cod. This dish delivers tender, flaky cod fillets infused with zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and a touch of garlic—bringing a sunny Mediterranean vibe to your table with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining, and it never fails to win over seafood lovers and skeptics alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Lemon-Herb Baked Cod so rewarding is its simplicity: each ingredient plays a key role in creating layers of fresh flavor and appealing aroma. Gather these staples and you’ll see how they work together to transform humble cod into something extraordinary!
- Cod fillets: Choose firm, fresh fillets—cod’s mild taste and flaky texture shine in this recipe.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the herbs adhere beautifully to the fish, giving every bite silkiness.
- Fresh lemon juice: Delivers bright tang and helps tenderize the fillets for maximum juiciness.
- Lemon zest: Packs a punch of citrus aroma, deepening the lemon essence in every mouthful.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Brings savory depth and a little kick that pairs perfectly with white fish.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Offers dazzling color and a clean herbal note.
- Dried oregano: Adds a warm, earthy backbone—it’s the Mediterranean secret weapon here!
- Dried thyme: Offers subtle, woodsy tones that balance out the lemon’s brightness.
- Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the cod.
- Black pepper: Just the right touch of spice to round out each bite.
- Lemon slices for garnish: They make the finished dish look beautiful and add another zesty boost when squeezed on top.
How to Make Lemon-Herb Baked Cod
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish—this keeps the cod from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Arrange your workstation so that you can move easily through the next steps, and get excited for how quickly everything comes together!
Step 2: Dry and Arrange the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This simple step helps the fillets absorb all the lovely flavors you’re about to add and ensures they’ll bake up with a perfect flaky texture. Place the fillets snugly in the prepared baking dish—no overlapping, so each piece cooks evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon-Herb Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. The aroma alone will make your mouth water! This vibrant mixture is what infuses our Lemon-Herb Baked Cod with its sunny Mediterranean flair.
Step 4: Coat the Cod Fillets
Spoon the lemon-herb mixture evenly over each fillet, making sure to cover them completely. Don’t be shy—every nook and cranny should get a little love! This will help each bite burst with herbal freshness and tangy brightness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it—overcooking can make cod dry, so err on the side of checking earlier. Your kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible as the Lemon-Herb Baked Cod comes together!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, add fresh lemon slices for garnish. They don’t just add a pop of color—serving extra lemon on the side lets everyone adjust the zesty flavor to their own preferences.
How to Serve Lemon-Herb Baked Cod
Garnishes
Garnishing with extra parsley or a twist of cracked pepper elevates the presentation and keeps the flavors lively. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice will brighten things up even more and offers a restaurant-worthy finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Lemon-Herb Baked Cod pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Roasted vegetables—like asparagus, zucchini, or baby potatoes—are classic companions. A fluffy bed of rice or a crisp green salad helps soak up any extra lemony juices, finishing the meal on a balanced, satisfying note.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve the fillets family-style on a platter with grilled lemons and vibrant herb sprigs. Or, for a cozy dinner-for-two, plate the cod atop a swirl of sautéed spinach or with a scattering of microgreens that provide a restaurant-chic look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Lemon-Herb Baked Cod, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The delicate flavor holds up well, and the cod remains surprisingly moist thanks to the olive oil and lemon infusion.
Freezing
Lemon-Herb Baked Cod can be frozen, though for best texture, do so before adding any garnishes. Let fillets cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to one month—just note that freezing may slightly change the texture.
Reheating
The gentlest way to reheat your cod is in the oven: place the fillets in a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and warm at 300°F until heated through (about 10 minutes). Microwaving can cause the fish to dry out, so add a splash more lemon juice or olive oil to keep it moist if you go that route.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod for Lemon-Herb Baked Cod?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the fillets and pat them very dry with paper towels before seasoning. This ensures the marinade sticks and the fish bakes up evenly.
What other fish can I use in this recipe?
Haddock, tilapia, or pollock are great alternatives to cod. Each brings a slightly different texture but beautifully soaks up the lemon-herb flavors.
How do I know when the cod is done?
Lemon-Herb Baked Cod is ready when the fillets are opaque and flake easily with a fork. You can also check that the thickest part reaches 145°F if you want extra assurance.
Can I make this dish dairy-free and gluten-free?
Yes: Lemon-Herb Baked Cod is naturally free from dairy and gluten, making it a friendly option for many dietary needs without requiring substitutions.
Can I prepare the lemon-herb marinade in advance?
Definitely! Whisk together the lemon-herb mixture a few hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Then simply pour over the fish right before baking for maximum convenience.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a fresh, breezy dinner that’s packed with flavor but light on effort, Lemon-Herb Baked Cod is your new go-to. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first flaky, citrus-kissed bite!
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Lemon-Herb Baked Cod Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with this flavorful Lemon-Herb Baked Cod recipe that is both easy to make and incredibly delicious. The combination of fresh lemon, aromatic herbs, and tender cod fillets will make this a go-to dish for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Cod Fillets:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Herb Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a baking dish.
- Prepare Cod: Pat dry the cod fillets and place them in the baking dish.
- Make Herb Mixture: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, parsley, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover Cod: Spoon the herb mixture over the fillets.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
- Garnish: Garnish with lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- This recipe pairs well with haddock or tilapia.
- Consider serving with roasted vegetables, rice, or a light salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
