Oh, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite seafood dishes that never fails to impress—Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic. It’s light, it’s flavorful, and it’s so simple to make that even on my busiest baking days, I can throw it together in no time. The combination of tender cod fillets with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic creates this elegant, restaurant-quality meal that feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen.
I remember making this for a small dinner gathering once. I was testing out new recipes for the blog, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if everyone would go for fish. But the moment the cod came out of the oven, perfectly flaky and glistening with buttery lemon juice, I knew I had a winner. My friends raved about it all night. One even asked if I’d ordered it from a fancy seafood place!
What I love most about this dish is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes. Want a little heat? Add red pepper flakes. Prefer a buttery richness? Drizzle some melted ghee or olive oil on top. And that lemony-garlic aroma? It fills the kitchen and makes it feel like a cozy coastal escape, even on a rainy evening.
So before we get into the step-by-step, let’s talk about the star ingredients that make this dish shine.
What’s in Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic?
Fresh Cod Fillets: Mild, flaky, and a blank canvas for flavors. I always go for skinless fillets to keep it simple and elegant.
Fresh Garlic: The bold flavor base! I mince it finely so it spreads its magic throughout the dish without overpowering.
Lemon Juice and Zest: This brightens everything up. I always zest the lemon before juicing to make sure I don’t miss out on that fragrant citrus oil.
Olive Oil or Ghee: Keeps the fish moist while it bakes and helps infuse the lemon-garlic flavor deep into the fillets.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle just before serving adds color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness.
Salt and Black Pepper: A pinch of each is all you need to season the fish to perfection.
Optional Add-ins: Want more depth? Add a few thin slices of shallot or some cherry tomatoes around the fish before baking.
Is Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish is as wholesome as it is delicious.
Cod: High in lean protein and low in fat, it’s a great choice for anyone looking for a clean source of nutrition.
Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties and anti-inflammatory benefits, it adds flavor and health points.
Lemon: Loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, lemon juice aids digestion and brings a refreshing brightness.
Olive Oil or Ghee: Heart-healthy fats that help you absorb the nutrients in the other ingredients.
And the best part? There’s no heavy sauce or deep frying involved. It’s baked gently in the oven, which means less mess, fewer calories, and more time to enjoy the meal itself.
Ingredients
– 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons olive oil or ghee
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
– Optional: sliced shallots or cherry tomatoes
Serves: 4 people (or 2 very hungry seafood lovers!)
How to Make Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
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Prepare the Garlic Lemon Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil or melted ghee. Stir well so the flavors combine nicely.
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Season the Cod Fillets: Place the cod fillets in the baking dish. Pat them dry gently with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Then, season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Add the Flavor: Pour the lemon-garlic mixture evenly over the cod fillets. Use the back of a spoon or a brush to spread the mixture, making sure each piece gets coated well. If you’re adding shallots or cherry tomatoes, arrange them around the fish now.
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Bake to Perfection: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fillets.
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Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the fillets for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm with your favorite side—steamed vegetables, herbed rice, or a light green salad.
Chef’s Tips and Tasty Twists
– Go Herb Crazy: Swap parsley with dill, chives, or basil if you prefer different herbs. Each brings a new personality to the dish.
– Add a Crunchy Topping: Mix a tablespoon of breadcrumbs with olive oil and a pinch of garlic powder. Sprinkle over the cod before baking for a golden, crispy finish.
– Turn it into a Meal Bowl: Serve the baked cod over quinoa or couscous with roasted vegetables and an extra squeeze of lemon for a complete lunch or dinner bowl.
– Make it Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of ghee if you’re avoiding dairy, and the flavor will still be incredible.
– No Cod? No Problem: You can substitute cod with other white fish like haddock, tilapia, or halibut. Just keep an eye on the baking time based on thickness.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This baked cod is the ultimate fuss-free meal that still feels fancy. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The balance of garlic’s warmth with lemon’s tang creates a flavor combo that complements the delicate fish without overpowering it.
And because cod has such a clean, mild taste, even those who don’t usually love seafood tend to enjoy it—especially when it’s paired with familiar and comforting flavors like lemon and garlic.
Let me know how yours turns out! I always enjoy seeing your kitchen creations and hearing which twist you added to make it your own. Keep cooking, keep experimenting, and most importantly—keep enjoying every bite.
Print
Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic: A Simple and Elegant Seafood Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is a light, flavorful seafood dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender cod fillets are baked with zesty lemon, savory garlic, and fresh herbs, creating a healthy and elegant meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it with steamed veggies or fluffy rice, this recipe brings a touch of coastal charm to your table.
Ingredients
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4 cod fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice of 1 lemon
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1 tsp lemon zest
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3 tbsp olive oil or melted ghee
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Optional: thinly sliced shallots or cherry tomatoes for added flavor
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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In a bowl, mix garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil or ghee.
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Place cod fillets in the dish, pat dry, and season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Pour the lemon-garlic mixture over the fillets, coating them evenly. Add shallots or cherry tomatoes if using.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily and is opaque.
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Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm with your choice of sides.
Notes
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For extra crunch, top with seasoned breadcrumbs before baking.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Substitute cod with haddock, halibut, or tilapia as needed.
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Use olive oil for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before baking. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps prevent the fish from becoming soggy and ensures better flavor absorption from the lemon and garlic.
2. How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. You can also use a food thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Be careful not to overbake, as cod can dry out quickly.
3. What are the best side dishes to serve with baked cod?
Baked cod pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, herbed rice, or a fresh green salad. For a lighter option, try it with roasted zucchini, asparagus, or cauliflower rice. The lemon-garlic flavor complements just about anything.
4. Can I prepare the cod ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the dish a few hours in advance. Simply marinate the cod in the lemon-garlic mixture and cover it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge about 10–15 minutes beforehand to bring it closer to room temperature. This helps the fish cook more evenly in the oven.