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Easy Baked Cod Recipe

Easy Baked Cod Recipe

This Easy Baked Cod recipe is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender cod fillets baked with fresh herbs, bright lemon, garlic, and olive oil, this recipe delivers a wholesome and satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes. Minimal cleanup and versatile ingredients make it a convenient and delicious choice for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cod fillets (fresh or thawed, about 6 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Fresh Herbs

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Optional Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons capers

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures a perfectly baked cod that’s tender inside with a slightly crisp exterior.
  2. Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step helps the seasonings stick better and prevents steaming during baking.
  3. Marinate with Flavors: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Brush this mixture generously over the cod fillets to coat every inch with flavor.
  4. Arrange and Add Herbs: Place the cod in a baking dish in a single layer. Scatter fresh parsley, dill, thyme, and optional cherry tomatoes or capers on top, ensuring a colorful and aromatic presentation.
  5. Bake the Cod: Bake uncovered for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and squeeze a little extra lemon juice over the cod for an added burst of freshness just before serving.

Notes

  • Choose fresh cod for the best texture and flavor; frozen works well if thawed properly.
  • Don’t overcook the cod—remove it once it flakes easily to keep it moist.
  • Use fresh herbs if possible; they enhance flavor and appearance significantly.
  • Patting the fish dry helps achieve a perfect bake rather than a steamed texture.
  • Try substituting lime or orange zest for a unique citrus twist.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet (6 oz)
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

Keywords: baked cod, easy cod recipe, healthy seafood, quick dinner, gluten free, baked fish