Irresistible Lemon Garlic Baked Cod
Discover a delicious Lemon Garlic Baked Cod recipe that's easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Fresh cod fillets are baked with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and buttery herbs for a light, healthy, and elegant meal perfect for any occasion.
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Oven
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets about 6 oz each, skinless and boneless
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 lemons thinly sliced, plus extra for serving
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tsp dried parsley or 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels, then season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Line a baking dish with half the lemon slices to create a citrus base.
- Place the cod fillets on top of the lemon slices in a single layer.
- Pour the marinade over the fillets and top with remaining lemon slices.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end to give the top a golden color.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, replace butter with olive oil. Tilapia or haddock can be used as substitutes for cod. Serve with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.