Description
A simple and flavorful baked cod recipe that features tender cod fillets infused with zesty lemon, garlic, and herbs. Perfectly baked to flaky perfection, this dish is quick to prepare and ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Seasoning and Marinade
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Toppings and Garnish
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the cod fillets: Pat the cod dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then place the fillets evenly spaced on the baking sheet.
- Make the seasoning mixture: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, sea salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried oregano until well blended.
- Season the cod: Using a brush, evenly coat the cod fillets with the seasoning mixture to ensure all the flavors soak into the fish.
- Add butter and lemon slices: Drizzle the melted unsalted butter over each fillet and place lemon slices on top for extra flavor and moisture during baking.
- Bake the cod: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the cod from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Patting the cod dry is important to achieve a nice texture and helps the seasoning stick better.
- The lemon slices add a subtle citrus aroma and keep the fish moist during baking.
- You can substitute fresh parsley with dill or cilantro if preferred.
- Check the fish at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking, as cod can dry out quickly.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
