Zesty Lemon Baked Cod Recipe: A Simple Seafood Treat

When summer’s warmth calls for a light and zesty seafood feast, this lemony baked cod delight recipe emerges as a culinary star that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Fresh cod fillets dance with vibrant citrus notes, creating a dish that’s both elegant and effortless.

The bright lemon marinade infuses each delicate flake with a refreshing Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Herbs and spices mingle seamlessly, turning a simple fish dish into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Tender and succulent, these baked cod fillets deliver a perfect balance of zesty and savory elements.

Quick to prepare and packed with nutritious goodness, this recipe offers a delightful solution for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Dive into this mouthwatering creation and let your palate embark on a delicious coastal journey.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 335 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients for Lemony Baked Cod

• Cod Fillets: Ocean-fresh white fish with delicate texture, perfect for absorbing flavors and creating a light, flaky main course.
• Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances the natural taste of cod and balances the overall dish.

• Lemon Juice: Zesty citrus element that tenderizes fish and adds a refreshing, tangy dimension to the recipe.
• Cayenne Pepper: Subtle heat booster that provides a gentle warmth and complexity to the seafood.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings vibrant green color and a clean, slightly peppery finish to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Silky, heart-healthy fat that helps create a golden crust and prevents fish from sticking to the cooking surface while adding a subtle Mediterranean undertone.

Tools and Supplies for Lemony Baked Cod

• Baking Tray: Essential for roasting the cod evenly and catching any drips.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for preparing ingredients and checking fish doneness.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately season the cod with salt and cayenne pepper.
• Citrus Juicer or Reamer: Extracts fresh lemon juice quickly and efficiently.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Spatula or Tongs: Assists in transferring and serving the baked cod.
• Measuring Cup: Precise for measuring olive oil drizzle.
• Small Bowl: Useful for mixing seasonings or holding prepared ingredients.

How to Make Lemony Baked Cod

• Oven Preparation Warm up the oven to create the perfect cooking environment for a delightful fish dish.
• Flavor Infusion Place the cod fillets on a baking tray, transforming them into a canvas of culinary creativity with a drizzle of golden olive oil and zesty lemon essence.
• Seasoning Magic Sprinkle a whisper of salt and a hint of cayenne to awaken the cod's delicate flavors, creating a symphony of taste that dances on the palate.
• Baking Perfection Slide the tray into the heated oven, allowing the fish to cook gently until it becomes flaky and translucent, typically taking 10-12 minutes.
• Final Touch Dress the baked cod with a flourish of fresh parsley, adding a vibrant green accent that brings the dish to life just before serving.

Tips and Variations for Lemony Baked Cod

• Zesty Seasoning Swap: Replace cayenne with smoked paprika for a milder, smoky flavor profile that adds depth without intense heat.
• Fish Freshness Hack: Always choose wild-caught cod with firm, translucent flesh and no strong fishy odor to ensure the best taste and texture.
• Side Dish Magic: Pair this lemony cod with roasted asparagus, quinoa pilaf, or a light Mediterranean salad to create a complete, nutritious meal that complements the delicate fish.
• Herb Garden Twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or basil instead of parsley to introduce different aromatic notes and elevate the dish's overall flavor complexity.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Assemble the seasoned cod fillets on the baking tray earlier in the day, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake, saving precious time during busy evenings.

Serving Lemony Baked Cod

• Coastal Companion Plate: Serve this zesty cod alongside fluffy quinoa or herbed rice that soaks up the lemony juices perfectly.
• Mediterranean Veggie Harmony: Pair the fish with roasted asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and a light Greek salad for a balanced, nutritious meal that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.
• Wine & Dine Elevation: Complement the delicate fish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which enhances the bright lemon notes and cuts through the richness of the cod.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chives just before serving to add a vibrant pop of color and a refreshing herbal dimension to the dish.

Storage Instructions for Lemony Baked Cod

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it in the coldest part of the refrigerator for maximum freshness and taste preservation.
• Smart Shelf Life Tip: Consume refrigerated baked cod within 1-2 days to enjoy optimal flavor and prevent potential bacterial growth, ensuring a safe and delicious meal.
• Freezing Wisdom: Wrap individual cod portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags to maintain quality for up to 3 months, perfect for future quick meals.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm refrigerated cod in the oven at 275°F for 8-10 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain the fish's delicate texture and moisture.

Zesty Baked Cod Delight

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean coastal regions inspire this lemony baked cod delight recipe with fresh herbs and zesty flavors. Delicate fish fillets combine seamlessly with bright citrus notes, offering you a simple yet elegant seafood experience.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (500 g) cod fillets, rinsed and pat dry
• 1 ½ tbsps olive oil
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3 dashes cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thermal Preparation: Calibrate oven to 400°F, establishing an ideal roasting environment for succulent cod transformation.
2. Seafood Placement: Arrange cod fillets on a pristine baking tray, ensuring strategic spacing to promote uniform heat distribution and optimal cooking.
3. Flavor Infusion: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil across fish surfaces, creating a luminous protective layer that will enhance moisture retention and develop rich undertones.
4. Seasoning Activation: Lavish fillets with fresh lemon juice, incorporating vibrant citrus notes while simultaneously tenderizing the delicate protein structure.
5. Spice Integration: Generously dust sea salt and cayenne pepper, crafting a nuanced seasoning matrix that amplifies the cod’s inherent subtle flavors.
6. Culinary Transformation: Introduce tray into preheated oven, allowing gentle thermal energy to metamorphose fish for 10-12 minutes until achieving pristine, translucent white texture with effortless flaking characteristics.
7. Herbal Embellishment: Immediately garnish with freshly chopped parsley, introducing a verdant burst of aromatic complexity and visual vibrancy.
8. Serving Presentation: Transfer baked cod directly to serving plates, presenting a luminous, flavor-concentrated seafood delicacy designed for immediate consumption.

Notes

• Optimize Oven Temperature: Preheat to 400°F for perfect cod texture, ensuring even cooking and preventing dryness.
• Arrange Fish Strategically: Space fillets evenly on the baking tray to promote uniform heat distribution and prevent steaming.
• Master Moisture Technique: Drizzle olive oil generously to lock in natural fish juices and create a succulent, tender result.
• Check Doneness Precisely: Look for opaque white color and easy flaking with a fork to guarantee perfectly cooked cod without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg