Zesty Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe: Fresh Seafood Magic

Seafood lovers rejoice as this zesty lemon garlic baked cod recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.

Tender white fish flakes beautifully when kissed by bright citrus and aromatic garlic notes.

The simple marinade infuses each delicate piece with incredible depth and richness.

Minimal ingredients create maximum impact in this foolproof dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Fresh herbs scattered on top add a vibrant finishing touch that makes the meal feel extra special.

Quick, healthy, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this cod promises to become a regular weeknight dinner staple.

Dive into a plate of pure culinary delight that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Key Ingredients in Lemon Garlic Baked Cod

• Cod Fillet: Delicate, flaky white fish that promises a tender and succulent main course, selecting fresh or high-quality frozen fillets ensures the best flavor and texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Vibrant herb that adds a bright, fresh finish and beautiful green color to the dish, choosing crisp leaves with no wilting maximizes visual and flavor appeal.

• Lemon Juice, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Butter: Bright, tangy liquid and rich fats creating a luxurious, silky sauce that perfectly complements the delicate cod, using freshly squeezed lemon juice intensifies the citrusy punch.
• Garlic: Aromatic allium that infuses deep, robust flavor into the sauce, selecting firm, plump cloves with no sprouts guarantees maximum taste intensity.

• All-Purpose Flour, Ground Coriander, Sweet Spanish Paprika, Ground Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: Harmonious blend of spices and flour delivering a complex, layered coating that provides crunch and depth, choosing fresh, high-quality spices ensures a more vibrant and aromatic crust.

What Equipment You’ll Need for Baked Cod

• Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan for perfectly searing cod fillets.
• Baking Sheet: Flat metal pan to transfer and finish cooking fish in the oven.
• Shallow Bowls (2): One for lemon sauce, another for seasoned flour mixture.
• Cutting Board: Clean surface for preparing ingredients and patting fish dry.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise measuring for salt, pepper, and ground spices.
• Tongs: Helpful for safely turning and moving fish during searing process.
• Fork: Used to check fish doneness and flake the cod when baked.

Baking Lemon Garlic Cod: Step-by-Step

• Oven Preparation

Warm up your cooking space by setting the oven to a toasty 400 degrees, creating the perfect environment for your seafood adventure.

• Flavor Foundation

Whip together a zesty blend of citrus and olive oil, creating a mouthwatering liquid that will transform your cod into a culinary masterpiece.

• Seasoning Magic

Craft a tantalizing dust of spices that will give your fish a crispy, aromatic exterior – think warm, exotic notes that dance on your taste buds.

• Fish Transformation

Gently bathe each cod fillet in the citrus mixture, then lovingly coat it with the spice blend, ensuring every inch is covered with deliciousness.

• Golden Sear

Heat up a skillet and give your fish a quick golden tan, creating a crisp exterior that promises incredible texture and flavor.

• Aromatic Finale

Sprinkle minced garlic into the remaining sauce, then cascade this liquid gold over the fish before sliding it into the waiting oven.

• Baking Brilliance

Let the oven work its magic, cooking the fish until it’s perfectly tender and flakes at the gentlest touch of a fork – typically around 10 minutes of pure culinary anticipation.

• Plate and Celebrate

Shower your creation with fresh herbs and serve immediately, ready to transport your dinner companions to a seaside flavor paradise.

Kitchen Hacks for Moist & Flavorful Cod

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Fish Selection Magic: Choose fresh, high-quality cod with firm, white flesh. Halibut or tilapia work wonderfully as alternative fish options for this recipe.
• Seasoning Boost: Enhance the flavor profile by adding dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the flour mixture for an extra aromatic touch.
• Crispiness Secret: For an even crunchier exterior, try adding panko breadcrumbs to the flour coating or use cornmeal for a delightful texture variation.
• Zesty Twist: Experiment with different citrus fruits like orange or lime instead of lemon to create unique flavor combinations that will surprise your taste buds.
• Herb-Infused Delight: Sprinkle fresh dill or chives over the finished dish for a burst of freshness and added visual appeal that elevates the entire meal.

Serving Suggestions for Cod with Zing

• Seafood Feast Companion: Pair this zesty cod with fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious lemon garlic sauce, creating a complete and balanced meal.
• Bright Mediterranean Plate: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese to complement the fish's tangy flavor profile and add refreshing textures.
• Rustic Herb Accent: Sprinkle extra fresh chopped parsley or dill on top right before serving to enhance the aromatic qualities and provide a vibrant green color contrast to the golden-brown fish.
• Simple Wine Pairing: Choose a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to match the light, citrusy notes of the cod and elevate the overall dining experience.

How to Hold Cod for Next-Day Use

• Smart Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftover cod in an airtight container within the refrigerator's coldest section. Consume within 1-2 days to maintain optimal flavor and texture, preventing any potential seafood spoilage.
• Quick Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual cod fillets tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe bags. Frozen cod stays delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed, offering convenient future meal options.
• Reheat with Care: Gently warm leftover fish in a preheated oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the delicate fish rubbery and diminish its original crispy coating and tender interior.
• Ingredient Freshness Tips: Purchase cod from trusted seafood markets, checking for bright, firm flesh without discoloration. Store raw fish on ice or in the coldest refrigerator compartment, and use within 1-2 days of purchase to guarantee maximum quality and taste.

Zesty Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired lemon garlic baked cod delivers delicate fish perfection with zesty Mediterranean flavors. Delicious protein combines fresh herbs, citrus notes, and simple ingredients for an elegant seafood dinner you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) cod fillet pieces (4–6 pieces)
• 0.25 cup (60 mL) parsley leaves, chopped
• 5 tbsps (75 mL) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 5 tbsps (75 mL) extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 g) butter, melted
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.75 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.33 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 0.75 tsp sweet Spanish paprika
• 0.75 tsp ground cumin

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Instructions

1. Oven Preheating: Calibrate the oven to 400°F (200°C), establishing an optimal thermal environment for cod preparation.
2. Marinade Creation: Whisk lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and melted butter in a shallow dish, generating a vibrant flavor foundation for the fish.
3. Seasoning Composition: Blend flour with ground coriander, paprika, cumin, salt, and cracked pepper, crafting an aromatic coating designed to elevate the cod’s natural essence.
4. Fish Preparation: Thoroughly pat cod fillets dry, immerse in the citrus-infused liquid, then meticulously coat with the spiced flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
5. Searing and Flavor Layering: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature, strategically searing fish for two minutes per side to develop a golden, crisp exterior while simultaneously introducing caramelized notes.
6. Oven Finishing: Transfer seared fillets to a baking sheet, allowing the oven’s consistent heat to gently complete the cooking process, transforming the cod into a flaky, tender delicacy within approximately 10 minutes.
7. Garnishing and Presentation: Drizzle remaining lemon sauce enhanced with minced garlic over the fish, then crown with freshly chopped parsley to introduce a vibrant, herbaceous complexity to the final dish.

Notes

• Precise Oven Preheating: Set exactly to 400°F (200°C) for optimal cod cooking, ensuring even heat distribution and perfect texture.
• Marinade Mastery: Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, and melted butter thoroughly to create a vibrant, flavor-enhancing liquid that tenderizes and seasons the fish.
• Seasoning Strategy: Blend flour with ground spices meticulously to develop a complex, aromatic coating that transforms bland cod into a gourmet delight.
• Moisture-Locking Technique: Pat cod fillets completely dry before marinating and coating to achieve a crisp exterior and prevent soggy results, guaranteeing a restaurant-quality sear.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg