It’s that magical moment when you pull a dish from the oven and are greeted by the scent of succulent cod fillets infused with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic. Imagine a flaky piece of fish that practically melts in your mouth while tickling your taste buds with bright citrus notes. Yes, folks, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for as we dive into making Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic.
Picture this: it’s a cozy Sunday afternoon, and you’re hosting a small gathering or simply wanting to impress your family at dinner. The good news? This crowd-pleasing dish not only tastes like a culinary masterpiece but also takes minimal effort. You’ll be basking in compliments before you even sit down!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic offers an effortless preparation experience that’s perfect for busy weeknights
- Its flavor profile balances buttery richness with fresh citrus zing
- Visually appealing with its golden crust and vibrant garnish, this dish will brighten up your dining table
- Versatile enough to serve alongside rice or roasted veggies makes it ideal for any meal occasion
I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; their eyes lit up as they dug in. My sister even declared it her favorite fish recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cod Fillets: Fresh or frozen works; just ensure they are thawed before cooking for optimal texture.
- Lemon: Use fresh lemons for zesting and juicing; bottled lemon juice can’t compete!
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth; avoid pre-minced versions if possible for better flavor.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil elevates the flavors beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the cod.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped for garnish; adds a pop of color and freshness to the final presentation.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab a baking dish and lightly grease it using non-stick spray or olive oil.
Prepare the Fish: Place your cod fillets in the greased baking dish. They should be snug but not overcrowded—think of them enjoying their personal space!
Create the Zesty Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. The aroma should make your kitchen smell divine!
Coat the Cod: Pour that heavenly mixture over the cod fillets evenly—make sure each piece gets its share of love (and flavor).
Bake Away!: Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 15-20 minutes until the fish is opaque and easily flakes apart when tested with a fork.
Add Finishing Touches: Remove from oven once done—garnish generously with chopped parsley—and maybe squeeze additional lemon juice on top if you’re feeling fancy!
Now you have an elegant yet simple dish ready to impress any crowd!
This Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic isn’t just another recipe; it’s an experience waiting to unfold at your dining table. Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- This Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is not just delicious; it is super simple and quick
- The zesty lemon aroma fills your kitchen, and the flaky texture of cod makes each bite heavenly
- Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, prepare a baking dish with lemon slices, garlic, and olive oil before placing the cod on top.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cod for other white fish like halibut or tilapia. Experiment with herbs like dill or parsley to elevate the flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Baked Cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain its deliciousness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Start with fresh cod for the best flavor; frozen works but may lose some texture
- Don’t skip letting the fish marinate in lemon juice; it enhances flavor and tenderness
- Always check doneness with a fork; the cod should flake easily when cooked
Cooking this dish brings back memories of family dinners where everyone raved about how simple yet flavorful it was, making me look like a gourmet chef without any extra effort!
FAQ
What can I serve with Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic?
Pair this dish with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed before baking for even cooking.
How do I know when my cod is done?
Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout.
Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Enjoy a quick and easy Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic that features flaky cod fillets in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce, perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (fresh or thawed)
- 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Arrange the cod fillets in the dish, ensuring they have space between them.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the cod fillets.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 285 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
