If you’ve ever wanted a simple, bright, and utterly satisfying fish dish, you’re going to adore this Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe balances zesty lemon, rich garlic, and warming spices to create flaky, tender cod that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Stick with me here because I’m going to share all the tips and tricks I’ve picked up to make sure your baked cod comes out just right every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and Flavorful: The fresh lemon and garlic make each bite vibrant without overpowering the cod.
- Perfectly Tender Fish: Baking after a quick sear locks in moisture and gives the fish a lovely texture.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have everything on hand, making this a quick go-to for busy nights.
- Versatile Meal: Easily paired with a variety of sides, so you can customize it for every occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All these ingredients come together in a way that’s both familiar and exciting. When you grab fresh cod and combine it with a zingy lemon sauce and fragrant spices, it just works. Make sure to buy fresh cod fillets and fresh parsley—you’ll notice the difference in flavor and presentation.
- Cod fillet pieces: Choose thick, firm fillets with no grayish spotting for the best texture and flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of herbal freshness and color—don’t skip it!
- Fresh lemon juice: The star of the lemon garlic combo, fresh juice really brightens up the dish.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good-quality one for a fruity, rich flavor in the sauce.
- Melted butter: Adds a silky richness that complements the lemon perfectly.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh, minced garlic gives a warm aromatic punch—totally essential here.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create a light coating that locks in the moisture during cooking.
- Ground coriander: Adds a subtle citrusy spice that enhances the flavor profile.
- Sweet Spanish paprika: Brings a mild smoky sweetness and a beautiful color.
- Ground cumin: Provides warmth and earthiness—just a little goes a long way.
- Salt & black pepper: To season and balance all other flavors.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to tweak the spices or herbs depending on what you have or prefer. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Use dill instead of parsley: I swapped parsley for dill once, and the fresh, slightly tangy flavor really brightened the dish even more.
- Swap the paprika for smoked paprika: Gives a deeper smoky flavor if you like a bolder taste.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes to the flour mix or lemon sauce for a gentle kick that wakes up the palate.
- Try with other firm fish: If cod isn’t available, halibut or haddock work beautifully with this method and flavor setup.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe
Step 1: Prep your lemon sauce and spice coating
First, mix the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and melted butter in a shallow bowl, but don’t add the garlic yet—that comes later. Then, in another bowl, combine all-purpose flour with coriander, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. This coating gives the cod a subtle crunchy exterior and infuses it with warm spices.
Step 2: Coat and sear the cod
Pat the cod dry—you want to avoid any sogginess. Dip each piece in the lemon sauce, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the flour-spice mix. Shake off the extra flour; you want a light coating. Heat olive oil in a cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers (but isn’t smoking), sear the fish for about 2 minutes each side to get a lovely golden color. This step adds flavor and helps the fish stay moist when baking.
Step 3: Add garlic and finish baking
Now, add the minced garlic to the remaining lemon sauce and mix it well. Drizzle this fragrant sauce over the seared cod fillets, then pop the skillet into the preheated 400°F oven. Bake for around 10 minutes, but I always start checking at 8 minutes—when the fish flakes easily with a fork, it’s ready. Once out, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for that fresh, herbal finish.
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe
- Use a fish spatula: Turning fish can be tricky—this thin, flexible spatula helps you flip without breaking the delicate fillets.
- Don’t skip searing: I learned this trick the hard way; searing locks in moisture and adds a lovely texture you won’t get if you bake directly.
- Add garlic after searing: Fresh garlic burns quickly; adding it before baking keeps it mellow but fragrant.
- Watch baking time carefully: Overbaked cod turns dry fast—checking early helps you catch it perfectly flaky.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling some extra fresh parsley right before serving—it adds color and a little freshness that pulls everything together. Sometimes, a few lemon wedges on the side let everyone jazz up their own plates with an extra squeeze of brightness.
Side Dishes
My family goes crazy for pairing this cod with fluffy Lebanese rice and a Mediterranean chickpea salad that adds a fun texture contrast. Alternatively, a crisp Greek salad with olives, cucumber, and feta hits the spot and keeps things light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this cod on a bed of saffron-infused couscous dotted with toasted almonds and fresh herbs—everyone was impressed by how elegant yet easy it looked. Drizzling a little extra herbed olive oil around the plate adds a nice finishing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the cod cool to room temperature, then place pieces in a shallow glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate up to 2 to 3 days. I always prefer storing fish this way over freezing, since it keeps the texture and fresh flavor better.
Freezing
If you do decide to freeze, wrap fillets tightly in plastic wrap then foil or airtight containers. Freeze up to one month. I’ve frozen this before, but honestly, the texture sometimes changes subtly after thawing, so I save freezing for last resort.
Reheating
To reheat, place the cod in a preheated 300°F oven and warm gently for about 10 minutes, covered loosely with foil to keep it from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the fish rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen cod for this Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the cod completely and pat it dry before cooking. This helps prevent excess moisture that could interfere with the coating and searing process.
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Is it necessary to sear the cod before baking?
I really recommend it. Searing the cod gives it a beautiful golden crust and locks in the juices, resulting in a flaky but moist texture after baking. Skipping this step might leave your cod less flavorful and a bit watery.
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Can I make the lemon garlic sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lemon sauce without the garlic up to a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Add the minced garlic just before drizzling over the fish to retain its fresh flavor and prevent bitterness.
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What sides go well with this Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe?
This cod pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like Lebanese rice, Mediterranean salads, roasted vegetables, or even simple steamed greens. The fresh lemon and garlic flavors mean the sides can be light and fresh or more hearty—whatever you like!
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe, I was blown away by how simple ingredients turned into something so elegant and delicious. I love sharing this recipe with friends because it’s approachable yet impressive—plus, it always makes the kitchen smell amazing. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and see just how easy it is to get restaurant-quality fish right at home. Let me know how it turns out for you!
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Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Serves 5 people 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic features perfectly seared cod fillets coated in a flavorful blend of spices and flour, then baked to flaky perfection with a zesty lemon and garlic sauce. Finished with fresh parsley, this Greek-inspired dish is light yet rich, perfect for a quick and elegant meal.
Ingredients
Fish and Herbs
- 1.5 lb Cod fillet pieces (4–6 pieces)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
Lemon Sauce
- 5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
For Coating
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 3/4 tsp sweet Spanish paprika
- 3/4 tsp ground cumin
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the cod.
- Prepare Lemon Sauce Base: In a shallow bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and melted butter. Mix well but do not add garlic yet—set this mixture aside for coating the fish.
- Mix Coating Ingredients: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, ground coriander, sweet Spanish paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. This spice-flour mix will give a flavorful crust to the cod.
- Coat the Fish: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Dip each piece first into the lemon sauce mixture, then dredge it into the flour and spice mixture, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess flour. Keep the leftover lemon sauce mixture for later use.
- Sear the Cod: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet or an oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. When the oil starts shimmering (but not smoking), carefully add the coated fish pieces. Sear each side for about 2 minutes to develop a lovely golden color without cooking the fish through. Remove the skillet from heat once searing is complete.
- Add Garlic and Bake: To the reserved lemon sauce, stir in the minced garlic. Drizzle this garlic-infused sauce evenly over the seared fish fillets in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Start checking at 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Serving suggestions: Enjoy this baked cod immediately with Lebanese rice and either a Mediterranean chickpea salad or a traditional Greek salad for a complete meal.
- Cook’s Tip: To achieve better color and texture, sear the fish first before baking. Use a fish spatula to carefully flip the fillets without breaking them.
- Leftover Storage: Cool any leftovers slightly before placing them in a shallow glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 days or freeze for up to one month, although freezing is not recommended as it may alter the fish’s texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (approx. 120 g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
