Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

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🐟 Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

A light, flaky, oven-baked cod dish infused with fresh lemon, fragrant garlic, and Mediterranean herbs — healthy, elegant, and ready in under 30 minutes.

If you’re searching for a simple yet impressive seafood recipe, this Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is the answer. Cod is naturally mild and flaky, making it the perfect canvas for bright citrus, rich olive oil (or butter), and savory garlic. This dish highlights fresh, clean flavors without overpowering the fish, resulting in a meal that feels both comforting and refined.

Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy meal prep option, or a light main course for guests, this recipe delivers reliable results every time. It requires minimal ingredients, simple steps, and no complicated techniques — yet the final dish tastes restaurant-worthy.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Light, healthy, and protein-rich

  • Ready in under 30 minutes

  • Naturally gluten-free and low-carb

  • Simple ingredients with big flavor

  • Perfect for beginners and seafood lovers alike

🛒 Ingredients

  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each)

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano or thyme

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

🔪 Preparation Tips

  • Pat cod fillets completely dry to ensure proper roasting

  • Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor

  • Avoid overbaking — cod cooks quickly and stays best when just flaky

🍽️ Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cod

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and arrange them in a single layer in the dish.

Season both sides of the cod with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil (or melted butter), minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and dried oregano.

This aromatic mixture will gently infuse the fish as it bakes, keeping it moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Assemble

Pour the lemon-garlic mixture evenly over the cod fillets.

Place lemon slices on top of each fillet to add brightness and visual appeal.

Step 4: Bake

Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

For a lightly golden finish, you may broil for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice.

Serve immediately while warm and tender.

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