Ugh, weeknights, right? The scramble is REAL between getting home, figuring out what to eat, and actually, you know, *eating* before collapsing. That’s why I’m so obsessed with this Baked Cod with Lemon. Seriously, it’s become my absolute go-to for a healthy, super-flavorful dinner that’s on the table faster than you can drain a can of beans. I first messed around with it ages ago when I was trying to up my healthy eating game without sacrificing taste, and let me tell you, this recipe hit the jackpot. It’s so simple, but the lemon just makes everything *pop*! Plus, fish is just so good for you – a total win-win.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Cod with Lemon Recipe
Seriously, this recipe is a weeknight warrior! Here’s why it’s a keeper:
- So Easy: It’s basically dump-and-bake. Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
- Super Quick: We’re talking 15 minutes of baking time, plus a few minutes to prep. Dinner’s ready before you know it!
- Healthy & Delicious: Packed with protein and flavor, but light enough that you won’t feel weighed down.
- Bright Lemon Flavor: That zing from the lemon just wakes everything up and makes it taste so fresh.
It’s just one of those recipes that makes healthy eating feel like a treat, not a chore.
Ingredients for Your Perfect Baked Cod with Lemon
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! The beauty of this Baked Cod with Lemon is that it uses stuff you probably already have or can grab super easily. Here’s the rundown:
- 1 lb cod fillets: Make sure they’re nice and thawed if you bought them frozen. Fresh is always best, but frozen works great too!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Good quality extra virgin olive oil gives it a nice, subtle flavor.
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced: We’re going to fan these out over the top, and the juice will just bake right into the fish. So yum!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh minced garlic is key here. No jarred stuff, trust me on this one – it makes a difference!
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: I love parsley; it gives it that pop of green and a little freshness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Honestly, just season it how you like it! I usually go a bit heavy on the pepper.
That’s it! See? Told you it was easy. You really don’t need much to make this cod sing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Cod with Lemon
Okay, let’s get this delicious Baked Cod with Lemon into the oven! It’s really a breeze, and honestly, the hardest part is just waiting for it to cook because it smells SO good.
Preheating and Preparing the Baking Dish
First things first, get that oven fired up! We want it nice and hot at 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, grab your baking dish. I usually use a simple 9×13 inch for this, but any oven-safe dish will do the trick. To make sure our beautiful cod doesn’t stick, give it a quick little coat of olive oil all over the bottom. This also adds a little extra flavor right from the start.
Seasoning the Cod for Flavor
Now for the cod! Pat those fillets dry with a paper towel – this really helps them get a nice texture instead of being watery. Pop them right into your prepared baking dish. Drizzle that lovely olive oil all over the top of the fish. Then, sprinkle on your minced garlic, that dried parsley, and don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Make sure everything is spread evenly so every bite is perfectly seasoned. It’s like giving the cod a little massage of flavor!
Adding Lemon and Baking Instructions
This is where that lemon magic happens! Take your thinly sliced lemon and fan those pretty little rounds right over the top of each cod fillet. It looks so gorgeous, doesn’t it? Then, gently slide the dish into your preheated oven. Bake it for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cod looks opaque – no more pink in the middle – and it flakes apart easily when you poke it with a fork. Honestly, I just give it a gentle prod; it’s usually perfect right around the 14-minute mark for me!
Tips for the Best Baked Cod with Lemon
Okay, friend, you’ve got the recipe, but let me share a few little secrets I’ve picked up that make this Baked Cod with Lemon absolutely sing. A little bit of know-how goes a long way!
For starters, cod is a pretty delicate fish. When you’re at the store, look for fillets that are firm and have a nice, clean smell – no fishy odors! If you can’t find fresh, don’t sweat it; good quality frozen cod works just fine, but be sure it’s fully thawed before you start. The biggest mistake people make with fish is overcooking it, and trust me, dry cod is just sad. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time. That beautiful flaky texture is what we’re aiming for, not rubbery bits.
And a little pro-tip for ya: use a good flaky salt – maybe some kosher salt – right at the end, just before serving. It gives it this extra little sparkle of flavor and texture that really elevates the whole dish!
Serving Suggestions for Baked Cod with Lemon
So, you’ve got this gorgeous Baked Cod with Lemon all ready to go, and now you’re probably wondering what to serve with it, right? I’ve got you covered with some ideas that are just as healthy and easy as the fish itself.
My personal favorites are always a good roasted vegetable or a light grain. These Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes are just to die for – a little crispy, a little tender, and they soak up any extra lemon-garlic goodness from the plate. Or, if you’re feeling a bit heartier but still want fresh flavors, this Lemon Herb Quinoa with Chickpeas is a fantastic grain salad that’s super satisfying and adds a nice texture contrast to the flaky cod. Both are winners in my book and make for a complete, feel-good meal!
Variations for Your Baked Cod
While this Baked Cod with Lemon is pretty perfect as is, I totally get wanting to switch things up now and then! It’s so easy to tweak this recipe into something new and exciting. Think of it as a delicious canvas!
You can swap out the dried parsley for some fresh dill or thyme – they’re amazing with fish. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice little kick, or maybe some paprika for color and a touch of smokiness. I also love adding thinly sliced zucchini or cherry tomatoes right into the pan with the cod. They soften up beautifully and add extra veggies without any extra work. For a taste of the Mediterranean, definitely peek at my Mediterranean Baked Fish – it’s got all those yummy olives and capers!
Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Cod with Lemon
Got questions about whipping up this super easy Baked Cod with Lemon? I get it! It’s always good to have a little extra info. Here are some things people often ask me:
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Oh, absolutely! This lemon fish recipe is super forgiving. Tilapia, haddock, or even salmon would work beautifully. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as thicker fillets might need a minute or two longer.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
Easy peasy! The cod should look totally opaque, like it’s not see-through anymore. And the best test? Gently poke it with a fork and it should flake apart like butter. If it’s still a bit pink or firm, give it another minute or two!
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can totally prep things ahead! You can mince your garlic and slice your lemon a day in advance and keep them in the fridge. You can even get the cod seasoned and in the baking dish, but I’d wait to add the lemon slices right before baking for the freshest flavor and appearance.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Made extra Baked Cod with Lemon? Lucky you! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The lemon and herbs will mellow a bit, but it’s still super yummy. When you’re ready to reheat, try not to blast it in the microwave – fish can get tough fast! A gentle warm-up in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 5-10 minutes is usually best. You can also flake it into a salad or some pasta for a quick lunch the next day. Just handle it gently!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, okay? Your mileage might vary depending on exactly how much olive oil you use or how big your cod fillets are. But for a good idea, one serving of this delicious Baked Cod with Lemon (about a 4oz portion) is roughly around 150 calories, has about 25g of protein, and is super low in carbs and fat. It’s a fantastic, light option that really fits into a healthy eating plan without sacrificing flavor!
Share Your Thoughts!
So, did you try this amazing Baked Cod with Lemon? I’m just dying to know what you think! Drop a comment below and tell me how it turned out, maybe give it a star rating if you loved it. And hey, if you got creative with it and added other herbs or veggies, spill the beans! I love hearing about your kitchen adventures!
Print
Baked Cod with Lemon
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and healthy baked cod recipe with fresh lemon flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cod fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the cod fillets in a baking dish.
- Drizzle olive oil over the cod.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper on top.
- Arrange lemon slices over the cod.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
- Serve with your favorite side dishes.
- You can add other herbs like dill or thyme.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: baked cod, lemon cod, easy fish recipe, healthy dinner, quick meal