Description
Fresh Cod from the Sea wraps your dinner table in coastal comfort, bringing ocean-fresh flavors straight from Portuguese fishing traditions to your kitchen with just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 cod fillets
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or parsley
- 1 lemon
- 1 salt
- 1 pepper
Oils and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare your oven space by heating to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Grab the fresh lemon and carefully zest the entire surface, then juice half into a separate container.
- Take the cod fillets and thoroughly pat them dry using paper towels. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil across the fish, then generously sprinkle salt and pepper over each piece.
- Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, freshly collected lemon zest, lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon chopped thyme or parsley in a small mixing bowl.
- Distribute the lemon-herb mixture evenly across the cod fillets, using the back of a spoon to ensure complete and uniform coating. Spread the marinade so each fillet gets maximum flavor coverage.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated 400°F oven. Bake for precisely 12-15 minutes, watching as the fish transforms to an opaque white with golden edges.
- Remove the cod from the oven and allow it to rest momentarily. Test the doneness by gently prodding with a fork – the fish should separate easily and maintain a moist, tender appearance.
- Present the baked cod immediately, optionally garnishing with additional fresh herbs or thin lemon slices to enhance the dish’s bright, citrusy profile.
Notes
- Pat the cod fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp exterior and prevent steaming instead of baking.
- Use fresh herbs for the most vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work well if fresh aren’t available.
- Check the fish early and frequently to avoid overcooking, as cod can become tough and dry when left in the oven too long.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and serve with quinoa or rice instead of traditional sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg