Description
Lemon Cod brings zesty ocean flavors straight to your dinner table with minimal prep and maximum taste. Fresh cod fillets kissed with tangy citrus make weeknight cooking deliciously simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 cod fillets
Seasonings and Flavorings:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 garlic cloves
- Salt
- Black pepper
Liquids and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
- Sliced lemon rounds
- Capers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Pinch of paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Remove cod fillets from packaging and gently pat them dry using paper towels. This helps seasonings adhere better and ensures even cooking.
- Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme across both sides of your 4 cod fillets.
- Arrange the seasoned fillets in the prepared baking dish, leaving a small gap between each piece for consistent heat circulation.
- Whisk 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a small bowl until well combined.
- Drizzle the oil mixture evenly over each cod fillet, ensuring all surfaces are lightly coated.
- Optional: Top each fillet with 1-2 thin lemon rounds or a few halved cherry tomatoes for extra moisture and presentation.
- Bake the cod for precisely 12-15 minutes, depending on fillet thickness. Check that fish becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let the fish rest for 2 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- Ensure cod fillets are fresh and uniformly thick for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Pat fish completely dry before seasoning to help spices adhere and achieve a crisp exterior.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, which should reach 145°F for perfectly cooked cod.
- Swap cod for halibut or tilapia if needed, adjusting cooking time based on fillet thickness.
- 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: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg