Description
Lemon Baked Cod delivers a simple seafood dinner that comes together faster than ordering takeout. Tender fish fillets emerge from the oven seasoned with fresh herbs and zesty lemon, ready to make your weeknight meal feel special without complicated cooking techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces/170 grams each)
Seasoning and Flavoring:
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing and Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for topping and serving)
Instructions
- Grab a baking dish and lightly coat its surface with 1 tablespoon olive oil using a pastry brush or spray. Position your oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, zest from 1 whole lemon, juice from 1 whole lemon, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper in a small mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients until they form a smooth marinade.
- Remove 4 cod fillets from packaging and carefully blot each with paper towels. This technique ensures your marinade adheres perfectly and helps achieve an even bake.
- Arrange fillets in a single layer within your prepared baking dish. Pour marinade directly over each piece, using a spoon to distribute evenly across surfaces.
- Cut 1 additional lemon into thin rounds. Gently place 1-2 lemon slices atop each cod fillet for extra brightness and visual appeal.
- Transfer dish to preheated oven and bake for precisely 12-15 minutes. Check doneness by testing with a fork – fish should flake easily and appear completely opaque throughout its center.
- After removing from oven, let cod rest for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley across fillets before serving for a final burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Always pat the cod fillets completely dry before marinating to ensure the best flavor absorption and crisp edges.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor in the marinade.
- If cooking for someone with a seafood allergy, this recipe works wonderfully with chicken breasts, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For a low-carb, high-protein meal, serve the baked cod over roasted vegetables or a light salad instead of grains.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg