There’s something magical about the moment you open your oven to the fragrant embrace of baked cod with lemon and garlic. Imagine the tender fish glistening like a sun-kissed beach—a golden crust that beckons you closer with promises of zestful flavor! The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making you feel like a gourmet chef even if your cooking skills have previously peaked at boiling water.
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friend walked in just as I pulled it from the oven. With his eyes wide and mouth watering, he declared my culinary skills had finally reached “adulting” level. It was a proud moment for both him and me—who knew baking fish could be such a crowd-pleaser! Perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties, this dish never fails to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy baked cod recipe offers quick preparation without sacrificing flavor
- The vibrant colors of lemon and garlic create an eye-catching presentation
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair beautifully with various sides like veggies or rice
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike!
I once served this baked cod at a dinner party where everyone raved about how fresh it tasted!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cod Fillets: Choose fresh fillets for optimal flavor; frozen works too but ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking.
- Lemon: Fresh lemons are best; their juice adds brightness while the zest enhances the overall flavor.
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves for that robust aroma; they’re much tastier than pre-minced options.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enriches the dish; opt for high quality for superior taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds color and freshness; it’s the finishing touch that makes your dish pop!
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; these staples enhance every ingredient’s natural flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your cod starts cooking immediately once it’s in there—a key step for achieving that perfect flakiness.
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. This also adds an extra touch of flavor as the fish cooks.
Season the Cod Fillets: Place the cod fillets in the baking dish. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over them while sprinkling salt and pepper generously. Don’t skimp on that seasoning—it makes all the difference!
Add Garlic and Olive Oil: Mince several cloves of garlic and scatter them over the fillets along with a drizzle of olive oil. The combination creates an irresistible aroma as it bakes—just wait until you smell it!
Bake Until Flaky: Pop those beauties in your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes until they’re opaque and flake easily with a fork. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells divine!
Garnish Before Serving: Once done baking, remove from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. This final touch not only looks great but also enhances those lovely flavors.
And voilà! You have now mastered baked cod with lemon and garlic—an easy yet elegant dish that will keep everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy every bite as it transports you to coastal shores where fish is as fresh as can be!
You Must Know
- Baked cod with lemon and garlic is not only flavorful; it’s a dish that impresses without requiring culinary wizardry
- The freshness of the ingredients will make your kitchen smell heavenly, setting the perfect mood for any dinner gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfectly flaky baked cod, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare your baking dish while the fish marinates.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out lemon for lime or add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To keep your baked cod tender, don’t overcook it; fish should flake easily but remain juicy
- Experimenting with herbs like parsley or dill can also elevate flavor profiles beautifully
- Fresh ingredients make all the difference, so choose quality seafood!
Baking this cod reminds me of the time I prepared it for my best friend’s birthday dinner; his delighted reaction was priceless and definitely made my day!
FAQ
What sides pair well with baked cod with lemon and garlic?
Roasted vegetables or a light salad complement this dish perfectly, enhancing its flavors.
Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure they are fully thawed before baking for even cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Baked cod keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated easily throughout the week.
Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is a quick, flavorful dish that combines tender cod fillets with zesty lemon and aromatic garlic, making it perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 fresh lemon
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Place cod fillets in the dish, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them, and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Mince garlic cloves and scatter over the fillets, then drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet (170g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg