Flaky, tender cod fillets baked in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, sprinkled with herbs and a touch of chili for a perfect balance of freshness and warmth—this elegant yet easy dish is ideal for a light dinner or special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Baked lemon garlic cod is a flavorful and nourishing meal that comes together effortlessly. The delicate cod absorbs the rich lemon-garlic butter sauce beautifully, while red pepper flakes add a gentle heat. It’s baked to perfection in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, yet sophisticated enough for entertaining. Low in carbs and high in protein, this dish pairs well with a variety of sides and fits seamlessly into a healthy lifestyle.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices and fresh thyme (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel and place them in a lightly greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the cod fillets.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh thyme before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Herb Blend: Add fresh dill, basil, or chives for a different herbal note.
- Citrus Substitute: Use lime or orange juice in place of lemon for a unique twist.
- Creamy Option: Stir a tablespoon of cream into the sauce before pouring over the fish.
- Spice-Free: Omit red pepper flakes for a milder version suitable for kids or sensitive palates.
- Breadcrumb Topping: Add a layer of seasoned panko breadcrumbs for a crispy finish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a covered dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may dry out the fish.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of cod may become rubbery once thawed and reheated.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking to avoid excess moisture.
What side dishes go well with lemon garlic cod?
Steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, couscous, or a fresh green salad make excellent accompaniments.
How do I know when the cod is cooked?
Cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, this recipe works well with haddock, halibut, or tilapia—just adjust the baking time based on thickness.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, it is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in lean protein.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely. The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
What herbs can I substitute for parsley?
Fresh dill, thyme, or chives are great alternatives, depending on your flavor preference.
Should I cover the dish while baking?
No, bake uncovered to allow the sauce to slightly reduce and the top of the fish to stay firm.
Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Yes, thinly sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus can be added to cook alongside the fish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Baked lemon garlic cod is an easy-to-make, elegant dish that delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort. Its bright, herby notes and tender texture make it a standout main course suitable for any occasion. With a short ingredient list and quick cooking time, it’s an ideal addition to your weeknight dinner rotation or a simple yet refined centerpiece for entertaining.
Print
Baked Lemon Garlic Cod
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Flaky, tender cod fillets baked in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, sprinkled with herbs and a touch of chili for a perfect balance of freshness and warmth—this elegant yet easy dish is ideal for a light dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices and fresh thyme (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat cod fillets dry and place them in a lightly greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the cod fillets.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Garnish with lemon slices and thyme sprigs before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cod for best flavor, but frozen (thawed) fillets also work well.
- Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or roasted potatoes.
- This recipe works well with other white fish like haddock or halibut.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
https://shorturl.fm/PS1tE
https://shorturl.fm/Tea3A
https://shorturl.fm/Y8r4E
https://shorturl.fm/qjQjK
https://shorturl.fm/iRwc8
https://shorturl.fm/QDOHu