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Mediterranean Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 49 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Mediterranean Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Delight is a flavorful and healthy seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets coated in a spiced flour mixture, seared to perfection, and then baked in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce. Bursting with Mediterranean herbs and spices, this recipe combines a simple cooking method with vibrant flavors, making it perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Fish and Coating

  • 4 fillets Cod (thick, firm, fresh or thawed)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (for gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free flour)
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander (freshly ground preferable)
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for spice lovers)

Lemon-Garlic Sauce and Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons Butter (unsalted recommended)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced finely)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Pat Dry: Gently pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better and ensures a crispier finish.
  2. Mix Coating: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground coriander, paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create a flavorful spice mixture for the cod.
  3. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to heat while you prepare and sear the fish.
  4. Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, melted butter, and minced garlic to create a bright and aromatic lemon-garlic sauce.
  5. Coat Cod: Dip each cod fillet into the lemon-garlic sauce, ensuring it’s well coated, then dredge each fillet thoroughly in the prepared flour and spice mixture.
  6. Sear Cod: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Sear the coated cod fillets for about 2 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust but are not fully cooked through.
  7. Bake Cod: Transfer the seared cod fillets to a baking dish, pour the remaining lemon-garlic sauce over the top, and bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  8. Garnish: Remove the baked cod from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh, herbaceous finish.

Notes

  • Use fresh or properly thawed cod fillets for the best texture and flavor.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to taste depending on your spice preference.
  • Ensure the skillet is hot before searing the fish to achieve a nice crust without sticking.
  • Cook fish until it flakes easily with a fork to avoid drying it out.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad.