Description

This Mediterranean Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Delight is a flavorful, easy-to-make seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets coated in a spiced flour mix, seared to perfection, then baked with a zesty lemon-garlic sauce. Perfectly seasoned with coriander, paprika, and cumin, this recipe offers a vibrant Mediterranean flair that’s both healthy and satisfying. Ready in just 30 minutes, it serves four and makes a fantastic weeknight dinner or special occasion meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Fish & Coating

4 fillets Cod (Look for thick, firm fillets, fresh or thawed.)
1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.)
1 teaspoon Ground Coriander (Freshly ground is preferable.)
1 teaspoon Paprika
1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (For spice lovers.)

Sauce

2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed is best.)
3 tablespoons Olive Oil (Good quality extra virgin.)
2 tablespoons Butter (Use unsalted for recommended flavor.)
2 cloves Garlic (Mince finely.)

Garnish

1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Chopped.)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Pat Dry: Gently pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, ensuring the coating sticks well during cooking.
Mix Coating: In a bowl, thoroughly combine all-purpose flour, ground coriander, paprika, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to create a flavorful spice mix for the fish.
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even baking.
Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, finely minced garlic, and melted unsalted butter to form a bright, aromatic sauce.
Coat Cod: Dip each dried cod fillet first into the lemon-garlic sauce, allowing it to absorb the flavors, then dredge it thoroughly in the flour-spice mixture, coating both sides evenly.
Sear Cod: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the coated cod fillets in the skillet and sear each side for about 2 minutes, creating a crisp crust and locking in moisture.
Bake Cod: Transfer the seared cod fillets to a baking dish. Pour any remaining lemon-garlic sauce over the fillets, then place in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish: Remove the baked cod from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, herbaceous finish before serving.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Ensure cod fillets are thick and fresh or completely thawed to get the best texture.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
Searing before baking helps develop a flavorful crust while keeping the interior moist.
Use fresh lemon juice and high-quality olive oil for optimal brightness and flavor.
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a crisp green salad.