Baked Cod
A healthy, quick, and flavorful baked cod recipe that delivers tender, flaky white fish with minimal fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines simple fresh ingredients like lemon, garlic, and herbs to create a nutritious and delicious meal that’s family-friendly and versatile.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (fresh or thawed, about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill), chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon paprika or chili flakes
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking while keeping the cod tender and juicy.
- Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the olive oil and seasonings adhere better and improves the texture after baking.
- Season the Fish: Drizzle olive oil over the fillets and rub it in lightly. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and minced garlic evenly over the fish. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and scatter the chopped fresh herbs on top to build layers of vibrant flavor.
- Bake the Cod: Place the seasoned fillets in a greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque at the center.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the baked cod from the oven and serve immediately. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges for an extra burst of color and zest.
Notes
- Use Fresh Fish: Fresher cod ensures better flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on baking time to avoid drying out the fish.
- Pat Dry Before Seasoning: Helps seasonings stick and enhances browning.
- Even Sizing: Choose fillets of similar thickness for uniform cooking.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the fish sit for a minute after baking to redistribute juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: baked cod, healthy dinner, quick fish recipe, easy seafood, family friendly, low fat, lean protein