This Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic is a light, flavorful seafood dinner that’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining. Tender cod fillets are lightly seasoned, seared until golden, and baked in a bright lemon garlic butter sauce for a perfectly flaky and delicious meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Light, fresh, and packed with flavor.
- Perfectly flaky and tender cod every time.
- Made with simple pantry ingredients.
- High in protein and naturally low in carbohydrates.
- Great for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Cod
- 1½ pounds cod fillet pieces (4–6 pieces)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Lemon Garlic Sauce
- 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
Coating
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ¾ teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and melted butter. Reserve the minced garlic for later.
- In another shallow dish, combine the flour, coriander, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels.
- Dip each fillet into the lemon mixture, then coat it in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.
- Reserve the remaining lemon mixture.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the cod for about 2 minutes per side until lightly golden. Do not cook it completely.
- Stir the minced garlic into the reserved lemon mixture and drizzle it evenly over the fish.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic for about 8–10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Pat the cod dry before coating to help the seasoning stick.
- Avoid overcooking, as cod can become dry.
- Fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor.
- Use an instant-read thermometer; cod is done at 145°F (63°C).
- Garnish with lemon wedges for extra freshness.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: High Protein, Pescatarian
Notes
- Haddock, pollock, or halibut can be substituted for cod.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright finish, but dill also pairs beautifully with cod.
- For extra richness, add a few thin slices of butter on top before baking.
- Pair with steamed vegetables, couscous, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 33g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 510mg
FAQ
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes. Thaw the cod completely and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking.
How do I know when cod is fully cooked?
The fish should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I skip searing the fish?
Yes. Searing adds extra flavor and color, but you can bake the fish directly if you’re short on time.
What sides go well with baked cod?
Rice, roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, asparagus, green beans, couscous, or a fresh garden salad are all excellent choices.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers store well for a couple of days.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftover cod in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked cod for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Similar Recipes
Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic
Ingredients
For the Cod
- 1½ pounds cod fillet pieces 4–6 pieces
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Lemon Garlic Sauce
- 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 5 garlic cloves minced
Coating
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ¾ teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and melted butter. Reserve the minced garlic for later.
- In another shallow dish, combine the flour, coriander, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels.
- Dip each fillet into the lemon mixture, then coat it in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.
- Reserve the remaining lemon mixture.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the cod for about 2 minutes per side until lightly golden. Do not cook it completely.
- Stir the minced garlic into the reserved lemon mixture and drizzle it evenly over the fish.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic for about 8–10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Haddock, pollock, or halibut can be substituted for cod.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright finish, but dill also pairs beautifully with cod.
- For extra richness, add a few thin slices of butter on top before baking.
- Pair with steamed vegetables, couscous, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
This Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic is an easy seafood dinner that’s bursting with fresh citrus, savory garlic, and aromatic spices. The tender, flaky cod paired with a bright lemon butter sauce creates a wholesome meal that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Once you try this simple recipe, it’s sure to become one of your favorite healthy fish dinners.