Introduction

Remember those cozy nights when dinner felt like a warm hug? This Lemon-Garlic Baked Cod is just like that! It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen pro, even if you’re just starting out. Forget complicated steps and fancy ingredients; this dish is all about simple flavors that sing. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to impress guests. Get ready to fall in love with easy, delicious seafood!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes!
Super Simple: Minimal fuss, maximum flavor.
Perfect for Gifting: Wrap up a portion for a thoughtful homemade meal for a friend in need.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters usually love this mild, zesty flavor.

Ingredients

Gather ’round, friends! Here’s what you’ll need to make this magic happen:

1 ½ lbs cod loin fillet, patted dry: Look for nice, thick fillets. Patting them dry helps them get a lovely texture.
Salt and pepper, to taste: The classic duo! Don’t be shy.
2 tbsp olive oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds a nice richness.
4 tbsp lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons): Freshly squeezed is key for that bright, zesty punch!
4 cloves garlic, minced: Mince it fine so the flavor spreads beautifully.
¼ cup butter, diced: Unsalted butter is usually best, but salted works too – just adjust your salt seasoning accordingly.
1 small lemon, sliced: These add a gorgeous presentation and infuse extra lemon goodness.
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish): A little sprinkle of green makes everything look even more appetizing!

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get cooking! You’ve got this!

Preheat your oven: Get that oven nice and toasty to 400°F (200°C). This helps everything cook evenly and quickly.
Season the cod: Lay your cod fillets out and give them a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides.
Whisk up the magic sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and your minced garlic. This is where all that delicious flavor starts!
Prep your dish: Find a baking dish that’s just big enough to hold your cod. Place the seasoned fillets right in there.
Pour on the flavor: Drizzle that wonderful lemon-garlic mixture all over the cod. Make sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies!
Add the pretty lemon slices: Tuck those thin lemon slices around and on top of the cod. They’re not just for looks, you know!
Dot with butter: Sprinkle those little cubes of butter all over the top of the cod and the lemon slices. This is going to melt into a dreamy, delicious sauce.
Bake to perfection: Pop that dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cod is opaque (no longer see-through) and flakes apart easily with a fork. I always give it a little poke with a fork to check!
Garnish and serve: If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the top. Serve it up immediately and enjoy the smiles!

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is pretty forgiving, so feel free to play around!

Different Fish: Had a great experience with cod? Try it with halibut, tilapia, or even salmon! Just adjust the baking time slightly if the fillets are much thicker or thinner.
Spice It Up: Love a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon-garlic mixture.
Herbalicious: Fresh dill or chives would be absolutely delightful mixed in with the parsley or even stirred into the sauce before baking.
Veggies: Toss in some thin asparagus spears or cherry tomatoes around the cod before baking for a one-pan wonder.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks to make your fish extra amazing:

Don’t Overcook! This is the number one rule with delicate fish like cod. It cooks fast and can go from perfect to dry in a flash. Keep an eye on it!
Pat it Dry: Seriously, don’t skip this. It makes a big difference in texture.
Prep Ahead: You can whisk together the lemon-garlic mixture and mince the garlic a few hours in advance and keep it in the fridge.
Lemon Power: If your lemons are a little hard to juice, just roll them firmly on the counter before cutting them in half. It helps release more juice!

How to Store It

Got leftovers? Lucky you!

Store any leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days. While reheated fish is never quite as good as fresh, you can gently reheat it in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, or in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes. I find it’s also delicious flaked into a salad cold!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I use frozen cod? Yes, you absolutely can! Thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before patting it dry and proceeding with the recipe.
How do I know if the cod is fully cooked? The most reliable way is to check for flakiness. Insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and gently twist. If it separates easily into opaque flakes, it’s ready. The internal temperature should be around 145°F (63°C).
Can I make this in parchment paper packets? Yes! This is a fantastic idea for easy cleanup and individual servings. Place your seasoned cod, lemon slices, and lemon-garlic mixture inside parchment paper, seal it up, and bake. Cooking time might be slightly different, so check for doneness.

Lemon-Garlic Baked Cod

A quick, simple, and flavorful baked cod recipe perfect for weeknights or impressing guests. Features a bright lemon-garlic sauce and tender, flaky fish.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Equipment

Oven preheated to 400°F (200°C)
Small bowl
Baking dish just big enough to hold the cod

Ingredients

Main ingredients

1.5 lbs cod loin fillet patted dry
salt to taste
pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil good quality extra virgin
4 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed (from 1-2 lemons)
4 cloves garlic minced
0.25 cup butter diced, unsalted recommended
1 small lemon sliced
chopped parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lay your cod fillets out and give them a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides.
1.5 lbs cod loin fillet
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic.
1.5 lbs cod loin fillet
Place the seasoned fillets in a baking dish.
1.5 lbs cod loin fillet
Drizzle the lemon-garlic mixture all over the cod.
1.5 lbs cod loin fillet
Tuck thin lemon slices around and on top of the cod.
1.5 lbs cod loin fillet
Sprinkle the diced butter all over the top of the cod and lemon slices.
1.5 lbs cod loin fillet
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
1.5 lbs cod loin fillet
Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
1.5 lbs cod loin fillet

Notes

For best results, do not overcook the cod. Patting the fish dry before seasoning helps achieve a better texture. The lemon-garlic mixture and garlic can be prepped a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.