Baked Cod with Cherry Tomatoes, Lemon, and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Deliciously tender and flavorful baked cod fillets baked with fresh lemon, garlic, thyme, and cherry tomatoes, finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This easy oven-baked fish recipe highlights simple ingredients and clean flavors, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 to 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 to 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 cod fillets, about 1” thick
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 1 lemon, sliced, plus wedges for serving
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed, unpeeled
- 2 thyme sprigs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Additional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture; then season all sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Combine Aromatics and Tomatoes: In a 13″ x 9″ baking dish, mix together the lemon slices, smashed unpeeled garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, cherry tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toss everything to coat evenly and spread in an even layer across the dish.
- Arrange and Bake the Cod: Nestle the seasoned cod fillets into the prepared baking dish among the aromatics and tomatoes. Bake in the preheated oven until the cod turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This typically takes 25 to 30 minutes depending on fillet thickness.
- Finish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the cod with finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and spoon some of the flavorful pan sauce over the fish for extra taste.
Notes
- Patting the cod dry before seasoning helps achieve better texture and allows seasonings to stick.
- Unpeeled garlic adds a mellow flavor during baking and can be discarded or eaten softened.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked fish.
- Use fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish; dried parsley is not recommended here.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
Keywords: Baked cod, cod fillets recipe, healthy baked fish, lemon garlic cod, easy oven fish, baked seafood dish
