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Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe

Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 30 reviews

Lemon Garlic Baked Cod is a light, flavorful seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets baked with a fragrant garlic, butter, and lemon mixture. This easy-to-make recipe enhances the delicate taste of cod with fresh herbs and zesty lemon juice, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish and Seasoning

  • 8–10 skinless cod fillet portions (about 4–6 oz each)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons dry herbs and/or seasoning blends (e.g., garlic powder, onion powder, dry chives, parsley, paprika)

Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 4–6 garlic cloves, minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley, minced (or substitute with dill, chives, rosemary, or thyme)

For Serving

  • 1 additional lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and ensure it is fully heated before baking the fish to guarantee even cooking.
  2. Prepare Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: In a pan over medium-low heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, taking care not to burn it. Turn off the heat once golden to prevent bitterness.
  3. Add Lemon Juice and Zest: Immediately squeeze the juice of one lemon into the pan and add its zest using a microplane to stop garlic cooking further and add bright citrus flavor.
  4. Season the Cod Fillets: Arrange cod fillets on a rimmed baking sheet. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and your choice of dry herbs or seasoning blends evenly.
  5. Apply Garlic Lemon Mixture: Spoon the prepared garlic lemon butter sauce evenly over each cod fillet. Sprinkle with the minced fresh parsley or your preferred fresh herbs.
  6. Bake the Cod: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking to keep the fish moist and tender.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Once baked, squeeze additional fresh lemon juice over the fillets and garnish with extra fresh herbs. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness; it should be just golden.
  • Don’t overbake the cod as it can dry out quickly; check for flakiness at 15 minutes.
  • Feel free to customize dry herbs and fresh herbs based on preference for new flavor variations.
  • If fresh cod is unavailable, frozen cod fillets can be used—thaw completely before cooking.
  • This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic cod, baked cod recipe, healthy fish dinner, easy baked fish, cod fillets, lemon butter fish, quick seafood recipe

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/lemon-garlic-baked-cod-recipe/