There’s something magical about the aroma of baked cod wafting through your kitchen. As the fish cooks, the citrusy lemon mingles beautifully with the robust garlic, creating a symphony of flavors that will make even the pickiest eaters perk up their ears. If you’ve been searching for a dish to impress your guests or simply want to treat yourself after a long day, look no further than this baked cod with lemon and garlic.
Picture this: it’s a Tuesday evening, you’ve just gotten home from work feeling like a zombie, and all you want is a comforting meal that doesn’t require a culinary degree. This dish is your answer! With its light yet satisfying flavor profile, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or fancy gatherings alike. Get ready to experience an explosion of taste that will have your taste buds dancing!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This scrumptious baked cod not only offers incredible flavor but is also super easy to prepare
- The fresh ingredients bring vibrant colors to your plate, making it visually delightful
- It’s versatile enough to pair with rice or veggies, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties
I remember one time I made this dish for my family after a long holiday break. Everyone gathered around the table, eyes gleaming with anticipation as the golden fish was served. The smiles on their faces? Priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cod Fillets: Opt for firm and flaky fillets for best results; wild-caught is my personal favorite.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice elevates the flavor; bottled juice just won’t cut it.
- Garlic Cloves: Use fresh cloves for that pungent kick; minced garlic in jars can’t compete.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra-virgin olive oil adds richness; don’t skimp on this one!
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only brightens up the dish visually but also adds freshness.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust according to taste preferences.
- Lemon Slices: These not only add zest but also make your dish look gorgeous.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trust me; this step is crucial for perfectly cooked fish!
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Grab an oven-safe baking dish and drizzle some olive oil at the bottom. This prevents sticking and adds flavor.
Season the Cod: Place your fresh cod fillets in the baking dish. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet and sprinkle generously with minced garlic.
Add Seasonings: Season the fillets with salt and pepper according to your preference. Don’t be shy; seasoning is where magic happens!
Arrange Lemon Slices: Lay thin slices of lemon over the top of each fillet. They not only look beautiful but also infuse more lemony goodness during baking.
Bake Away: Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Your kitchen will smell divine!
Garnish & Serve: Once done, take out your masterpiece! Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for that finishing touch before serving hot.
Enjoy every bite of this delightful baked cod with lemon and garlic! You deserve it after all that hard work in the kitchen.
Now you have everything you need to whip up this fantastic meal at home! Enjoy cooking time as much as eating!
You Must Know
- Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is not only delicious but also a low-carb powerhouse
- Cooking the cod perfectly ensures a flaky texture that melts in your mouth, while the citrusy aroma fills your kitchen with warmth
- It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive for guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), then prepare the baking dish while the oven heats. This way, when you’re ready, everything flows smoothly into a beautiful baked cod.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap lemon for lime or add fresh herbs like dill or parsley. A sprinkle of paprika can also add a delightful color and flavor twist to your baked cod.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to retain its flaky goodness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a perfect bake, allow the cod to come to room temperature before cooking
- Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and to keep moisture locked in during baking
- Always check for doneness using a fork; it should flake easily when cooked!
Baking this cod reminds me of my first dinner party, where everyone raved about it! My friend even asked if I could be their personal chef—spoiler alert: I said yes!
FAQ
How long do I bake cod for?
Bake cod fillets for about 12-15 minutes until they flake easily with a fork.
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before baking.
What side dishes pair well with baked cod?
Serve baked cod with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for balance.
Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic
Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is a quick and flavorful dish that combines flaky cod, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Ingredients
- Fresh Cod Fillets
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Garlic Cloves
- Olive Oil
- Fresh Parsley
- Salt and Pepper
- Lemon Slices
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Drizzle olive oil in an oven-safe baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Place fresh cod fillets in the dish; squeeze lemon juice over each fillet and sprinkle with minced garlic.
- Season with salt and pepper, then arrange lemon slices on top of the fillets.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet (150g)
- Calories: 218
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
