Name: Easy Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (150g each); 2 fresh lemons; 3 garlic cloves; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

The aroma of freshly baked cod wafts through the kitchen like a gentle hug after a long day. Picture this flaky white fish, kissed by zesty lemon and fragrant garlic, glistening on your plate like it just walked off a culinary runway. You can’t help but drool at the thought of it! Whether it’s a fancy Friday night dinner or a casual Sunday lunch, this dish is bound to impress even the pickiest eaters.

Now let me take you down memory lane. I remember the first time I made Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic; my family was skeptical about trying fish. But one bite in, their expressions changed from doubt to delight! The bright flavors danced on their tongues, completely transforming their preconceived notions about seafood. Seriously, this dish can turn anyone into a fish fan!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is as simple as it is delicious; you can whip it up in under 30 minutes
The vibrant flavors will make everyone at your table smile with delight!
Its beautiful presentation ensures it’s perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners alike
Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair well with any side dish you fancy!

I still chuckle every time I think about my brother declaring he’d never eat fish again—until he tried this recipe.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Cod Fillets: Fresh or frozen works! Just ensure they are thawed properly if using frozen.
Fresh Lemons: Choose bright lemons that feel heavy for their size; they yield more juice.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic provides a robust flavor; minced is best for this recipe.
Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for an added depth of flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the wonderful flavors in this dish.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your cod bakes evenly and perfectly golden brown.

Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. You want your cod sliding out like it’s on an ice rink!

Add Flavorful Goodness: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and juice from half a lemon until well combined. This mixture is where the magic begins!

Coat the Cod Fillets: Place your cod fillets in the baking dish and drizzle the garlicky mixture over them generously. Make sure each fillet gets its fair share of love!

Bake Until Flaky: Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by now!

Garnish & Serve Up!: Once done, remove from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before garnishing with parsley if desired. Now serve hot and watch everyone swoon!

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating; even if you’re not Julia Child in the kitchen, you can nail this recipe effortlessly!

When I see that perfect golden crust on my baked cod paired with those vibrant colors from lemon slices—it feels like art! And trust me; your taste buds will appreciate that masterpiece just as much as your eyes will.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends for dinner that night (with very little chance of leftovers), this Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic has got you covered! Enjoy every bite because life is too short for bland food!

You Must Know

This recipe for Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is a culinary masterpiece that combines simplicity with delightful flavors
The freshness of the fish paired with zesty lemon makes every bite a celebration
Plus, it’s healthy and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfect results with Baked Cod, start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms, prepare your baking dish and season the cod. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your Baked Cod by adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or even a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor. You can also swap cod for another white fish if preferred.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through without drying out.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For optimal flavor, use fresh garlic instead of powdered garlic; it enhances the dish immensely
Remember not to overcook the cod; it should be flaky but moist
Pairing with a side salad adds freshness and balances flavors beautifully

Baked Cod has always been a family favorite at our gatherings. I remember one time my uncle raved about it, claiming it was better than his favorite restaurant dish. It felt amazing to impress him with something so simple!

FAQs

FAQ

What type of fish is best for Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic?

Cod is ideal due to its mild flavor and flaky texture when baked.

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before baking for even cooking.

What sides pair well with Baked Cod?

Serve it with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.