Amazing 15-Min Baked Cod with Lemon

Okay, let me tell you, some nights after a super long day, the last thing I want to do is spend ages in the kitchen. But I still want something healthy and delicious, you know? That’s where this Baked Cod with Lemon comes in. It’s my absolute go-to! Seriously, it’s so simple and wholesome, and the way the lemon and garlic just perfume the whole house is just *chef’s kiss*. I remember making this for the first time when I was just starting out on my own, and it felt like I was eating something from a fancy restaurant, but it took, like, 15 minutes tops. It proves you don’t need complicated ingredients or tons of time to make a meal that feels special and is actually good for you!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Cod with Lemon

Honestly, I’m obsessed with this recipe, and I bet you will be too!

• Lightning Fast: Seriously, you can have dinner on the table in under 25 minutes from start to finish!
• So Easy: Minimal chopping, a few simple seasonings, and into the oven it goes. No fuss, no stress.
• Super Healthy: Cod is lean, it’s packed with protein, and we’re using good-for-you olive oil and fresh lemon. It’s clean eating at its finest!
• Incredible Flavor: Don’t let the simplicity fool you! The lemon and garlic create this bright, fresh taste that’s just perfect with flaky cod.

Ingredients for Baked Cod with Lemon

The beauty of this recipe is its short ingredient list! You really only need a few things to make this shine. Make sure you grab:

• 1 pound of cod fillets – fresh is always best!
• 2 tablespoons of good olive oil
• 1 whole lemon, sliced nice and thin
• 2 cloves of garlic, all minced up
• 1 teaspoon of dried parsley – or whatever herbs you love!
• Salt and pepper, of course, just to your taste.

Seriously, the fresher your ingredients, the more vibrant the flavor will be. It’s amazing what a difference good quality makes, especially with something as simple and clean eating as this cod!

Essential Equipment for Baked Cod with Lemon

Okay, so you really don’t need much for this! Just grab a baking dish that’s big enough for your cod fillets, a sharp knife for slicing that lemon and mincing the garlic, and a little measuring spoon for your herbs. That’s pretty much it!

How to Prepare Baked Cod with Lemon: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get this amazing cod in the oven! It’s honestly so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you ever bought fish from a restaurant. Think of me like your kitchen tour guide, whispering secrets as we go! It’s almost as easy as making my hot honey salmon, but with that bright lemon twist.

Preheating and Preparing the Baking Dish

First things first, let’s get that oven nice and toasty. You want to crank it up to 400°F (that’s 200°C for you metric folks!). While that’s heating up, grab your baking dish. I usually just pop the cod straight into the dish, no need to grease it or anything fancy since the olive oil will do its job. Just make sure it’s big enough so the fish isn’t all squished in there!

Seasoning the Cod for Baked Cod with Lemon

Now for the flavor magic! Place your cod fillets into the prepared baking dish. Then, generous drizzle two tablespoons of your best olive oil all over the top of those beautiful fish fillets. Next, sprinkle that minced garlic, dried parsley, and pinch of salt and pepper evenly over everything. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; cod can handle it and it really makes the flavors pop!

Arranging Lemon Slices for Optimal Flavor

This is where the lemon really works its charm! Take your thinly sliced lemon and just lay those beautiful little rounds right on top of each piece of cod. They look pretty, sure, but they also bake down and release this amazing, bright citrusy goodness that just infuses the whole fillet. It’s like a natural marinade!

Baking Time and Checking for Doneness

Now pop that dish into your preheated oven. You’re looking at about 12 to 15 minutes. The key is to watch for the cod to turn opaque – it’ll go from kind of translucent to a lovely, milky white. The real test? Gently poke it with a fork. If it flakes apart easily, it’s ready! Be careful not to overcook it, though, or it can get a little dry. A really quick peek is better than leaving it in too long!

Tips for Perfectly Baked Cod with Lemon

You know, getting flaky, moist baked cod with lemon is totally achievable, even if you’re new to cooking fish! My biggest tip? Start with good fish! If you can, grab cod that looks bright and smells like the ocean, not fishy. Thin fillets cook super fast, so keep an eye on them; you want them just cooked through, not dried out!

A little trick I love is to add a tiny bit of white wine or even some chicken broth to the bottom of the baking dish before it goes in the oven. It creates a little steam and keeps everything wonderfully moist. And if you want a flavor boost? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a tiny bit of heat!

For serving, all these flavorful juices from the pan and those gorgeous baked lemon slices are gold! I love spooning them over some fluffy rice or my lemon herb quinoa. Trust me, these little things make all the difference!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Baked Cod with Lemon

So, about these ingredients! The cod is the star, obviously, but the supporting players really make this dish sing. If you can’t find cod, don’t fret! Halibut or haddock would be absolutely lovely substitutes and would bake up just the same. Seriously, any firm white fish will work wonders here. I’ve even tried it with tilapia, and it was great!

Olive oil is my preference because of its lovely flavor, but if you’re out, or maybe want to mix things up, avocado oil or even a light grapeseed oil would work too. Just avoid anything too strongly flavored, like extra virgin olive oil if it’s super peppery, as it might overpower the delicate cod.

Parsley is listed, but oh my goodness, feel free to play around! Fresh dill is heavenly with fish, or a little mix of dried thyme and rosemary works wonders. You could even chop up some fresh chives to sprinkle on top right before serving for a little pop of oniony freshness. It’s all about making it your own! It’s kind of like my mediterranean baked fish where the herbs just transform everything.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Cod with Lemon

So, you’ve got this gorgeous, flaky Baked Cod with Lemon, and now what? We gotta give it the perfect companions! I always like to pair it with something fresh and maybe a little bit hearty to balance out that delicate fish. A simple big green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner, but if you want something warmer, try my roasted garlic cabbage steaks – they’re surprisingly delicious!

And you can’t go wrong with some roasted veggies. My garlic herb roasted potatoes, carrots, and zucchini are perfect because they get those lovely crispy bits and soak up any extra lemon-garlic goodness from the cod pan. Rice or quinoa also works great to catch all those yummy juices!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! If you happen to have any of this delicious Baked Cod with Lemon hanging around (which is rare in my house, but it happens!), you’ll want to store it properly so it stays just as tasty. Just pop the cooled cod into an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Honestly, I find it’s best eaten fresh, but it’s still pretty good the next day!

When you’re ready to reheat, be gentle! The key is to warm it up slowly so it doesn’t dry out. Pop it back into a baking dish with maybe a tiny splash of water or broth (like a teaspoon!), cover it loosely with foil, and pop it into a gently heated oven at around 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes. You just want it warmed through, not cooked further. Microwaving works in a pinch, but honestly, the oven is way better for keeping that lovely flaky texture!

Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Cod with Lemon

Got questions? I’ve got answers! This recipe is so straightforward, but I totally get wanting to have all your bases covered. Here are some things people often ask me:

Can I use other types of fish?

Absolutely! Cod is fantastic because it’s so mild and flaky, but this lemon magic works beautifully on lots of other white fish too. Try halibut, haddock, tilapia, or even snapper. Just adjust the baking time a little depending on how thick the fillets are. If it’s a thinner fish, it’ll cook faster, so keep an eye on it!

Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?

Oh, yes! That’s a brilliant idea for a one-pan wonder. You could totally toss some quick-cooking veggies like asparagus spears, broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, or cherry tomatoes right into the baking dish with the cod. Just make sure they’re cut to a similar size so they all cook through in about the same time. Maybe add them a few minutes before the fish if they need a little longer!

How do I know if the cod is fresh?

Great question! Fresh fish is key to a delicious meal. Look for cod fillets that are firm to the touch and have a bright, clean smell – it should smell like the ocean, not overly “fishy.” The color should be milky white, or maybe slightly pinkish if it’s not pure cod. Avoid anything that looks dull, slimy, or has a strong, unpleasant odor. If it looks good, it’ll taste good!

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can definitely prep the ingredients ahead of time! Mince the garlic, slice the lemon, and measure out your herbs. You can even place the cod in the baking dish, drizzle the oil, and add the seasonings, then cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just add the lemon slices right before it goes in the oven. It’s honestly so quick, though, that making it fresh is usually just as easy! Like my Boston baked cod, prepping ahead is super helpful.

What if I don’t have dried parsley?

No worries at all! Fresh parsley is wonderful if you have it – just chop up a couple of tablespoons and sprinkle it on. If you don’t have parsley, or just want to switch things up, dried dill, thyme, or even a little bit of oregano would be delicious. You could also try a pinch of garlic powder if you ran out of fresh garlic, though minced fresh garlic gives a better flavor. This recipe is super forgiving!

Nutritional Information

Now, about the good stuff – what’s actually *in* this amazing Baked Cod with Lemon? It’s pretty fantastic from a health perspective! While every kitchen and every fish fillet is a little different, you’re looking at roughly 150 calories per serving. We’re talking about a good chunk of protein (around 25g!), which is awesome for feeling full and satisfied, with only about 5g of fat and just 2g of carbs. It’s super low in sugar and sodium too, which I love. Keep in mind these are just estimates, but it gives you a good idea of why this is such a go-to for a healthy meal!

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