There’s something truly magical about a perfectly cooked piece of fish, isn’t there? It feels so elegant, yet it can be surprisingly simple to make. My absolute go-to for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious weeknight meal has to be this Baked Cod with Lemon. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver when I’m short on time but still want something nourishing and packed with flavor. I’ve been making variations of simple baked fish for ages, and this particular Baked Cod with Lemon recipe has become a cherished staple in my kitchen for its sheer ease and fantastic taste that always gets rave reviews. You can find out more about my culinary journey here!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Cod with Lemon
Trust me, this recipe is a total winner for so many reasons:
- Super Speedy: We’re talking minimal prep and a quick bake, perfect for those crazy weeknights.
- Effortlessly Easy: No fancy techniques needed! Anyone can make this dish.
- So Healthy: Cod is lean and packed with protein, and we’re keeping things light with healthy fats.
- Bursting with Flavor: The lemon and herbs totally brighten up the fish, making every bite sing.
- Minimal Cleanup: Honestly, one baking dish means less scrubbing later. Yay!
Ingredients for Baked Cod with Lemon
Gathering your ingredients is the first step for this super easy fish dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cod Fillets: 4 fillets, about 6 ounces each. Fresh is best, but thawed frozen works too!
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Dried Parsley: 1 teaspoon. It adds that classic herby touch.
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon. Easy flavor boost without mincing fresh garlic!
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Just enough to enhance the fish’s natural taste.
- Black Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon. A little pinch to round things out.
- Lemon: 1 medium lemon, thinly sliced. This is key for that bright, fresh flavor we love!
Equipment Needed for Your Baked Cod with Lemon
You won’t need much for this simple recipe! Just grab a baking dish – something that can hold all four fillets comfortably. And of course, you’ll need your trusty oven to do the magic.
How to Prepare the Perfect Baked Cod with Lemon
Getting this delicious dish ready is honestly a breeze. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can have a beautiful plate of fish on the table. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll nail it every time.
Preheat and Prep Your Baking Dish
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and hot! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Then, grab your baking dish and pop those lovely cod fillets right into it. No need to grease it separately; the olive oil we add next will do just that.
Seasoning the Cod for Baked Cod with Lemon
Now for the flavor! Drizzle that good ol’ olive oil all over the cod fillets. In a tiny bowl, mix up your dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this flavorful mixture evenly over each fillet. It sounds simple, but this blend makes all the difference for our amazing Baked Cod with Lemon!
Arranging Lemon Slices
Pop those thin lemon slices right on top of each seasoned cod fillet. They’ll bake down and release their bright, zesty juices, infusing the fish with that signature lemon flavor we all love.
Baking Your Baked Cod with Lemon to Perfection
Slide that dish into the preheated oven. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know your Baked Cod with Lemon is ready when the fish turns opaque and flakes apart easily with just a fork. It really is that simple!
Tips for Success with Baked Cod with Lemon
Okay, so making this Baked Cod with Lemon is pretty foolproof, but there are a few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years that just make it *even better*. First off, the quality of your cod really matters! Use the freshest fillets you can find – you can really taste the difference. If you can’t get fresh, make sure your frozen cod is fully thawed before you start. Nobody wants watery fish!
My biggest tip? Don’t overcook it! Cod is delicate and cooks super fast. That 12-15 minute window is usually spot-on, but ovens can be quirky. Keep an eye on it and test it with a fork. Once it flakes easily, it’s done. Overcooked fish can get a bit dry and sad, and we definitely don’t want that. I like to pair this with something like my Hot Honey Salmon recipe when I want another fish option, but honestly, any lighter side works wonders. A little drizzle of extra olive oil just before serving can also add a nice richness!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Baked Cod
Let’s chat about these ingredients for a sec! The olive oil is key here, giving us that nice richness and helping the seasonings stick. If you’re out of olive oil, a neutral oil like avocado oil would work just fine, though it won’t add quite the same flavor notes. For the herbs, while dried parsley is super convenient, you could totally swap it for fresh parsley if you have some on hand – just use a bit more, maybe a tablespoon or two, chopped fine! Dried dill or even a pinch of dried thyme would also be delicious additions if you’re feeling adventurous.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Cod with Lemon
Now that you’ve got your beautiful Baked Cod with Lemon, what should you serve it with? This dish is so versatile! I absolutely love pairing it with some simple roasted asparagus or broccoli – the veggies get a nice char in the oven while the fish bakes. A fluffy bed of quinoa or some brown rice is also fantastic for soaking up any leftover lemon-herb juices. And for a truly complete dinner experience, a light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is always a winner. Oh, and if you’re looking for another healthy entree, check out my Healthy Chicken Sweet Potato recipe!
Storage and Reheating Your Baked Cod
Got leftovers of this delicious Baked Cod with Lemon? Awesome! They store really well, which is fantastic for meal prepping. Once your cod has cooled down a bit, carefully transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for about 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is gently in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10 minutes, or until just warmed through. This helps keep the fish from drying out. You can also *very carefully* reheat it in a non-stick skillet over low heat, but watch it like a hawk because cod can go from perfect to overcooked in a flash!
Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Cod with Lemon
Got questions about making this amazing Baked Cod with Lemon? I totally get it! It’s a straightforward recipe, but here are some common queries I get:
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, you absolutely can! If you’re using frozen cod, just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight. Don’t try to bake it straight from frozen, as it won’t cook evenly. Once thawed, treat it like fresh cod!
What are the best herbs to use with Baked Cod?
While dried parsley is lovely and simple, fresh herbs are always a fantastic upgrade! Try fresh dill, thyme, or even a bit of chives. A sprinkle of fresh rosemary can also be delicious if you’re feeling bold. Just remember to chop them finely!
How do I know when my cod is fully cooked?
The easiest way is to use a fork! Stick it into the thickest part of a fillet and gently twist. If the cod flakes apart easily and looks opaque all the way through, it’s perfectly cooked. If it still looks a bit translucent or isn’t flaking, give it another minute or two in the oven. For more clean eating recipe ideas, check out my clean eating recipes!
Nutritional Information for Baked Cod with Lemon
Just a heads-up, the nutritional details for this Baked Cod with Lemon are estimates, as things can always vary a bit depending on the exact size of your fillets and the brands you use. But generally, you’re looking at a wonderfully lean and protein-packed meal! Each serving typically contains around 250-300 calories, with a solid 30-35 grams of protein, about 10-15 grams of healthy fats (mostly from the olive oil), and very few carbohydrates. It’s a fantastic option if you’re focusing on high-protein meals!
Share Your Baked Cod with Lemon Creation!
I absolutely LOVE seeing your culinary triumphs! Did you whip up this Baked Cod with Lemon? I’d be thrilled if you shared your experience, maybe drop a rating below, or even better, post a pic on social media and tag me! It truly makes my day to see you enjoying these recipes. For more on how I handle your information, check out my privacy policy.
Baked Cod with Lemon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the cod fillets in a baking dish.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the cod.
- In a small bowl, combine the parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the cod.
- Arrange the lemon slices on top of the cod fillets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.