Baked Lemon Garlic Cod Recipe

Introduction

This Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of fresh lemon, garlic, and warming spices brings out the delicate taste of the cod, making it both light and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb cod fillet pieces (4-6 pieces)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 3/4 tsp sweet Spanish paprika
• 3/4 tsp ground cumin
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Step 2: In a shallow bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, and melted butter. Do not add the garlic yet and set this mixture aside.
3. Step 3: In another shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, ground coriander, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Set this bowl next to the lemon sauce.
4. Step 4: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Dip each piece first into the lemon sauce, then coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour. Keep the lemon sauce reserved for later use.
5. Step 5: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add the fish pieces. Sear each side for about 2 minutes to develop color, but avoid cooking the fish through. Remove the skillet from heat.
6. Step 6: Add the minced garlic to the remaining lemon sauce and stir to combine. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the seared fish fillets.
7. Step 7: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 10 minutes. Start checking earlier to prevent overcooking.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, you can add a tablespoon of panko breadcrumbs to the flour mixture before coating the fish.
• If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the garlic cloves to 2 or 3.
• Try swapping cod with other firm white fish like haddock or halibut for a similar result.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad to keep the meal fresh and balanced.

Storage

Store any leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can also be added cold to salads the next day.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cod. Make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before following the recipe to achieve the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

Any oven-safe skillet or baking dish will work fine. Just be sure it can go from stove to oven safely to sear the fish before baking.

Baked Lemon Garlic Cod Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 107 reviews

This Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic features tender cod fillets lightly coated in a spiced flour mixture, seared to perfection, and then baked with a zesty lemon and garlic butter sauce. It’s a flavorful, healthy dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish and Coating

• 1.5 lb Cod fillet pieces (4–6 pieces)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 3/4 tsp sweet Spanish paprika
• 3/4 tsp ground cumin
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Lemon Garlic Sauce

• 5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (divided: 3 tbsp for sauce, 2 tbsp for searing)
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced

Garnish

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cod fillets later.
2. Prepare Lemon Sauce Base: In a shallow bowl, mix together the lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and melted butter. Do not add the garlic yet. Set this sauce aside for dipping the fish and finishing later.
3. Mix Flour and Spices: In another shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, ground coriander, sweet Spanish paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Set this mixture next to the lemon sauce for coating the fish.
4. Coat the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Dip each piece first into the lemon sauce, then coat it evenly with the flour and spice mixture. Shake off any excess flour. Reserve the lemon sauce for later steps.
5. Sear the Fish: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add the coated fish fillets. Sear each side for about 2 minutes to create a golden crust without cooking through. Then remove the skillet from heat.
6. Add Garlic and Lemon Sauce: Mix the minced garlic into the reserved lemon sauce. Drizzle this garlic-infused sauce evenly over the seared fish fillets in the skillet.
7. Bake the Cod: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake until the fish flakes easily with a fork, approximately 10 minutes. Begin checking at about 8 minutes to avoid overcooking.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the skillet from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, and serve the cod immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Patting the cod dry before coating helps the flour mixture stick better.
• Do not overcook the cod; it should flake easily but remain moist and tender.
• If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, use any oven-safe pan for searing and baking.
• You can adjust spices like cumin and paprika to your taste preferences.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: Baked cod, lemon garlic fish, healthy cod recipe, easy baked fish, garlic butter cod