Here’s an easy, flavorful Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic recipe — light, flaky, and ready in under 20 minutes.
Baked Cod with Lemon & Garlic
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 4 cod fillets (4–6 oz each), fresh or thawed
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested + sliced
- 1–2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp paprika (optional for color)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Prep
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment.
2. Season the cod
- Pat fillets dry with paper towels.
- Place in dish and drizzle with olive oil or butter.
- Sprinkle with garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon zest.
- Squeeze lemon juice over the top and lay a few thin lemon slices on each fillet.
3. Bake
- Bake 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque.
4. Serve
Top with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon.
Great with rice, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a simple salad.
Optional Add-Ons
- Butter crumb topping: Mix ½ cup breadcrumbs + 2 tbsp melted butter + pinch of garlic powder; sprinkle on top before baking.
- Mediterranean twist: Add cherry tomatoes, olives, capers.
- Creamy version: Add ¼ cup heavy cream to the baking dish for a rich lemon-garlic sauce.
If you want, I can also give you a lemon garlic butter baked cod in foil, pan-seared lemon cod, or a crispy Parmesan-crusted cod recipe!
