Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs (Printable Version)
Flaky cod fillets baked with bright lemon, aromatic herbs, and a touch of olive oil for a light, healthy main dish.
# What You Need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 cod fillets (6 oz each), skinless and boneless
→ Marinade and Seasoning
02 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
04 - 2 teaspoons lemon zest
05 - 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
08 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
09 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
11 - Lemon slices
12 - Additional fresh herbs for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
02 - Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and arrange in baking dish in a single layer.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, dill, thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
04 - Spoon herb mixture evenly over cod fillets, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
05 - Place lemon slices on top of and around the fillets.
06 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until cod flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
07 - Remove from oven, garnish with additional herbs if desired, and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The lemon-herb coating creates this incredible protective layer that keeps the fish impossibly moist while infusing every bite with Mediterranean flavors.
- You can prepare everything in about 10 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when cooking feels like too much effort but takeout feels like giving up.
02 -
- Overcooking cod is shockingly easy, and it happens in literally minutes, so start checking at the 12-minute mark if your fillets are on the thinner side.
- Letting the fish rest for 2 minutes after removing from the oven allows the juices to redistribute, making the difference between good cod and melt-in-your-mouth cod.
03 -
- For an even more intense citrus flavor, marinate the fish in just the lemon juice and zest for 15 minutes before adding the remaining ingredients and baking.
- Position your oven rack in the center of the oven rather than the top third, as the gentler heat helps cook the delicate fish more evenly without risking a dried-out top.