Name: Baked Cod
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 (6 oz) cod fillets; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Lemon slices for garnish

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Imagine coming home after a long day and craving a nutritious and delicious meal. A perfectly baked cod recipe is your answer. It turns simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Seafood lovers, get ready to fall in love with this easy cod recipe that brings Mediterranean flavours to your dinner table!

Baked cod is more than just a fish dish. It’s a quick, healthy solution for busy weeknights. You can prepare this incredible fish dish in under 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a fast yet elegant meal. The beauty of this cod recipe lies in its simplicity: fresh cod fillets seasoned with herbs, garlic, and a bright splash of lemon¹.

Each serving of this delightful baked cod offers impressive nutritional benefits. With approximately 20.3g of protein per 4-oz fillet, you’re fueling your body with a lean, healthy protein source². The total calorie count is a modest 145 kcal, making it an excellent choice for those watching their diet.

Whether you’re a seafood novice or a seasoned chef, this baked cod recipe promises a foolproof method to create a restaurant-quality fish dish at home. Get ready to impress your family and transform your weeknight dinners with this zesty, herb-infused culinary adventure!

Why This Lemon Herb Cod Recipe Will Become Your Go-To Fish Dish

Finding a healthy and tasty dinner can be tough. This lemon herb cod recipe is a great solution. It’s perfect for those with busy lives.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

Imagine making a healthy meal in under 30 minutes! This cod recipe cooks in just 13-15 minutes. It’s great for busy evenings. You’ll have a fancy dinner ready before you can order takeout.

Total preparation time: Under 30 minutes
Cooking time: 13-15 minutes
Serves 4 people

Health Benefits of Cod

Cod is a low-calorie protein superstar. Each serving has 31 grams of protein and only 258 kcal. It’s perfect for those watching their diet.

Nutritional Value	Per Serving
Calories	258 kcal
Protein	31 g
Carbohydrates	4 g
Total Fat	13 g

Budget-Friendly Seafood Option

Eating well doesn’t have to cost a lot. Cod is cheaper than fish like salmon. It lets you enjoy healthy meals without spending too much.

This lemon herb cod recipe is quick, nutritious, and affordable. It’s going to be your new favourite dinner for busy nights.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Baked Cod

Starting with the right ingredients is key to making tasty cod recipes. Your lemon cod dish needs fresh, top-notch parts to turn a simple meal into a memorable one.

Fresh cod fillets (6 ounces each)
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons)
Extra virgin olive oil
Fresh garlic cloves
Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme
Lemons for zest and juice
Kosher salt and black pepper
Panko bread crumbs (¾ cup)

Choose wild-caught cod for the best taste and texture. The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final taste of your dish.

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Cod Fillets	6 ounces	Primary protein
Butter	2 tablespoons	Rich flavor
Lemon	2 tablespoons juice	Bright citrus notes⁶

Pro tip: Using fresh ingredients will make your cod recipes stand out. Aim to make a meal that rivals a restaurant.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

Preparing delicious fish dishes requires the right kitchen tools. When making oven-baked fish, having the right equipment makes cooking smooth and fun.

Appliance	Purpose	Recommended Product
Electric Fish Steamer	Gently steams cod to perfection	Secura Electric Food Steamer
Herb Infuser	Extracts maximum flavor from herbs	Aicok Electric Herb Infuser
Precision Oven	Bakes fish with exact temperature control	June Smart Oven
Citrus Juicer	Extracts maximum juice from lemons	Cuisinart Electric Citrus Juicer
Digital Fish Scale	Weighs fish portions accurately	Etekcity Digital Kitchen Scale
Smart Sous Vide	Cooks cod with perfect precision	Joule Sous Vide by ChefSteps
Electric Herb Stripper	Quickly removes herb leaves from stems	Chef’n Herb Stripper (electric version)
Automatic Basting Brush	Evenly coats fish with herb butter	Extracts maximum flavour from herbs

Recommended Baking Dishes

Choosing the right baking dish is key for your oven-baked fish. Here are some great options:

Temperature Tools for Perfect Results

Accurate temperature measurement is vital for perfect fish dishes. Get these essential tools:

Tool	Purpose
Digital meat thermometer	Check internal fish temperature⁹
Oven thermometer	Verify accurate oven temperature
Kitchen timer	Prevent overcooking

Additional Helpful Equipment

Boost your oven-baked fish prep with these handy tools:

Fish spatula for delicate handling
Zesting tool for fresh citrus flavours
Sharp kitchen knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Your kitchen arsenal will help you make restaurant-quality oven-baked fish easily. Quality tools make cooking more fun and ensure great results.

How to Choose and Prepare Fresh Cod

Choosing the right cod for your dish is important. Look for fish with clear, bulging eyes and bright, shiny skin for freshness. A mild ocean smell is good, but a strong ‘fishy’ smell means it’s bad.

The quality of your code affects your dish’s taste. Fresh cod should feel firm and spring back when pressed. If it’s mushy, it’s too old and should be skipped.

Check for clear, bright eyes
Inspect the skin for shine and freshness
Smell for a mild oceanic scent
Test texture for firmness

If fresh cod is hard to find, frozen Alaskan cod is a good choice. Pro tip: Whole fish stays fresh longer than cut pieces. Knowing if your cod is wild or farmed can also change its taste and texture.

Sustainable fishing practices ensure not just quality, but also the health of our oceans.

Cod Selection Criteria	What to Look For	Red Flags
Eyes	Clear and bulging	Cloudy or sunken
Skin	Bright and shiny	Dull or discolored
Smell	Mild oceanic	Strong fishy odor
Texture	Firm and resilient	Mushy or soft

Before cooking, thaw the frozen cod completely. Handle it gently to keep its texture. Your care will make your cod dish special.

Simple Steps to Make Baked Cod

Making a tasty oven-baked fish dinner is simple. This lemon cod recipe makes weeknight cooking easy and flavorful. Prepare a delicious garlic cod dish that will wow your family and friends.

Preparing the Garlic Herb Butter

The key to great baked cod is its butter topping. Mix softened butter with minced garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon juice. This garlic herb butter adds rich, aromatic flavours to your cod.

Use room-temperature butter for easier mixing
Finely chop fresh herbs like parsley and dill
Add a pinch of salt and black pepper

Proper Seasoning Techniques

Seasoning your cod right makes every bite taste amazing. Dry the fish with paper towels before adding the garlic herb butter. Spread it evenly over the fish.

Baking Time and Temperature Guide

Cod Fillet Characteristic	Baking Details
Oven Temperature	425°F (218°C)
Cooking Time	12-15 minutes
Internal Temperature	145°F (63°C)

Watch the cooking time closely. Thin fillets cook faster, and thicker ones might need 1-2 more minutes. The fish is ready when it flakes easily and looks opaque white.

Pro tip: Let your baked cod rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, making it moist and tender.

Flavor Variations and Seasoning Options

Exploring different flavours can make your Mediterranean cod recipes stand out. Each cultural twist adds special seasonings that turn simple baked cod into a journey of taste.

Here are some ways to spice up your cod with flavours from around the world:

French Style: Add thyme and capers for a light, herbaceous flavour
Cajun Twist: Use Cajun seasoning and a bit of cayenne for a kick
Italian Flair: Mix basil with traditional Italian seasonings
Spanish Essence: Sprinkle smoked paprika for a rich taste
Mexican Inspiration: Try cilantro, cumin, and lime zest for a zesty flavour

Remember, fresh ingredients are key. Garlic, lemon, and herbs can boost your cod’s taste.

Cuisine Style	Key Seasonings	Flavor Profile
Mediterranean	Oregano, Rosemary, Lemon	Bright, Herbaceous
Cajun	Cayenne, Paprika, Garlic	Spicy, Bold
Asian-Inspired	Ginger, Soy, Sesame	Umami, Complex

“The secret to an amazing cod recipe is balancing your seasonings and using the freshest ingredients possible.”

Pro tip: Always adjust seasonings to your taste and dietary needs. Try new things and make each cod recipe your own!

Tips for Achieving Perfectly Flaky Fish

Cooking baked cod can be tricky, but with the right techniques, you’ll create a delicious oven-baked fish every time. Mastering the art of perfectly flaky fish requires attention to detail and understanding a few key principles.

Avoiding Common Cooking Mistakes

When preparing baked cod, several common errors can ruin your dish. Here are the top mistakes to avoid:

Overcooking the fish, makes it dry and tough
Using excessively high temperatures that destroy the delicate texture
Forgetting to pat the cod dry before seasoning
Neglecting to check the internal temperature

Expert Doneness Testing Techniques

Determining when your baked cod is perfectly cooked requires careful observation. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption. Here’s how to test for doneness:

Gently press the fish with a fork
Check if it flakes easily
Use a meat thermometer for precise measurement

Cod Fillet Thickness	Cooking Time	Internal Temperature
Thin fillets	5-6 minutes	135-140°F
Thick fillets	10 minutes	145°F

Pro tip: For the most tender oven-baked fish, remove the cod from heat just before it looks completely done. The residual heat will continue cooking the fish, ensuring a moist and flaky result.

Delicious Side Dish Pairings

Make your fish dishes stand out with the right side dishes. They turn simple dinners into unforgettable meals. The perfect side can really bring out the flavour of your baked cod. With over 23 side dish options for cod, you’ll always have something tasty to serve.

Your cod goes well with many side dishes. Here are a few:

Grain-based sides: Long grain white rice, quinoa, or chimichurri rice
Potato options: Fluffy mashed potatoes are a hit with cod
Vegetable choices: Garlic green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp cucumber salad

Need something quick? Many sides can be ready in 15 minutes. Try Lemon Herb Rice or a simple spinach salad. They pair well with cod and don’t take long to make.

Pro tip: Choose sides that offer contrasting textures and flavors to create a balanced plate!

Want to try something new? Air-fried honey garlic zucchini or tangy coleslaw can add a fun twist to your seafood dinner¹⁹. The goal is to pick sides that complement your cod’s flavour without overpowering it.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Keeping your baked cod fresh is key for easy dinner ideas that last. Storing it right lets you enjoy its taste for days.

Refrigerate leftover cod within 2 hours of cooking
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness
Keep refrigerated for up to 2-3 days

When reheating cod, be gentle to keep its texture right. Here’s how to do it:

Preheat your oven to 350°F
Place cod in an oven-safe dish
Reheat for about 10 minutes
Check if it’s hot enough inside, at 135°F

Freezing is great for keeping cold longer. Wrap it well in plastic or use a freezer-safe container. Frozen cod can last up to 3 months.

Storage Method	Duration	Best Practices
Refrigeration	2-3 days	Use airtight container
Freezing	Up to 3 months	Wrap tightly, remove air

Tip for easy dinners: Reheat cod gently to avoid drying. Microwaves can be quick, but ovens are best.

What to Do with Leftover Baked Cod

Don’t let your delicious cod recipes go to waste! You can turn leftover fish into exciting new meals. Your baked cod can be the main ingredient in several quick and creative recipes.

When storing leftover cod, remember to do it right. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Cool it down fast and seal it well to keep it fresh and safe.

Creative Leftover Cod Recipe Ideas

Cod Fish Tacos: Shred the leftover baked cod and warm it in a skillet with some taco seasoning
Cod Salad: Chop the fish and mix with fresh greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette
Fish Cakes: Mix flaked cod with potato, and herbs, and form into crispy patties

Reheating Tips

When reheating your cod, use an oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes. This keeps its delicate texture. Don’t microwave it, as it can become tough and dry.

Pro tip: Always ensure your reheated cod reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.

Conclusion

Your journey into baked cod has shown it’s a healthy seafood option. It makes easy dinner ideas into a tasty meal. This dish proves healthy cooking can be simple and delicious.

With cooking times from 14 to 18 minutes, baked cod is a kitchen favorite. It’s packed with nutrients to support your health goals.

This recipe lets you try many flavours while keeping cooking easy. By following this guide, you’ll make baked cod that wows everyone. Each serving is full of protein and nutrients for your health.

We encourage you to try the recipe and make it your own. Baked cod is great for both experienced cooks and beginners. It’s a healthy, tasty meal that can be a weekly favourite. Your seafood adventure begins now!

FAQ

How long does it take to bake cod in the oven?

Baked cod usually takes 12-15 minutes at 400°F (204°C). The exact time depends on the fish’s thickness. It’s done when it flakes easily and reaches 145°F (63°C) inside.

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just thaw the cod in the fridge overnight. Pat it dry with paper towels to get a crispy outside and prevent steaming.

What are the best herbs to use with baked cod?

Mediterranean herbs like parsley, dill, thyme, and oregano are great. They add a fresh flavor that goes well with cod.

Is baked cod a healthy meal option?

Yes, it is! Cod is low in calories and full of nutrients like vitamin B12 and omega-3s. It’s good for your heart and fits many diets.

How can I prevent my cod from becoming dry?

Don’t overcook it. Use a thermometer to check when it’s done. A garlic herb butter or marinade can also keep it moist.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! The basic recipe is gluten-free. Just make sure any extra seasonings or breadcrumbs are gluten-free. You can use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.

How long can I store leftover baked cod?

Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Reheat it gently in the oven or air fryer to keep it moist.

What are some good side dishes to serve with baked cod?

Good sides include roasted veggies, quinoa, and light salads. Mediterranean sides like Greek salad or roasted veggies are especially good.

Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

You can use similar fish like halibut or tilapia. Just adjust cooking times based on the fish’s thickness and ensure it’s at 145°F (63°C) inside.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, but with some notes. You can prep the herb mix ahead and store the fish in the fridge for hours. But, fish is best fresh, so bake it just before serving for the best taste and texture.