Lemon Herb Baked Cod

Baked cod has always been a weeknight dinner staple in our home, but it was often a bit… predictable. Plain baked cod, while healthy, sometimes lacked that zing to truly excite our taste buds. That was until I stumbled upon this Lemon Herb Baked Cod recipe. Honestly, it was a game-changer! The first time I made it, the aroma wafting from the oven was incredible – bright lemon, fragrant herbs, and that subtle hint of garlic. Even my picky eaters, who usually approach fish with caution, devoured it. The cod was flaky, moist, and infused with so much flavor. It’s become a regular rotation dish, and I’ve tweaked it slightly over time to suit our preferences, but the core recipe remains a winner. If you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy fish dish that will impress even on a busy weeknight, look no further. This Lemon Herb Baked Cod is it!

Ingredients for Lemony Herb Perfection

• Cod Fillets: 4 (about 6 ounces each), skinless and boneless. The star of the show, providing a mild and flaky white fish base.
• Fresh Lemon: 2, one for juice and one for slices. Lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, while lemon slices infuse the fish with a subtle citrus aroma during baking.
• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, extra virgin. Provides healthy fats, adds richness, and helps herbs and seasonings adhere to the cod.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Adds a savory depth of flavor that complements the lemon and herbs.
• Fresh Herbs: 1/4 cup, chopped (parsley, dill, thyme, and rosemary are excellent choices). A blend of fresh herbs creates a vibrant and aromatic flavor profile.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Enhances the flavors of all ingredients and seasons the cod.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste. Adds a subtle spice and enhances the overall flavor.
• Optional: Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (for a hint of heat). Adds a touch of warmth if you like a little spice.
• Optional: White Wine: 1/4 cup (dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc). Adds moisture and depth of flavor during baking.

Baking Your Way to Flaky, Flavorful Cod: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking cod, ensuring it cooks through without drying out. While the oven is heating, lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. A 9×13 inch baking dish works well for four cod fillets, providing enough space for even cooking. Using parchment paper to line the baking dish can also make cleanup a breeze, preventing the cod from sticking.
2. Prepare the Lemon Herb Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice (from one lemon), chopped fresh herbs, salt, and black pepper (and red pepper flakes if using). This mixture is the flavor powerhouse that will infuse the cod with its delicious lemon herb taste. Ensure the garlic is finely minced to evenly distribute its flavor, and chop the herbs relatively finely to release their aromas.
3. Pat Dry and Place Cod Fillets: Gently pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a nice sear (if desired) and preventing the fish from steaming in its own moisture. Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than baking.
4. Coat the Cod with Marinade: Pour the lemon herb marinade evenly over the cod fillets, ensuring each fillet is well coated. Use your hands or a spoon to gently rub the marinade into the fish, allowing the flavors to penetrate. If you have time, letting the cod marinate for 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator can enhance the flavor even further, but it’s not strictly necessary for this quick recipe.
5. Add Lemon Slices (Optional White Wine): Thinly slice the remaining lemon. Arrange the lemon slices on top of the cod fillets. The lemon slices will release their juice and aroma as they bake, further flavoring the fish. If using white wine, pour it into the bottom of the baking dish around the cod fillets. The wine will steam the fish slightly and add moisture, resulting in incredibly tender cod.
6. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your cod fillets. Start checking for doneness around 12 minutes. Cod is cooked when it is opaque and flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork. Be careful not to overbake, as cod can become dry if cooked for too long.
7. Broil for a Golden Touch (Optional): For a slightly browned and caramelized top, you can broil the cod for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Turn the oven to broil (high setting) and watch the cod closely, as it can brown very quickly under the broiler. Broiling is optional but adds a nice visual appeal and slightly crispy edges.
8. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the cod rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more moist and flavorful fish. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and lemon wedges, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts: A Healthy and Delicious Choice

(Per serving, based on 4 servings and approximate values – nutritional content can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)

• Serving Size: 1 Baked Cod Fillet (approximately 6 ounces). This recipe is designed for four generous servings, perfect for a family meal.
• Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per serving. Cod is naturally low in calories, making this a light and healthy meal option. The addition of olive oil and herbs adds flavor without significantly increasing the calorie count.
• Protein: Approximately 35-40 grams of protein per serving. Cod is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle building and maintenance, satiety, and overall health.
• Vitamin B12: Cod is rich in Vitamin B12, important for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell formation. A serving of baked cod can provide a significant portion of your daily Vitamin B12 needs.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Cod is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation. Including cod in your diet can contribute to your overall intake of these essential fatty acids.

Preparation Time: Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner

• Prep Time: 10 minutes. This recipe is incredibly quick to prepare. Chopping herbs, mincing garlic, and mixing the marinade are all fast tasks.
• Cook Time: 15 minutes. Baking time is relatively short, making this a perfect option for busy weeknights when you need a healthy and delicious meal on the table quickly.
• Total Time: 25 minutes. From start to finish, you can have this flavorful and nutritious Lemon Herb Baked Cod ready in under 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal choice for a fast and healthy dinner.

How to Serve Lemon Herb Baked Cod: Delicious Pairings

Lemon Herb Baked Cod is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Classic Sides:
  • Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or bell peppers roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper complement the light and fresh flavors of the cod.
  • Steamed Green Beans: Simple steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon juice are a light and healthy side that pairs perfectly.
  • Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes provide a comforting and satisfying contrast to the flaky fish.
  • Quinoa or Rice: Fluffy quinoa or brown rice are excellent healthy grain options that soak up the delicious lemon herb sauce.
• Fresh and Bright Sides:
  • Lemon Herb Couscous: Couscous tossed with fresh herbs, lemon zest, and a light vinaigrette enhances the lemon herb theme.
  • Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A refreshing salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a crisp and light counterpoint to the baked cod.
  • Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado slices or a simple avocado salad adds healthy fats and a contrasting texture.
  • Caprese Salad: The classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with a balsamic glaze offers a fresh and vibrant side.
• Mediterranean Inspired:
  • Greek Salad: A traditional Greek salad with feta cheese, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette complements the Mediterranean flavors of the dish.
  • Roasted Lemon Potatoes: Lemon roasted potatoes with herbs like oregano and rosemary enhance the lemony notes of the cod.
  • Tzatziki Sauce: A dollop of cool and creamy tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing Mediterranean touch.

Additional Tips for Lemon Herb Baked Cod Perfection

1. Choose Fresh, High-Quality Cod: Whenever possible, opt for fresh cod fillets. Fresh cod will have a firmer texture and a brighter flavor compared to frozen. If using frozen cod, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking and pat it dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Look for fillets that are firm, white, and have a mild, fresh smell.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish: Ensure the cod fillets are arranged in a single layer in the baking dish and are not overcrowded. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of baking, resulting in fish that is not properly browned and may be waterlogged. Use a large enough baking dish or bake in batches if necessary.
3. Adjust Herbs to Your Preference: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to adjust the herbs based on your personal preferences and what you have available. Dill, parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and chives all work wonderfully. You can use a single herb or a combination. Experiment with different herb combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
4. Add a Touch of Spice: If you enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper in the marinade adds a subtle kick without overpowering the delicate flavor of the cod. You can also add a finely chopped chili pepper for a more pronounced spice.
5. Use Zest for Extra Lemon Flavor: For an even more intense lemon flavor, add the zest of one lemon to the marinade along with the juice. Lemon zest contains the essential oils of the lemon, which provide a concentrated burst of citrus flavor. Be sure to zest only the yellow part of the lemon peel, avoiding the white pith, which can be bitter.
6. Marinate for Deeper Flavor (Optional): While this recipe is delicious even without marinating, allowing the cod to marinate in the lemon herb mixture for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator can enhance the flavor penetration. Longer marinating times are generally not recommended for delicate fish like cod, as the acid in the lemon juice can start to “cook” the fish and alter its texture.
7. Monitor Cooking Time Carefully: Cod cooks quickly and can become dry if overcooked. Start checking for doneness around 12 minutes and adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets. The cod is cooked when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. It’s better to slightly undercook cod than overcook it, as it will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
8. Garnish and Serve Immediately: For the best flavor and texture, serve the Lemon Herb Baked Cod immediately after cooking. Garnish with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added flavor and visual appeal. Fresh garnishes enhance the overall dining experience and add a final touch of freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Lemon Herb Baked Cod

Q1: Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets. Ensure they are completely thawed before cooking. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, as frozen cod tends to release more water than fresh cod. Thawing overnight in the refrigerator is the safest and best method.

Q2: What other types of fish can I use instead of cod?
A: If you don’t have cod, you can substitute other flaky white fish with similar cooking times, such as haddock, halibut, tilapia, or pollock. These fish have a mild flavor and will work well with the lemon herb marinade. Adjust cooking time slightly based on the thickness of the fish.

Q3: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
A: While it’s best served immediately, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also prep the vegetables if serving roasted vegetables as a side dish. However, it’s not recommended to marinate the cod for extended periods (longer than 30 minutes) as the lemon juice can start to break down the fish.

Q4: How do I know when the cod is cooked through?
A: Cod is cooked through when it is opaque and flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcooking, as cod can become dry. If using a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the fillet.

Q5: Can I bake the cod with vegetables in the same dish?
A: Yes, you can bake vegetables alongside the cod. Choose vegetables that cook in a similar time frame to cod, such as asparagus, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or sliced zucchini. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper and arrange them around the cod in the baking dish. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly depending on the vegetables you choose.

Q6: What if I don’t have fresh herbs? Can I use dried herbs?
A: While fresh herbs are preferred for their brighter flavor, you can use dried herbs if necessary. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs called for in the recipe. Dried herbs tend to be more concentrated in flavor, so use them sparingly. Good dried herb options include dried parsley, dill weed, thyme, and rosemary.

Q7: Can I grill the cod instead of baking it?
A: Yes, you can grill cod. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the marinated cod fillets on a lightly oiled grill grate and grill for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and flaky. Grilling will impart a smoky flavor to the cod. Use a fish grilling basket to prevent the delicate cod from sticking to the grill grates.

Q8: How do I store leftover Lemon Herb Baked Cod?
A: Store leftover Lemon Herb Baked Cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Be mindful that reheated fish may not be as moist as freshly baked fish. Flaking the leftover cod and using it in fish tacos, salads, or fish cakes are great ways to repurpose it.

Print