Name: Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (6 oz each); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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This Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs recipe is an easy, light, and flavorful dish that brings together tender cod fillets with the refreshing taste of lemon and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this dish is quick to prepare and requires minimal ingredients while delivering maximum flavor.

Ingredients

4 cod fillets (6 oz each)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons lemon zest

1 teaspoon garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish.

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Pour the lemon and herb mixture over the cod fillets, making sure each fillet is evenly coated.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

While this recipe is fantastic on its own, there are a few variations I enjoy to mix things up:

Add veggies: Add sliced vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers around the cod fillets before baking. They’ll cook along with the fish, creating a one-pan meal.

Spicy kick: If I like a little heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon and herb mixture for a bit of spice.

Citrus twist: Instead of just lemon, I sometimes use a mix of lemon and orange juice/zest for a different citrus flavor.

Herb variations: Feel free to swap the rosemary and thyme for other fresh herbs like basil or dill to suit your taste.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: After the fish has cooled, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: To reheat, I place the cod back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, I can heat it in a microwave, but the texture won’t be as perfect as when it was freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets?

Yes, I can definitely use frozen cod fillets for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Can I substitute the cod with another type of fish?

Absolutely! I’ve tried this recipe with other mild fish like haddock or tilapia, and it works just as well.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so there’s no need to make any changes. Just make sure to check that your seasoning ingredients are gluten-free, especially if you use store-bought herbs or seasoning blends.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

I don’t usually prepare the fish ahead of time, but I can make the marinade and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, I just pour it over the fish and bake as directed.

What side dishes pair well with this baked cod?

I love pairing this dish with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or quinoa. It also goes well with rice pilaf or steamed asparagus for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

This Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs is a perfect meal for anyone looking for a healthy, quick, and delicious dinner. The combination of tender cod, fresh lemon, and fragrant herbs creates a dish that’s full of flavor yet light enough for a satisfying weeknight dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, I can enjoy a flavorful and nutritious meal in under 30 minutes.

Recipe:

Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Pour the lemon and herb mixture over the cod fillets, making sure each fillet is evenly coated.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.