Description
This Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic recipe offers a light, flavorful, and healthy way to prepare cod fillets. The fish is baked to perfection with a zesty lemon and aromatic garlic marinade, finished with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a refreshing citrus touch. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is simple yet elegant and requires only 25 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Extra parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Prepare Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place the fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Brush each fillet generously with the lemon garlic marinade. Arrange lemon slices evenly on top of the fish for added flavor and presentation.
- Bake the Cod: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque throughout and flakes easily when tested with a fork. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with extra fresh parsley and additional lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, choose fresh, firm cod fillets that are similar in size for even cooking.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can add an extra clove or lightly sauté the garlic before mixing with the marinade.
- Feel free to substitute parsley with fresh dill or basil for variation.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
- Do not overcook the fish to avoid dryness; check doneness by gently flaking the thickest part of the fillet with a fork.
