Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic (Printable)
Tender cod fillets baked with lemon, garlic, and herbs for a light, healthy meal ready in 30 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fish & Marinade
01 - 4 cod fillets (about 5 ounces each), boneless, skinless
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - Juice of 1 lemon
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Flavor & Herbs
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - Lemon slices, for garnish
# Method:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
02 - Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
04 - Pour the marinade evenly over the cod fillets, ensuring each is well coated.
05 - Sprinkle chopped parsley, thyme leaves, and smoked paprika over the fish.
06 - Arrange lemon slices on top or around the fillets for extra flavor and presentation.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 16–20 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
08 - Remove from the oven, let rest for 2 minutes, then serve warm with your favorite sides.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The cod emerges impossibly tender, like it's been braising for hours instead of just twenty minutes
- That bright lemon garlic marinade somehow makes you feel fancy even on the most exhausted weeknights
02 -
- Overcooking is the only thing that can ruin this, so check at 16 minutes even if you doubt it's done
- Room temperature fish cooks more evenly, so try to let it sit out for 15 minutes before starting
03 -
- Parchment paper means you can literally just crumple it up and toss it when done
- A white wine like Chardonnay somehow makes this feel complete and restaurant worthy