Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic (Printable view)

Tender cod fillets oven-baked with lemon, garlic, and herbs for a light, satisfying 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

# Steps:

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 until well combined.
04 - Pour the marinade evenly over the cod fillets, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated on all sides.
05 - Sprinkle chopped parsley, thyme leaves, and smoked paprika evenly over the fish for maximum flavor coverage.
06 - Arrange lemon slices on top or around the fillets to enhance both presentation and citrus flavor during baking.
07 - Bake in the preheated oven for 16 to 20 minutes, or until the cod is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork.
08 - Remove from the oven and let the fish rest for 2 minutes before serving warm with your choice of sides.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes from start to finish
  • The marinade creates layers of flavor without overwhelming the delicate fish
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully for next day lunches
02 -
  • Overcooking is the enemy of cod, so check at 16 minutes
  • The fish continues cooking slightly after leaving the oven
  • Patting the fillets dry helps them bake rather than steam
03 -
  • Let the fish come to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving brightens everything

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