Simple Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic
This easy baked cod is tender, flaky, and bright with lemon, garlic, and a little butter. It is a quick weeknight dinner that feels fresh without asking much of the cook.
Total
22 min
Servings
4 servings
Level
Easy
Baked cod is one of those dinners that works when you want something light, fast, and not fussy. Cod has a mild flavor and a firm texture, so it pairs well with simple seasonings like lemon, garlic, parsley, and butter.
This recipe uses a hot oven and a short cook time to keep the fish moist. The key is to stop baking as soon as the cod flakes easily with a fork, instead of waiting until it looks dry.
Serve it with roasted potatoes, rice, couscous, steamed green beans, or a simple salad. The lemony pan juices are worth spooning over everything on the plate.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
11 items · 4 servings
- 4 cod fillets, about 5 to 6 ounces each, fresh or thawed if frozen
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for the baking dish
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
02How to make it
Step-by-step
1. Heat the oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a baking dish large enough to hold the cod in a single layer. If the fillets are crowded, they will steam more than bake.
2. Dry the fish
Pat the cod dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and keeps extra water from pooling in the dish, especially if you are using thawed frozen fish.
3. Season the cod
Place the cod fillets in the prepared dish. Drizzle them with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika. Rub the seasonings gently over the top of each piece.
4. Mix the lemon garlic butter
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Spoon the mixture evenly over the cod.
5. Bake until flaky
Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If you use a thermometer, the thickest part should read 145°F.
6. Rest briefly
Let the fish rest in the dish for 2 minutes. This short rest helps the juices settle and makes the cod easier to lift without breaking.
7. Finish and serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve right away with lemon wedges and spoon the buttery lemon pan juices over the fish.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- Make-ahead: You can mix the lemon garlic butter up to 2 days ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Melt it gently before using. For the best texture, do not bake the cod ahead if you can avoid it.
- Storage: Store leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave at reduced power. Fish dries out quickly, so warm it only until heated through.
- Using frozen cod: Thaw frozen cod overnight in the refrigerator, then pat it very dry. Frozen fish often releases more water, so drying it well makes a big difference.
- Swaps: Haddock, pollock, halibut, or tilapia can be used in place of cod. Thicker fish may need a few more minutes, while thin fillets may cook faster.
- No fresh parsley? Use chopped dill, chives, or a small pinch of dried parsley. Fresh herbs give the brightest flavor, but the dish will still work without them.
- Dairy-free option: Replace the butter with more olive oil. The sauce will be lighter but still lemony and flavorful.
Cook's note
Cod fillets vary a lot in thickness. Start checking thin fillets at 9 or 10 minutes. Very thick center-cut pieces may need closer to 14 or 15 minutes.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
How do I know when baked cod is done?
Cod is done when it is opaque all the way through and flakes apart easily with a fork. The safest way to check is with an instant-read thermometer; the thickest part should reach 145°F.
Can I bake cod from frozen?
It is better to thaw it first for even cooking and better texture. If you must bake it from frozen, rinse off any ice glaze, pat it dry, and add several extra minutes. Seasonings may not stick as well.
Why did my baked cod turn watery?
Cod can release liquid as it cooks, especially if it was frozen. Pat the fish dry before baking and use a dish that holds the fillets in one layer. A little liquid is normal and will mix with the lemon butter.
What should I serve with baked cod?
Baked cod goes well with roasted potatoes, rice, quinoa, couscous, steamed vegetables, asparagus, green beans, or a crisp salad. Bread is also useful for soaking up the pan juices.
Can I use foil or parchment paper?
Yes. You can line the baking dish with parchment for easier cleanup. Foil also works, but brush it with oil first so the fish is less likely to stick.
05Keep cooking
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