Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic

Tender, flaky cod meets bold Mediterranean flavors in this baked cod recipe, finished with a savory garlic and lemon sauce. A blend of coriander, paprika, and cumin adds warmth to the mild fish, creating a flavorful seafood dinner that comes together in just over 20 minutes.

Cod is a great choice when you want a fish that cooks quickly and has a delicate flavor. Its mild taste makes it easy to pair with bolder seasonings, allowing the garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean spices to shine without overwhelming the fish.

The combination of fresh lemon, garlic, and warm spices gives this dish its distinctive character. As the cod bakes, the flavors come together in a tasty sauce that complements the fish’s naturally tender texture.

Wondering whether frozen cod will work? It absolutely can. Depending on where you live in the United States, fish displayed as fresh at the seafood counter may have been frozen and thawed before being sold.

Flash frozen fish, on the other hand, is frozen quickly after being caught to preserve its freshness. Quality frozen wild caught fish can also be more affordable, making it a practical option for this recipe.

If you’re using frozen cod fillets or cod loins, make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. Once thawed, they’re ready to take on the garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean seasonings that make this baked cod so flavorful.

Easy Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic

5.0 Stars (2 Reviews)

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This Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic is one of the best fish recipes out there! This boozy sangria punch makes enough to serve a crowd. Add fresh garnishes to elevate this adult beverage into something you’d be served at an ocean side resort!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 22 minutes

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb Cod fillet pieces, 4-6 pieces
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves

Lemon Sauce:

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• 5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 5 garlic cloves, minced

For Coating:

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• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 3/4 tsp sweet Spanish paprika
• 3/4 tsp ground cumin
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and melted butter, leaving out the garlic for later. In a separate shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, spices, salt, and pepper. Set both mixtures aside.
2. Pat the fish dry with paper towels, then dip each fillet into the lemon mixture before coating it in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour and reserve the remaining lemon sauce for later.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet or other oven-safe pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers but does not smoke. Add the fish and sear for about 2 minutes on each side, just until lightly golden without cooking it all the way through. Remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Stir the minced garlic into the reserved lemon sauce, then drizzle the mixture evenly over the fish.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, checking a little earlier to prevent overcooking. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.
6. Finish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

• Serve the fish immediately with Lebanese rice and a fresh Mediterranean chickpea salad or traditional Greek salad for a complete meal.
• Cook’s Tip: Step 3 has been added to the recipe to help the fish develop more color. When turning the fish in the skillet, use a fish spatula to handle it carefully and avoid breaking the fillets.
• Storing Leftovers: Allow any leftover fish to cool slightly, then place it in a shallow glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 days or freeze for up to one month. Keep in mind that freezing can sometimes change the fish’s texture, so refrigerating it is the preferred option.

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