![When I make Lemon Garlic Baked Cod, I focus on fresh and simple ingredients. Here is what you will need for this dish: - Cod Fillets - 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each) - Marinade Components - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zest and juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - Garnishes and Serving Suggestions - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) These ingredients create a bright and flavorful meal. The cod fillets soak up the lemon and garlic, making each bite delicious. For the full recipe, check the previous section. Enjoy cooking! Preheating the Oven First, you must preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the cod evenly and keeps it moist. Making the Marinade In a small bowl, whisk together these ingredients: - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zest and juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste This marinade adds flavor and keeps the fish tender. Marinating the Cod Place your cod fillets in a baking dish. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring each fillet is well-coated. Let it marinate for 15 to 20 minutes while the oven heats up. This waiting time allows the fish to absorb all those delicious flavors. Setting the Baking Dish Once marinated, make sure the cod is in a single layer in your baking dish. This helps it cook evenly. Cooking Time and Temperature Put the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake the cod for 12 to 15 minutes. The fish should be flaky and white when done. Determining Doneness To check if the cod is cooked, use a fork. If it flakes easily, it is ready. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the fish dry. Presentation Tips For a nice look, serve the cod on a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside roasted vegetables. Drizzle any leftover marinade from the baking dish over the cod for extra flavor. Recommended Side Dishes Pair your lemon garlic baked cod with a fresh salad or rice. These sides complement the dish well. Serving with Sauce You can serve the cod with lemon wedges on the side. This adds a zesty kick. Enjoy your meal! For the complete recipe, you can refer to the full recipe. - Ensuring Perfectly Flaky Fish To get flaky fish, bake it at 400°F (200°C). This high heat cooks the cod fast and keeps it moist. Use a fork to check if it flakes easily. If it does, it’s ready to eat. - Adjusting Cooking Time for Thickness The thickness of your cod fillets affects cooking time. Thinner fillets may need only 12 minutes. Thicker ones can take up to 15 minutes. Always check for doneness to avoid overcooking. - Using Fresh vs. Dried Ingredients Fresh ingredients often add more flavor. For example, fresh garlic has a stronger taste than dried. However, dried herbs like oregano last longer and are great when fresh ones are not available. - Adding Spices or Herbs Feel free to boost flavor by adding spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat. Fresh dill or thyme can give a unique twist to your dish. - Utilizing Citrus Variations While lemon is classic, you can use lime or orange for a different taste. Each citrus fruit brings its own zing, making your cod dish exciting. - Experimenting with Marinades Marinades are key to flavor. Try adding soy sauce or honey for a sweet-savory combo. Mixing flavors can create a dish that feels new each time you make it. For the complete recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} What other fish can I use for this recipe? You can try other white fish like haddock or snapper. These fish have a mild flavor and cook well, just like cod. Salmon or tilapia also work great. Salmon adds a rich taste, while tilapia is light and flaky. What can I use instead of olive oil or garlic? If you want a different oil, avocado oil is a great choice. It’s healthy and has a nice flavor. For garlic, try shallots or garlic powder. They give a similar taste but with a twist. Are there gluten-free options? Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free. Just make sure any added condiments or spices are also gluten-free. You can enjoy this dish without worry. How can I cook this dish on the grill? To grill, preheat your grill to medium heat. Use a grill pan or foil to prevent the fish from falling through. Follow the same marinating steps and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side. What if I want to use an air fryer? Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the marinated cod in the basket and cook for 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness by seeing if the fish flakes easily. For the full recipe, check out the details above. For leftover Lemon Garlic Baked Cod, you want to keep it fresh. First, let the cod cool down. Then place it in an airtight container. This helps to keep its flavor and moisture. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat it, you can reheat it. The best way is to use the oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat it for about 10 minutes. This keeps the fish moist and tasty. You can also freeze baked cod for later use. To freeze, let the cod cool completely. Wrap each fillet in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze cod for up to three months. When you want to eat it, you need to thaw it first. The best way is to place it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use cold water. Just submerge the wrapped cod in cold water for about an hour. After thawing, reheat it as mentioned before. For the full recipe, refer to the section above! How long do I bake cod at 400°F? Bake cod for about 12 to 15 minutes. The fish should flake easily when done. Can I use frozen cod fillets? Yes, frozen cod works well. Just thaw them first for best results. What dishes pair well with Lemon Garlic Baked Cod? Serve it with sautéed spinach, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad. Rice or quinoa also make great sides. How do I know when cod is fully cooked? Cod is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. It should also look opaque. Can I prepare the marinade in advance? Yes, you can make the marinade a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge until you need it. What wine goes best with cod? A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely with cod. It enhances the lemon flavor. For the complete process, check the [Full Recipe]. To sum up, this guide walked you through baking cod perfectly. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips to ensure a tasty meal. There are variations to try, from different fish to cooking methods. I also shared how to store leftovers and answered FAQs to make cooking easier for you. By following this guide, you can enjoy a delicious cod dish anytime. Now, it's time to get cooking and taste the results!](https://cookingwells.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/c01bc97d-39c6-4d9a-bab8-46ceae5b4aed-250x250.webp)
Lemon Garlic Baked Cod
Discover how to make the perfect Lemon Garlic Baked Cod that's bursting with flavor and quick to prepare! This easy recipe features tender cod fillets marinated in olive oil, fresh garlic, and zesty lemon, baked to perfection in just 15 minutes. Ideal for a healthy dinner option, this dish will impress your family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and presentation tips that will elevate your meal!