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Lemon Baked Cod
A Simple Tradition with a Fresh Twist
Every Sunday evening, my grandmother would serve a beautifully baked white fish with fresh herbs and lemon slices. It was the kind of dinner that brought us together after a long week—light, flavorful, and comforting. Years later, I’ve carried on this tradition with my own twist: this lemon baked cod recipe. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and elegant enough for a weekend dinner party. The buttery citrus sauce and flaky cod fillets make this dish an instant classic in our family and, hopefully, in yours too.
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Table of Contents
Why Will You Like This Recipe?
This recipe is quick, healthy, and requires minimal ingredients. With its zesty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, lemon baked cod is perfect for anyone seeking a fresh and satisfying seafood dinner.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 136 calories per serving
Ingredients for Lemon Baked C
- ■ 4 cod fillets (4 ounces each)
- ■ 1/4 cup butter, softened
- ■ 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ■ 1 tablespoon minced parsley
- ■ 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ■ 1/2 teaspoon salt
- ■ 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- ■ 4 slices lemon
Modification Tip: This lemon baked cod recipe also works well with tilapia, haddock, or any firm white fish. Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
ANNONCE
How to Bake Cod with Lemon
Step One: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a large rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
Step Two: Mix the Flavored Butter
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, lemon juice, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with a fork until fully combined.
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Step Three: Coat the Cod
Spread the lemon-butter mixture evenly over each cod fillet. Top each piece with a fresh slice of lemon.
Step Four: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cod in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Variations and Customizations
- Add Veggies: Bake with asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini on the side for a complete one-pan meal.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of paprika or red pepper flakes to the butter mix for extra flavor.
- Low-Fat Option: Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter dish.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked cod in a sealed container for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes, or gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or lemon juice.
Tips and Additional Ideas
- Fresh cod is best, but frozen cod works well too—just thaw before baking.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easier cleanup.
- For an elegant touch, sprinkle with capers or drizzle with white wine before baking.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 136 kcal
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 46mg
- Sodium: 379mg
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How do you bake cod and lemon?
Simply coat the cod with a lemon-butter mixture, top with lemon slices, and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
Q2: Is baked cod healthy for you?
Yes, cod is a lean source of protein and low in calories. Baking it with lemon adds flavor without extra calories.
Q3: Can you cook cod in the oven?
Absolutely! Baking cod is one of the easiest and healthiest methods to prepare this fish.
Q4: What does baked cod taste like?
Baked cod has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a tender, flaky texture. The lemon butter enhances its natural taste.
Q5: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the butter mix and coat the fish ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
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Easy Lemon Baked Cod
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Easy Lemon Baked Cod
- 4 cod fillets about 5-6 oz each, skinless and boneless
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Pour the lemon mixture over the fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
