Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic

Baked cod with lemon and garlic is a quick, Mediterranean-inspired recipe that’s both light and satisfying. Flaky, tender cod fillets are coated with warm spices, seared for a golden crust, then baked in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce. This easy fish dinner is ready in just over 20 minutes and pairs perfectly with fresh salads, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is flavorful, healthy, and incredibly simple to prepare. Cod is a mild, versatile fish that takes on bold Mediterranean spices beautifully, while the lemon and garlic sauce infuses it with brightness and depth. You only need a handful of ingredients and one skillet, making it a perfect weeknight option. Plus, the combination of lemon, olive oil, and fresh parsley keeps it fresh, light, and family-friendly.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cod fillets

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Lemon juice

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Melted butter

• Garlic, minced

• All-purpose flour

• Ground coriander

• Sweet paprika

• Ground cumin

• Kosher salt

• Black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, and melted butter (reserve garlic for later).

3. In another shallow bowl, combine flour, coriander, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.

4. Pat the cod fillets dry. Dip each piece in the lemon mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Reserve remaining lemon mixture.

5. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear cod for about 2 minutes per side until lightly golden. Remove skillet from heat.

6. Stir minced garlic into the reserved lemon mixture, then pour over the cod.

7. Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4–5

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 12 minutes

• Total time: 22 minutes

Variations

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture.

• Citrus swap: Use lime or orange juice instead of lemon for a different citrus flavor.

• Herb twist: Garnish with fresh dill, cilantro, or oregano instead of parsley.

• Gluten-free: Substitute flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.

• Pan-only method: If you don’t want to bake, continue cooking in the skillet over medium-low heat until the cod is fully cooked.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Reheat gently in a 300°F oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking and drying out the fish.

• Freezing is possible for up to 1 month, but the texture may change slightly after thawing.

FAQs

What type of cod should I use for this recipe?

Both fresh and frozen cod fillets (thawed properly) work well. Cod loins are especially good for baking because of their thickness.

Can I use frozen cod?

Yes. Thaw it in cold water while still sealed in packaging for 15–20 minutes before cooking.

How do I know when cod is fully cooked?

The fish should turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Can I use another type of fish?

Yes, haddock, halibut, pollock, or tilapia can all be used with similar cooking times.

Do I need to sear the cod before baking?

Searing helps create a golden crust and enhances flavor, but you can skip this step if short on time.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes. Cod is low in calories, high in protein, and rich in nutrients. Olive oil and lemon add healthy fats and antioxidants.

What sides go best with baked cod?

Greek salad, roasted vegetables, lemon rice, couscous, or even mashed potatoes all pair beautifully.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Replace butter with more olive oil for a dairy-free version.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can dredge the fish and mix the sauce ahead, but cook the fish just before serving for the best texture.

Why is my cod mushy?

Overcooking or improper thawing can cause mushiness. Be sure to pat fish dry before cooking and monitor closely while baking.

Conclusion

Baked cod with lemon and garlic is a fresh, flavorful dish that’s quick enough for weeknights but elegant enough for guests. With a golden sear, bold Mediterranean spices, and a bright citrus-garlic sauce, this recipe transforms simple cod into a standout meal. Pair it with your favorite salad, rice, or roasted veggies for a complete, satisfying dinner.