Description
This baked cod recipe with lemon and garlic delivers tender, flaky fish with a bright citrus flavor and a lightly seasoned crust. The cod is gently seared, then baked in a rich lemon garlic sauce made with olive oil and butter, creating a simple yet elegant seafood dish that feels fresh, comforting, and satisfying. Perfect for an easy dinner while still feeling special and well balanced.
Ingredients
Cod fillet pieces, skinless and fully thawed
Fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
Fresh lemon juice
Extra virgin olive oil
Unsalted butter, melted
Fresh garlic cloves, minced
All purpose flour
Ground coriander
Sweet Spanish paprika
Ground cumin
Fine sea salt
Ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven until fully heated and ready for baking
2. Whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, and melted butter together in a shallow bowl and set aside
3. Mix the flour, coriander, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a separate shallow bowl
4. Pat the cod fillets dry to remove excess moisture
5. Dip each fillet into the lemon sauce, then coat lightly in the seasoned flour mixture
6. Heat olive oil in an oven safe skillet until shimmering
7. Sear the cod fillets briefly on each side until lightly golden
8. Remove the skillet from heat once the fish has color
9. Stir the minced garlic into the remaining lemon sauce
10. Drizzle the garlic lemon sauce evenly over the cod fillets
11. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until the fish flakes easily
12. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley
13. Serve immediately while warm and juicy.
Notes
Cod cooks quickly, so avoid leaving it in the oven longer than needed to prevent dryness
Thicker fillets may need slightly more time than thinner ones
Fresh lemon juice gives the brightest flavor and should not be replaced with bottled juice
If the garlic is added too early, it may burn, so always mix it into the sauce after searing
The fish is done when it flakes easily but still looks moist inside
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American