Baked Cod with Lemon & Garlic is a clean, elegant, and effortlessly delicious seafood recipe that highlights the natural flavor of cod while enhancing it with bright citrus, aromatic garlic, and rich olive oil. This dish is light yet satisfying, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, Mediterranean-style eating, or anyone seeking a nutritious meal without sacrificing taste.

With minimal ingredients and a foolproof baking method, this recipe proves that great seafood doesn’t need to be complicated. Tender, flaky cod paired with lemon and garlic delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes.

Why Baked Cod Is a Go-To Healthy Dinner

Cod is one of the most versatile white fish available. When baked properly, it becomes:

Moist and flaky
Mild in flavor
Easy to season

Quick to cook

Combined with lemon and garlic, cod transforms into a dish that feels fresh, comforting, and refined.

What Makes Cod Ideal for Baking

Cod’s lean flesh cooks evenly and absorbs flavors exceptionally well. Baking cod allows:

Gentle, even heat
Retention of moisture
Minimal added fat

Easy cleanup

Unlike pan-frying, baking ensures a tender texture without the risk of drying out—especially when paired with olive oil and citrus.

The Power of Lemon and Garlic

This classic pairing works because:

Lemon adds brightness and balances richness
Garlic provides warmth and savory depth
Olive oil carries flavor and prevents dryness

Together, they enhance cod without overpowering its delicate taste.

Ingredients Overview

Main Ingredients

4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon

Seasoning

½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

Fresh Finish

Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices, for garnish

Optional Add-Ins

Capers

Cherry tomatoes
White wine splash
Butter for richness

How to Choose the Best Cod

When selecting cod, look for:

Firm, translucent flesh
Mild, ocean-fresh smell

No discoloration or dryness

Fresh or frozen cod both work well. If frozen, thaw fully and pat dry before baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Cod

Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Mixture

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 4: Season the Fish

Spoon the lemon garlic mixture evenly over the cod fillets. Add lemon slices on top if desired.

Step 5: Bake

Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

How to Tell When Cod Is Perfectly Cooked

Properly baked cod will:

Flake easily with a fork
Appear opaque throughout
Reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C)

Avoid overcooking, as cod can dry out quickly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping drying the fish: Leads to excess moisture
Overbaking: Results in dry texture
Under-seasoning: Cod needs adequate salt
Using too much lemon juice: Can overpower the fish

Serving Suggestions

Baked cod pairs beautifully with:

Roasted vegetables
Garlic potatoes or rice
Steamed green beans or asparagus

Fresh salad with vinaigrette

Serve with crusty bread to soak up the lemon-garlic juices.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F or in a covered skillet.

Freezing

Not recommended after cooking, as texture may change.

Healthy Benefits of Baked Cod

High in lean protein

Low in calories and fat
Rich in vitamin B12
Supports heart and brain health

This dish fits well into Mediterranean, low-fat, and high-protein diets.

Recipe Variations

Mediterranean-Style Cod

Add olives, cherry tomatoes, and oregano.

Butter Lemon Cod

Finish with a pat of butter for extra richness.

Spicy Lemon Cod

Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.

Herb-Crusted Cod

Top with breadcrumbs, parsley, and olive oil before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use another fish?
Yes—haddock, pollock, or halibut work well.

Q2: Can I bake cod from frozen?
Yes, but increase cooking time and season after initial thawing.

Q3: Is cod sustainable?
Look for responsibly sourced Atlantic or Pacific cod.

Q4: Can I cook this in foil?
Yes—foil creates a steaming effect and extra moisture.

Why This Baked Cod Recipe Works

Simple ingredient list
Quick cooking time
Foolproof method

Clean, fresh flavors
Suitable for all skill levels

It’s a reliable seafood recipe you can make again and again.

Conclusion

Baked Cod with Lemon & Garlic is the definition of effortless elegance. Light, flaky fish combined with bold yet balanced flavors makes this dish a standout choice for healthy dinners, special occasions, or everyday meals. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe that delivers consistency, nutrition, and satisfaction every time.

Baked Cod with Lemon & Garlic: A Simple, Healthy Seafood Dinner

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi (or 12 oz low-carb cauliflower gnocchi)
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small zucchini, ribboned with a veggie peeler
• 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• ½ cup fresh basil pesto (homemade or clean store-bought—check for no added sugar)
• 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted
• Sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper
• Optional: shaved Parmesan or vegan “Parm”; fresh basil leaves

Homemade Quick Pesto (5 min, no pine nuts needed):
→ Blend 2 cups packed basil, ¼ cup walnuts or hemp seeds, 2 garlic cloves, ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast (or Parmesan), juice of ½ lemon, salt.

Instructions

Cook gnocchi according to package (usually boil 2–3 min until they float). Drain, reserving ¼ cup water.
While gnocchi cooks, heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add tomatoes; sauté 3–4 min until blistered. Add zucchini and garlic; cook 2 min until just tender. Season with salt & pepper.
Add cooked gnocchi and pesto to skillet. Toss gently with reserved pasta water as needed to create a light, clinging sauce.

Remove from heat. Stir in toasted pine nuts.
Serve immediately, topped with extra basil, cheese (if using), and a drizzle of olive oil.