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This 5-ingredient Lemon Garlic Cod recipe is light, fresh, and easy! Flaky cod is an affordable and healthy dinner option the entire family will enjoy. This recipe is also gluten-free, low-carb, and high in protein—a simple, nutritious meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Table of Contents
- Healthy, Affordable, Flavorful Fish for Dinner
- Ingredients for Baked Lemon Garlic Cod
- How to Make Baked Lemon Garlic Cod
- Prep and Storage Tips for Baked Lemon Garlic Cod
- What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Cod
- Lemon Garlic Cod Recipe Variations and Cook’s Tips
- More Easy Fish Recipes to Try
- Baked Lemon Garlic Cod Recipe
The seafood counter at my local grocery store can be an interesting place. It’s not like picking up chicken breast or ground beef in the meat department, where you know exactly what you’re getting each time.
Instead, the seafood counter is a crapshoot. What will be available? Will it be on sale? How the heck will I prepare whatever I come home with?!
While we love seafood as a healthy, simple dinner option, I often find myself stuck in a rut when we grill salmon or make a sheet-pan shrimp dinner at least once a week. If we stick with only what we know, we miss out on many other amazing options!
Healthy, Affordable, Flavorful Fish for Dinner
When I recently found fresh cod for an incredible price behind the seafood counter, I was determined to find the most delicious way to prepare this versatile white fish. No frozen fish sticks this time!
Alaskan cod is a white-fleshed fish that’s tender and mild (perfect for anyone who doesn’t like a strong fishy smell or taste). When cooked, it has a flaky texture and savory flavor. It’s a great choice for fish frys—battered and fried in a crispy batter and served with lemon wedges.
However, baking this flavorful fish with tons of fresh lemon, butter, and herbs is my favorite way to enjoy it. We pack these fish fillets with loads of flavor, pan-sear them for a crispy exterior, and finish them in the oven for the perfect tender, flakey texture.
Ingredients for Baked Lemon Garlic Cod
This easy baked cod recipe requires only 5 simple ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights because it’s ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Below is an overview of the ingredients needed. As always, the complete recipe and ingredient list are in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Cod Fillets: you can use fresh or frozen cod for this recipe. Just make sure your frozen fish is completely thawed beforehand.
- Lemon: fresh lemon juice is the only way to go for this recipe! You’ll need lemon slices and juice.
- Butter: for pan searing the outside of the fish.
- Olive Oil: adds flavor and tenderizes the fish.
- Garlic Powder, Salt, & Black Pepper: simple seasonings to enhance the flavors of this mild fish.
What’s the best cut of cod to use in this baked cod recipe?
You can use cod filets or cod loin for this recipe. Cod loins are a bit thicker than fillets, so they tend to stay juicer while baking. However, fillets are usually more affordable. You can also use frozen fish fillets here too. Thaw them (overnight in the fridge) beforehand and dry any excess moisture with paper towels before cooking.
How to Make Baked Lemon Garlic Cod
This recipe starts on the stovetop and finishes in the oven. Pan searing the fish in olive oil and butter before baking gives it a lightly golden brown exterior and locks in flavor. Finished off with a hefty dose of lemon and herbs, the flavor in this lemon garlic cod just can be beat!
- Season the cod with garlic powder, salt, and pepper,
- Heat butter and olive oil in an oven-safe skillet, then sear the cod for 3-4 minutes.
- Bake the cod in a 350-degree F oven until the fish flakes easily, about 8 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh lemon juice and fresh herbs.
How long does it take to bake cod in the oven?
Depending on the thickness of your fish, it will take anywhere from 15-20 minutes. Thicker fillets will take longer, about 18-20 minutes. Thinner pieces, like cod fillets, will cook completely in 10-15 minutes. In this recipe, we bake the fish for under 10 minutes because we quickly pan-sear it before baking. Under 15 minutes total cooking time!
How do you tell when cod is finished cooking?
Cod should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. The fish is done when the fillets become opaque and flake easily when pulled with a fork! You don’t want overcooked fish, so remove them from the oven at the first sign of that flakey texture.
What’s the safest way to thaw frozen cod fillets?
If you’re working with frozen fillets, there are two ways to thaw them before baking:
- Place the frozen fillets in a freezer bag and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Before baking, take them out and dry off the excess moisture before seasoning.
- Another method is to seal the frozen fish in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water. This is a quicker method if you’re in a time crunch, as it shouldn’t take longer than a half hour.
Prep and Storage Tips for Baked Lemon Garlic Cod
- Make-Ahead: while you don’t want to prep this much ahead of time, you can prepare fresh fish and freeze it to make later. Season fresh fish fillets with lemon juice, butter, olive oil, and seasonings. If you can, vacuum seal the fish and freeze it until ready to make the meal.
- How to Store Baked Cod: the cooked fish will store in the fridge for 1-2 days in an airtight container or frozen for up to one month.
- How to Reheat: reheat cooked lemon garlic cod in the oven at 350 degrees until just warmed through, about 10 minutes. For added moisture, drizzle the fish with olive oil, melted butter, or more lemon juice.
What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Cod
This savory, tangy fish is perfectly paired with simple sides – a side salad, seasoned white or brown rice or couscous, and vegetables. Here are some great side dish options to try.
- Southern Caesar Salad, Greek Salad (omit the shrimp), Green Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad, Couscous Salad
- Sautéed Zucchini, Green Beans and Mushrooms, Roasted Yellow Squash, Sautéed Asparagus with Garlic and Lemon
- Red Skin Mashed Potatoes, Crispy Parmesan Potatoes, Baked Potato Wedges, Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream and Chives
Lemon Garlic Cod Recipe Variations and Cook’s Tips
- When pan-searing the fish, toss some minced garlic cloves with butter and olive oil for added flavor.
- You can skip the pan-searing step altogether and just toss the seasoned fish right into the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, checking the fish after about 10 minutes.
- Make a garlicky lemon butter sauce to pour over the fish! Mix 1/4th cup melted butter, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1-2 teaspoons of minced garlic, then pour or brush it over the fish before baking.
- After searing, fish can be baked in a baking dish, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or in an oven-safe skillet.
- For added flavor, place sliced lemons on top of the cod while it bakes to infuse the fillets with even more citrusy lemon flavor.
- Garnish the finished lemon garlic cod with your favorite herbs – fresh dill, dried or fresh parsley, rosemary, or thyme are all great options.
- Cooking Just for Two? You can easily cut all ingredients in half and cook about 3/4 lb. of fish. The cooking process and time will remain the same.
More Easy Fish Recipes to Try
Baked Lemon Garlic Cod
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs. cod or other similar white fish
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 lemon cut into wedges
- Optional garnish: fresh herbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F (180C).
- Season fish with garlic powder, salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.1 ½ lbs. cod, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, Salt and pepper
- Pour oil into a large oven-proof skillet to coat the bottom of the pan (about 2 tablespoons). Heat over medium heat. Add butter, let it melt.2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons butter
- Place fish in the oil and butter, skin side down. Cook until bottom is lightly browned (about 3-4 minutes).
- Use a spatula to gently turn the fish over.
- Place skillet in the oven and bake for about 8 more minutes, or until fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, and serve.1 lemon, Optional garnish: fresh herbs
Notes
- When pan-searing the fish, toss some minced garlic cloves with butter and olive oil for added flavor.
- You can skip the pan-searing step altogether and just toss the seasoned fish right into the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, checking the fish after about 10 minutes.
- Make a garlicky lemon butter sauce to pour over the fish! Mix 1/4th cup melted butter, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1-2 teaspoons of minced garlic, then pour or brush it over the fish before baking.
- After searing, fish can be baked in a baking dish, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or in an oven-safe skillet.
- For added flavor, place sliced lemons on top of the cod while it bakes to infuse the fillets with even more citrusy lemon flavor.
- Garnish the finished lemon garlic cod with your favorite herbs – fresh dill, dried or fresh parsley, rosemary, or thyme are all great options.
- Cooking Just for Two? You can easily cut all ingredients in half and cook about 3/4 lb. of fish. The cooking process and time will remain the same.
You got that right! The seafood counter is definitely an interesting place. My husband and I usually get salmon or walley, but I’ve got to try this cod! I always forget about cod and I’m loving this easy dish. Lemon and garlic together are one of my favorite flavors and it sounds delicious on fresh fish!
I agree, Gayle — you can’t go wrong with garlic and lemon (plus butter) together! 🙂
I’m always excited to share a recipe, like this baked cod, that looks elegant enough and tastes bright and fresh enough to impress anyone you happen to be cooking for.
With the light, delicate flavors of zesty lemon and fresh sage, this baked cod looks and tastes like a nice restaurant entrée.
Thanks so much, Lisa! I agree — fancy enough for company, but easy enough for a quick weeknight meal! 🙂
I enjoy your recipes, I hope you have a wonderful 4th, my hubby and I are taking my Grandson to the parade here, we live in a small town only 1000 people, but the parade is great and several things going on through the day. Alaric and his Mom will go and enjoy after she gets off work.
Hi, Sheila! Thank you! I hope that you have a fun July 4th as well! We live in a very small town, too. The fireworks are always a big deal, but with little ones I think we’ll skip them this year. Instead we’re looking forward to the county fair next week. Definitely a highlight! 🙂
What an awesome, simple, and healthy idea!!
Hi, Jennifer! Thank you so much!
I love lemon-garlic flavoring on fish! This looks delish!
Thanks, Rachel! I agree — it’s an awesome combo!
This looks so bright and delicious. And easy! A winner.
Exactly! So easy! Such a winner! 🙂
I love this affordable, fast and easy recipe. My family really enjoyed this healthy dinner. Thank you for sharing this.
That’s great, Sheila! Thank you so much for letting me know! 🙂
Hello, my wife has just recently has been put on a low sodium diet so this is perfect ????. Do you have any suggestions for a side/ carb to go with this?
Thank you
Hi, Doug! I’m glad that you found this recipe! It’s such an easy dish to pair with your favorite sides, because so many different flavors will work well with it. As far as carbs go, you can use your favorite bread or dinner rolls (such as a French baguette), rice, wild rice, couscous, pasta tossed with pesto sauce, or even just pasta tossed with salt, pepper, garlic and olive oil. For veggies, I like to serve a simple salad on the side. You could also steam some broccoli, roast asparagus in the oven, or sautee some green beans in a skillet with garlic and olive oil. Enjoy!
I love baked fish with simple flavours, this looks so delicious!
Thanks, Emily!
It would be impossible to get the fish to brown if it is drowning in butter and oily; you should post recipes if you don’t know the basics
I keep a lovely brown glass spray bottle filled with apple cider vinegar. When I put oil into a pan to cook my fish, I spray a couple spritzes of AC vinegar instead of lemon. It’s sheaper than lemon and it’s wonnderful! I also collect various specialty vinegars, such as coconut, pineapple, banana, etc. and they work well too.
Sounds delicious. Thanks for the tip!