Description
Mediterranean-inspired easy baked cod recipe delights seafood enthusiasts with its simple preparation. Lemon, herbs, and olive oil create a light, flavorful dish you will savor at your next dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cod fillets (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with cooking spray.
- Seasoning Blend: Create a flavor-packed marinade by combining olive oil, garlic, paprika, parsley, onion powder, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl.
- Fillet Preparation: Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Thoroughly coat each fillet with the seasoning mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Baking Process: Transfer the seasoned cod to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Look for a translucent appearance and the ability to easily flake with a fork, indicating perfect doneness.
- Temperature Check: Confirm the internal temperature reaches 145F (63C) to ensure both safety and optimal texture of the fish.
- Finishing Touch: Remove cod from the oven, drizzle with additional fresh lemon juice, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve alongside lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Select Fresh Fish: Choose high-quality, fresh cod with firm, translucent flesh and a clean ocean scent to ensure optimal taste and texture.
- Moisture Removal Technique: Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels to prevent steaming and achieve a crisp, golden exterior during baking.
- Seasoning Balance: Apply seasonings sparingly but evenly, ensuring each fillet gets a consistent flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate fish’s natural taste.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the 145F internal temperature, preventing overcooking that can transform cod into a dry, tough dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg