Baked Cod with Lemon, Garlic, and Spices Recipe
This Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic offers a flavorful and healthy way to enjoy fresh cod fillets. The fish is lightly coated with a spiced flour mixture, seared to develop a golden crust, then baked in a zesty lemon, garlic, and butter sauce for a tender, flaky finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Fish and Coating
- 1.5 lb Cod fillet pieces (4–6 pieces)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 3/4 tsp sweet Spanish paprika
- 3/4 tsp ground cumin
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Lemon Garlic Sauce
- 5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cod after searing.
- Prepare Lemon Sauce: In a shallow bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, and melted butter without adding the garlic yet. Set aside for later use.
- Mix Coating: In another shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, ground coriander, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This will create a flavorful coating for the cod.
- Coat the Fish: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Dip each piece first into the lemon sauce, then dredge in the spiced flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour. Keep the reserved lemon sauce for the sauce drizzle.
- Sear the Fish: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe pan over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the coated fish pieces and sear for about 2 minutes on each side until lightly golden but not cooked through. Remove the pan from heat.
- Prepare Garlic Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the remaining lemon sauce and stir well. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the seared cod fillets in the skillet.
- Bake the Cod: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the fish for about 10 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it and start checking slightly earlier to avoid overcooking.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the fish, and serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- To ensure the fish cooks evenly, make sure it is patted dry before coating.
- Use an oven-safe skillet for an easy transition from stovetop to oven.
- If you don’t have sweet Spanish paprika, regular smoked or sweet paprika can be substituted.
- The searing step adds flavor and color but avoid overcooking in this stage to keep the cod tender.
- Feel free to adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for intensity.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
