Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic: A Healthy, Easy Fish Recipe

Introduction: If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s packed with citrusy zest and the delightful taste of fresh fish, Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is the perfect recipe for you. This dish combines the delicate flavor of cod fillets with a simple yet powerful blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs. Baked to perfection, this easy fish recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving something light but satisfying.

Why Choose Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic? There are many reasons to love Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic. It’s an incredibly versatile, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that doesn’t require a lot of effort, yet delivers exceptional flavor. Here’s why this recipe will become one of your favorites:

• Light and Nutritious: Cod is an excellent source of lean protein and low in fat. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health. Paired with the brightness of lemon and the aromatic flavor of garlic, this dish is a nutritional powerhouse.
• Quick to Prepare: With only 12–15 minutes of cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you need a nutritious meal in a short amount of time.
• Minimal Ingredients: With only a handful of simple ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and dried thyme, you can create a flavorful fish dish without any fuss.
• Full of Flavor: The combination of zesty lemon, garlic, and herbs creates a flavorful profile that enhances the natural taste of the cod. The fish becomes flaky, tender, and perfectly seasoned.
• Adaptable to Your Taste: This recipe can easily be adjusted based on your preferences. You can add more garlic, adjust the herbs, or even add a sprinkle of cheese on top for a different twist.

Ingredients for Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

Before you get started with the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients needed to make this delicious lemon-garlic cod:

• 4 cod fillets (fresh or thawed): Cod is a mild-tasting fish that has a firm texture and flakes beautifully when cooked. Fresh or thawed fillets both work well for this recipe.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil adds healthy fats and helps to keep the fish moist while baking. It also contributes to the flavor.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice provides the tangy citrus flavor that complements the fish perfectly.
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest: Lemon zest adds an intense citrus fragrance and flavor to the dish.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic offers a savory punch that pairs beautifully with lemon.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Thyme adds an earthy, slightly minty flavor that enhances the fish.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Paprika gives the dish a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful color.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Basic seasonings that are essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
• Lemon slices, for garnish: Lemon slices not only add a fresh garnish but also allow guests to squeeze extra citrus on their fish if desired.
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Fresh parsley provides a burst of color and freshness that lightens up the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to dive into the preparation of Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic. Follow these simple steps to create a tender, flavorful fish dinner that will leave you craving more:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

The first step is to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will allow the cod to cook quickly and evenly, ensuring a perfectly flaky texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Cod

Place the cod fillets in a baking dish. Make sure the fillets are evenly spaced, as this will ensure that they cook uniformly. Drizzle olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the fish, ensuring that each fillet is well-coated. The olive oil helps keep the fish moist, while the lemon juice adds tang and enhances the overall flavor.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, lemon zest, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. This flavorful garlic mixture will be spread over the cod fillets to infuse them with aromatic herbs and spices. The lemon zest contributes a vibrant citrus flavor, while the garlic provides savory richness.

Step 4: Season the Fish

Evenly spread the garlic mixture over the cod fillets. You can use a spoon or your hands to ensure that the mixture is spread out evenly on top of each fillet. This will allow the fish to absorb all the flavors from the garlic, lemon, and thyme as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the cod for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Cod cooks quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on it. When done, the fish will have a flaky and tender texture and will be beautifully golden around the edges.

Step 6: Serve

Once the cod is cooked, remove it from the oven. Garnish the fish with lemon slices and a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. The lemon slices not only add color to the dish but also provide additional tang for those who prefer extra citrus. The parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the rich flavors of the fish.

Tips for Perfect Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

• Don’t Overcook the Fish: Cod cooks quickly, so be sure to check for doneness after 12 minutes. The fish should flake easily with a fork when it’s done.
• Add a Touch of Butter: If you want an even richer flavor, add a small pat of butter on top of each fillet before baking. This will make the fish even more tender and flavorful.
• Serve with a Side Salad: A simple green salad or a light cucumber salad would be a perfect accompaniment to this dish, adding a refreshing contrast to the savory fish.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic mixture for a kick.

Health Benefits of Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

Cod is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. It’s also low in fat, making it an ideal choice for those watching their calorie intake or following a healthy eating plan. Additionally, cod is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and can reduce inflammation in the body.

The garlic in this recipe not only enhances flavor but also boasts a range of health benefits. Garlic is known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties and has been linked to improving heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Finally, the lemon adds vitamin C, which is important for boosting the immune system and promoting healthy skin. Combined with the fresh parsley, which is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, this dish provides a nutritious, flavorful meal that supports overall wellness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking, as this ensures the fish will cook evenly.

2. Can I use other types of fish?
If you don’t have cod on hand, you can substitute it with other white fish such as tilapia, halibut, or flounder. These fish have a similar texture and flavor profile.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best to bake cod right before serving, you can prep the garlic mixture and coat the fish a few hours in advance. When ready to cook, simply bake it as directed.

4. How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Make sure not to overcook it, as cod can become dry.

5. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add some roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini around the cod while baking. They’ll soak up some of the delicious lemon-garlic flavor.

Conclusion: A Simple and Delicious Fish Dish

In conclusion, Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is an easy-to-make, healthy, and flavorful fish recipe that anyone can enjoy. The combination of fresh cod, garlic, and lemon creates a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or special meal. With minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps, this recipe is an excellent way to incorporate more fish into your diet without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or a seasoned pro, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it out today and enjoy the delicious flavors of lemon-garlic cod!

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