Lemon Garlic Baked Cod

$- 4 cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each) - 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced - 1 lemon (zest and juice) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) When I make Lemon Garlic Baked Cod, I start with fresh ingredients. Fresh cod fillets are key for the best taste. You can find them in the seafood section of your grocery store. I love using extra virgin olive oil; it adds a rich flavor. Fresh garlic brings a wonderful aroma to the dish. Zesting the lemon gives a nice citrus kick. The spices are simple but effective. Dried oregano complements the fish well. Smoked paprika adds a hint of warmth. Don't forget salt and freshly cracked pepper; they enhance every bite. For garnish, I use fresh parsley. It makes the dish look bright and inviting. Serving lemon wedges on the side allows you to add more zing. This combination creates a meal that is simple yet flavorful. - Calories per serving: About 260 - Macronutrients breakdown: - Carbs: 6g - Protein: 25g - Fat: 16g - Dietary considerations: Gluten-free, low-carb This dish is a great option for a healthy meal. It is low in carbs and high in protein. The healthy fats from the olive oil are good for your heart. Enjoy this meal without guilt! Eating tasty food can also be nutritious. - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - In a bowl, whisk together: - 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste This marinade creates a bright and bold flavor for the cod. - Lay 4 cod fillets in a light greased baking dish. - Pour the marinade over the cod. - Coat each fillet evenly to soak up flavor. - Let the cod marinate for 15-20 minutes. Marinating helps the fish absorb all the tasty goodness. - Once marinated, place the dish in the oven. - Bake the cod for 12-15 minutes. - Check for doneness: the fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. After baking, let the cod rest for 2-3 minutes. This step helps keep it juicy. To marinate cod well, start with a flavorful mix. Use fresh garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Mix these ingredients in a bowl. Coat the fillets fully. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes. This time is key for deep flavors. For the best texture, bake at 400°F (200°C). Check the cod after 12 minutes. It should look opaque and flake easily. If it resists, give it a few more minutes. Don’t rush this step; it makes all the difference. Presentation can elevate your dish. Place the cod on a bed of bright spinach. Or serve it with colorful roasted veggies. Drizzle leftover marinade over the cod. This adds a zesty touch and makes it shine. For sides, consider a light salad or steamed rice. Both work well to balance the dish's flavors. Lemon wedges are perfect too. They add a fresh squeeze of flavor on your plate. One big mistake is overcooking the cod. It can turn dry and tough. Check the fish after 12 minutes, as noted. If it’s undercooked, it’s easy to pop it back in the oven. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Cod can taste bland without proper seasoning. Be generous with salt and pepper. The marinade should pack a punch. Trust your taste buds here; they know best. {{image_4}} To make your Lemon Garlic Baked Cod even better, add some herbs and spices. Here are a few ideas: - Fresh thyme for a light, earthy taste - Dill for a touch of brightness - Red pepper flakes for some heat You can also add vegetables to your dish. This way, you create a one-pan meal that is easy and healthy. Try using: - Asparagus for a crunchy bite - Cherry tomatoes for a sweet burst - Zucchini for a mild flavor You can grill or bake your cod. Grilling gives it a smoky taste. It also creates nice grill marks. When grilling, use a fish basket to keep the cod intact. Cooking in a foil packet is another great option. This method keeps the fish moist and flavorful. Just wrap the cod and marinade in foil and place it on the grill or in the oven. If you can't find cod, don't worry. Other fish work well too. Here are some choices: - Haddock, known for its firm texture - Tilapia, which has a mild flavor - Salmon, for a richer taste For a vegetarian option, consider chickpeas or tofu. Both can soak up flavors well. They also give a nice protein boost to your meal. For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Garlic Baked Cod section. To store leftover Lemon Garlic Baked Cod, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the cod is cool before sealing. The cod stays fresh for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to enjoy it later, follow these steps closely. To freeze baked cod properly, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can keep the cod for up to two months. When you want to eat it, thaw the cod in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently to keep it moist and tasty. Reheating cod can be tricky, but you can do it well. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the cod in a baking dish. Cover it loosely with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This keeps the cod flaky and flavorful. Cod should bake for 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This time works well for cod fillets. The fish cooks quickly due to its light texture. Bake until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If you bake it too long, it will dry out. Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thaw the fish overnight in the fridge for best results. You can also use the quick-thaw method by placing it in cold water for about an hour. This ensures even cooking and helps the fish stay moist. Some great sides for this cod dish include: - Sautéed spinach - Roasted veggies - Rice pilaf - Quinoa salad These sides add color and nutrition. They also complement the zesty flavor of the cod. You can tell cod is cooked when it is opaque and flakes easily. Use a fork to test it. If it flakes without resistance, it’s ready. The fish should not be translucent at all. This ensures you have a perfectly cooked meal. This blog post shared a simple yet delicious recipe for Lemon Garlic Baked Cod. You learned about the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect baking, and ways to store leftovers. My final thought is that cooking can be fun and rewarding. With this recipe, you can create a healthy meal that impresses everyone. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving ideas, and make this dish your own!$

Discover the deliciousness of Lemon Garlic Baked Cod, a simple yet flavorful recipe that will impress your family and friends! With just a few ingredients like fresh garlic, lemon, and herbs, you can create a mouthwatering dish that’s ready in about 35 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this baked cod is sure to become a favorite. Click through to explore the full recipe and start cooking your new go-to meal today!

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Ingredients

4 cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each)

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced

1 lemon (zest and juice)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for achieving perfectly baked cod.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined. Then, add in the dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly cracked pepper—mixing until you have a vibrant marinade.

Lay the cod fillets in a large, lightly greased baking dish. Pour the marinade over the fillets, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor. Allow the fillets to marinate for 15-20 minutes while your oven reaches the desired temperature.

Once marinated, carefully place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake the cod for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork when tested.

After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let the fish rest for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing flavor and moisture.

Before serving, garnish the cod generously with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 35 min | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: For an appealing plate, arrange the cod on a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside a vibrant mix of roasted vegetables. Drizzle any remaining marinade from the baking dish over the fillets just before serving for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your delicious, zesty creation!