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Baked Cod With Lemon And Herbs

Name: Baked Cod With Lemon And Herbs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (6 oz each); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 lemons, juiced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill; 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons lemon zest

By Jonah Aldridge · June 19, 2026 · Mains

Prep15 min

Cook12 min

Total27 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made Baked Cod With Lemon And Herbs for my family. It was a weeknight dinner, and I was looking for something quick, easy, and delicious. I had some cod fillets in the fridge, and I decided to try out a new recipe. The result was amazing - the cod was flaky and tender, and the lemon and herbs added a burst of fresh flavor.

Since then, this recipe has become a staple in our household. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, and it's also impressive enough to serve to guests. The best part is that it's incredibly easy to make - just season the cod, mix together the lemon and herbs, and bake until it's cooked through.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's highly customizable. You can use any type of white fish you like, and you can also adjust the amount of lemon and herbs to your taste. I've even made it with different types of citrus, like lime or orange, and it's always delicious.

If you're looking for a new recipe to add to your rotation, I highly recommend giving Baked Cod With Lemon And Herbs a try. It's a classic dish that's sure to please, and it's also a great way to get more fish into your diet.

In this recipe, I'll walk you through the steps to make Baked Cod With Lemon And Herbs. I'll also share some tips and variations to help you make the most of this dish. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, you'll find that this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a healthy and delicious way to get more fish into your diet
The combination of lemon, herbs, and olive oil creates a bright and flavorful dish
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion
You can customize the recipe to your taste by using different types of fish or citrus
It's a great way to impress your guests with a delicious and elegant dish

Why This Recipe Works

The key to this recipe is the combination of lemon, herbs, and olive oil. The acidity in the lemon helps to break down the proteins in the fish, making it tender and flaky. The herbs add a bright, fresh flavor that complements the richness of the fish. And the olive oil helps to keep the fish moist and add a richness to the dish.

Another important factor is the cooking time and temperature. Baking the cod at a moderate temperature helps to cook it evenly and prevents it from drying out. And by checking the internal temperature of the fish, you can ensure that it's cooked to a safe temperature.

Finally, the resting time after cooking is crucial. This allows the fish to retain its moisture and helps the flavors to meld together. By following these steps, you'll end up with a dish that's not only delicious but also healthy and easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Baked Cod With Lemon And Herbs, you'll need a few simple ingredients. The most important thing is to use fresh and high-quality ingredients, especially the fish and herbs. You'll also need some olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.

When shopping for the ingredients, make sure to choose a sustainable and fresh cod fillet. You can also use other types of white fish, such as tilapia or mahi-mahi. For the herbs, you can use any combination of parsley, dill, and thyme that you like.

4 cod fillets (6 oz each)Choose fresh and sustainable cod fillets for the best flavor and texture
2 tablespoons olive oilUse a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor
2 lemons, juicedUse fresh lemons for the best flavor and acidity
4 cloves garlic, mincedMince the garlic finely to release its flavor and aroma
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley for the best flavor and texture
1/4 cup chopped fresh dillUse fresh dill for the best flavor and texture
1/4 cup chopped fresh thymeUse fresh thyme for the best flavor and texture
1 teaspoon saltUse kosher salt for the best flavor and texture
1/2 teaspoon black pepperUse freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor
2 tablespoons lemon zestUse a microplane to zest the lemons for the best flavor and texture

Ingredients for Baked Cod With Lemon And Herbs

Equipment You’ll Need

Large baking sheetAluminum foilInstant-read thermometerSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoons

How to Make Baked Cod With Lemon And Herbs

1
Preheat the oven to 400 F (200 C)
2
Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil, leaving enough room to wrap the fish
3
Rinse the cod fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels
4
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, dill, thyme, salt, and pepper
5
Place the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet and brush the lemon and herb mixture evenly over both sides of the fish
6
Sprinkle the lemon zest over the top of the fish
7
Bake the fish for 12-15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C)
8
Check the internal temperature of the fish with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part
9
Remove the fish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving
10
Serve the fish hot, garnished with additional parsley and lemon wedges if desired

Expert Tips

Make sure to choose fresh and sustainable cod fillets for the best flavor and texture
Use a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor
Don't overcook the fish - it should be flaky and tender
Let the fish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute
Serve the fish with a side of quinoa or rice and steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal
You can also add some cherry tomatoes or sliced lemons to the baking sheet for added flavor and color

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the fish, which can make it dry and tough
Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish
Not letting the fish rest before serving, which can cause it to lose its juices and flavor
Not checking the internal temperature of the fish, which can lead to foodborne illness
Not using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish, which can lead to overcooking or undercooking

Variations and Substitutions

Use different types of white fish, such as tilapia or mahi-mahi
Add some chopped onions or bell peppers to the baking sheet for added flavor and color
Use different types of citrus, such as lime or orange, for a different flavor profile
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as basil or rosemary, to the lemon and herb mixture
Serve the fish with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad for a lighter meal

What to Serve With Baked Cod With Lemon And Herbs

Baked Cod With Lemon And Herbs is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some ideas include quinoa or rice, steamed vegetables, roasted vegetables, or a salad. You can also serve the fish with a side of cherry tomatoes or sliced lemons for added flavor and color.

For a more substantial meal, you can serve the fish with a side of roasted potatoes or grilled asparagus. You can also add some garlic bread or a green salad to round out the meal.

Quinoa or riceSteamed vegetablesRoasted vegetablesSaladCherry tomatoesSliced lemons

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Baked Cod With Lemon And Herbs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store the fish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a covered container.

To freeze the fish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to serve the fish, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or microwave.

It's also a good idea to label and date the stored fish so you can keep track of how long it's been stored. You can also add a note with reheating instructions so you can easily reheat the fish when you're ready to serve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of fish is best for this recipe?

The best type of fish for this recipe is a firm white fish, such as cod or tilapia. You can also use other types of white fish, such as mahi-mahi or halibut.

How do I know if the fish is cooked?

The fish is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C). You can check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the fish.

Can I use frozen fish?

Yes, you can use frozen fish for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw the fish according to the package instructions and pat it dry with paper towels before cooking.

How do I prevent the fish from drying out?

To prevent the fish from drying out, make sure to not overcook it and to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. You can also brush the fish with a little bit of oil or butter to keep it moist.

Can I add other ingredients to the lemon and herb mixture?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the lemon and herb mixture to suit your taste. Some ideas include chopped onions or bell peppers, minced garlic, or grated ginger.

How do I store the fish after it's been cooked?

The fish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store the fish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a covered container.

Can I reheat the fish in the microwave?

Yes, you can reheat the fish in the microwave. Just make sure to cover the fish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the baking sheet?

To prevent the fish from sticking to the baking sheet, make sure to line the sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and brush the fish with a little bit of oil or butter before cooking.

The Full Recipe

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