Lemon Herb Baked Cod

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Lemon Herb Baked Cod is a light and flavorful dish that's perfect for any night of the week. With its vibrant citrus notes and aromatic herbs, this recipe is a fresh twist on a classic baked fish. It's simple to make yet tastes like a gourmet meal.

Ingredients for Lemon Herb Baked Cod

Cod fillets provide a mild and flaky base that absorbs flavors beautifully. Olive oil helps to keep the fish moist and adds a touch of fruitiness. Lemon is both zested and juiced, offering a bright, zippy flavor that pairs well with fish. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, enhancing all the other flavors. Fresh herbs like dill and parsley bring a garden-fresh aroma. Garlic adds a savory depth to the dish. Cherry tomatoes introduce a pop of color and sweetness, while black olives add a salty, briny contrast.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your cod fillets are thick, consider cutting them in half for more even cooking.
  • Use a microplane for zesting the lemon to avoid the bitter white pith.
  • For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
  • If you’re out of fresh herbs, dried ones work too, but use half the amount.

Serving Suggestions

This Lemon Herb Baked Cod pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed asparagus or a simple green salad. You could also serve it with a side of quinoa or couscous to soak up the delicious juices from the pan. A glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cod fillets?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before using.
What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
You can substitute with grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes in a pinch.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the marinade and veggies ahead of time to save on prep work later.

Lemon Herb Baked Cod Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that it's hot enough to cook the fish quickly, keeping it tender and flaky. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Arrange your cod fillets on the sheet, giving them enough room to cook evenly.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, dill, parsley, and minced garlic. This mixture will serve as a flavorful marinade that you’ll drizzle over the fish. Make sure to coat the fillets evenly to distribute the flavors well.

Next, scatter the cherry tomatoes and black olives around the cod. These will cook alongside the fish, releasing their juices and adding layers of flavor. Sprinkle the lemon zest over everything for an added burst of citrus aroma.

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the fish; it's done when it flakes easily with a fork. The timing may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fillets, so check them a bit early to avoid overcooking.

Once baked, serve your lemon herb cod immediately, while it’s still warm and full of flavor.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Fresh and healthy ingredients for a guilt-free meal.
  • Perfect balance of tangy, savory, and herby flavors.
  • Minimal cleanup — only one baking sheet needed.

Ingredients

1 lb cod fillets
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/2 cup pitted black olives (sliced)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, dill, parsley, and minced garlic.
4. Drizzle the mixture over the cod fillets evenly.
5. Scatter cherry tomatoes and black olives around the cod on the baking sheet.
6. Sprinkle lemon zest over the top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
8. Serve immediately.

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