Lemonherb Baked Cod a Weeknight Winner

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever wondered how to cook cod in a way that’s both healthy and bursting with flavour? This recipe is your answer! It’s a lemon herb cod delight, quick enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for guests.

Honestly, it's amazing.

Brief Overview

This easy baked cod recipe draws inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine. It's a dish that's simple to make. Prep takes only 10 minutes.

Cook time is 15- 20 minutes. This recipe serves four. You'll love it.

Main Benefits

This dish is packed with protein. It's a great healthy cod dinner . This is one of the flaky white fish recipes that is so darn good! Serve it for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend meal.

I've made this so many times, I could do it with my eyes closed.

Let’s Talk Ingredients

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need. You'll grab cod fillets , olive oil, and fresh lemons. Don't forget garlic, parsley, thyme, and oregano.

A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick, if you're into that! And of course, salt and pepper.

So important, yeah?

I once forgot the lemons and honestly, it just wasn’t the same. The lemon zest and juice really make the dish pop.

Fresh herbs are key, but dried ones will do in a pinch. Just halve the amount. Trust me on this one.

Getting Ready to Bake!

First things first, preheat your oven to 200° C. Lightly grease your baking dish. This prevents the fish from sticking. Nobody wants stuck fish, right?

Next, mix your olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Give it a good whisk. Season with salt, pepper, and those red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy.

This is your flavour bomb! I have been loving oven baked healthy meals lately.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Cod Cookin'!

Alright, so you wanna learn how to cook cod in the oven? This easy baked cod recipe is so simple.

Even I can do it, and I’ve had some kitchen mishaps in my day. Trust me, this healthy cod dinner is a weeknight game changer.

Main Ingredients: Fresh is Best!

Here's what you'll need, amounts for both US and metric measures:

• Cod Fillets: Four (6-8 ounce) fillets (approx 170-225g each).
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ).
• Lemons: 2, zested and juiced ( 1 tbsp of juice, approx 15 ml ).
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons , chopped ( 30ml ).
• Fresh Thyme: 1 tablespoon , chopped ( 15ml ).
• Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon ( 2.5ml ).
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional) ( 1.25 ml ).
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Lemon wedges for serving.

For the cod , look for firm, bright white flesh. It shouldn’t smell too "fishy." Fresh is always best, right? But frozen works in a pinch.

Just make sure to thaw it completely before you start cooking these fish recipes oven baked . I have found flaky white fish recipes are so versatile.

Seasoning Notes: Zing It Up!

Lemon and herbs are the heart of this lemon herb cod recipe. It gives that lovely Mediterranean vibe. The oregano adds a subtle earthiness.

Red pepper flakes? Optional. But I love a little kick! You can sub dried herbs for fresh. But you only use half as much.

It's a quick weeknight dinner idea , so don't sweat it!

If you're missing thyme, rosemary works great. Or a bit of Italian seasoning.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

You don't need fancy stuff for this oven baked healthy meals .

• Baking Dish: A 9x13 inch.
• Small Bowl: For mixing.
• Whisk (or Fork): To combine the lemon herb magic.
• Lemon Zester: Because, zest is the best!
• Cutting Board and Knife: Obvi.

Don’t have a zester? A fine grater will work. No baking dish? A cast iron skillet works great too. This recipe for baked cod in the oven is all about using what you have and is a healthy cod dinner .

I want you to cook cod in the oven and not stress.

Let's Talk Fish Recipes Oven Baked : How to Cook Cod in Style

So, you want to know how to cook cod in the oven? Honestly, it's way easier than you think! I used to be intimidated by fish, but now baked cod in the oven is one of my go-to quick weeknight dinner ideas .

We're talking restaurant quality, without any of the fuss. We're diving in with a super simple, flavor packed lemon herb cod recipe.

Prep Steps: Your Cod's Spa Day

First, get your mise en place sorted. It is time saving! Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . While the oven heats, lightly grease your baking dish.

Grab your cod fillets (aim for 4, around 6-8 ounces each). Make sure to pat them dry with paper towels.

This is important. Safety Reminder, Always wash your hands with soap before and after handling raw fish.

Flaky White Fish Recipes : step-by-step

Follow these steps to turn plain old cod into oven baked healthy meals :

1. Make the magic: In a bowl, mix olive oil (2 tablespoons or 30ml), lemon zest and juice (from 2 lemons about 1 tbsp of lemon juice or 15ml ), garlic (2 cloves, minced), parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped or 30ml), thyme (1 tablespoon, chopped or 15ml), oregano (1/2 teaspoon or 2.5ml), and red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon or 1.25ml).
2. Season like a pro: Season the mix with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!
3. Dress the cod: Place the cod in the baking dish. Drizzle that amazing lemon herb mixture all over, making sure each fillet is covered.
4. Bake! Bake for 15- 20 minutes , or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily. Internal temp should be 145° F ( 63° C) . This ensures it's cooked through.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it rest a bit. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zing.

Pro Tips: Turn Your Cod into Healthy Cod Dinner Perfection

One thing I learned the hard way: don't overcook it. Cod fish recipes baked healthy can dry out fast. Check for doneness at 15 minutes , and adjust accordingly.

Want a little extra flavor? Before baking, give that the easy baked cod recipe a brush of butter for added richness.

Recipe Notes For The Best Baked Cod In The Oven

Alright, so you're about to cook cod in the oven. Let’s nail this! These recipe notes will help you achieve the best healthy cod dinner .

It's all about the little things, you know? I’ve made this easy baked cod recipe countless times, and I've learned a few tricks along the way.

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Cod Presentation

Okay, presentation time! For a fancy touch, arrange the lemon herb cod on a bed of roasted asparagus . Seriously, the colors pop! Or, try serving it with a vibrant quinoa salad for a healthy and filling meal.

If you're feeling indulgent, creamy garlic mashed potatoes are always a win. Pair this delicious flaky white fish recipe with a crisp white wine.

Sauvignon Blanc is my go-to.

Storage Tips: Keeping Your Cod Fresh

Got leftovers? No problem! Refrigerate any baked cod in the oven within two hours. Honestly, it rarely lasts that long at my house! Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing isn't ideal, as it can affect the texture of the flaky white fish , but if you must, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap then foil and freeze for up to a month.

Reheat gently in the oven at 275° F ( 135° C) until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you can, it tends to make the fish rubbery.

Variations: Tailoring Your Cod to Your Taste

Want to spice things up? Add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Or, for a garlic herb crust , top the cod with panko breadcrumbs tossed in melted butter and minced garlic before baking.

If you're gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs! Can’t find cod? Haddock, halibut, or sea bass work great too for these fish recipes oven baked .

Just keep an eye on baking times. Dill or basil can be used for a lemon herb cod recipe, if you don't have parsley or thyme.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Cod fish recipes baked healthy are packed with protein! Each serving is approximately 250 calories, with a whopping 35g of protein.

I read somewhere that cod is full of B vitamins and selenium which are amazing for your overall health. Its low in carbohydrates with only 3 grams, making it a great option for a light but fulfilling quick weeknight dinner idea .

I hope my notes helps you! Remember, how to cook cod in the oven is all about practice and having fun.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious and healthy cod dinner !

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my cod is cooked properly? I don't want a fishy disaster!

Knowing when your cod is perfectly cooked is key to avoiding that dreaded rubbery texture. The easiest way is to check for flakiness. Gently insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet; if it easily flakes apart and the fish is opaque throughout (no longer translucent), it's ready!

The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe, or does it have to be fresh?

Yes, you can definitely use frozen cod! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best method is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. If you're in a rush, you can thaw it in a sealed bag in cold water for about 30-60 minutes, changing the water every so often.

Pat the cod dry with paper towels after thawing to remove excess moisture before adding the lemon herb mixture; this helps it bake rather than steam.

I'm not a huge fan of lemon. Can I substitute it with something else when learning how to cook cod in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the lemon adds a lovely brightness, you can certainly adapt the recipe to your taste. Try using lime juice instead for a slightly different citrusy note. Alternatively, a splash of white wine or even a dash of apple cider vinegar can provide a similar acidity to complement the herbs.

Just remember a little goes a long way; you don't want to overpower the delicate flavour of the cod!

How long does cooked cod last in the fridge, and what's the best way to reheat it? I'm hoping for leftovers!

Cooked cod will generally last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container. To reheat, the oven is your best bet for maintaining texture: preheat to 350°F (175°C), wrap the cod in foil with a little drizzle of olive oil or lemon juice, and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Microwaving is an option, but it can sometimes make the fish a bit rubbery, so use short bursts and check frequently.

Is this baked cod recipe healthy? I'm trying to eat a bit more like Gwyneth Paltrow!

This recipe is a nutritional goldmine, even Gwyneth would approve! Cod is naturally low in calories and fat but packed with protein and essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and selenium. The lemon and herbs add flavor without adding extra calories or unhealthy fats.

To keep it super healthy, serve it with plenty of vegetables like roasted asparagus or a quinoa salad.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this lemon herb baked cod? I need some inspiration!

This cod is incredibly versatile, so you have loads of options! For a light and fresh meal, try serving it with roasted asparagus, a simple green salad, or a quinoa salad with a lemon vinaigrette. If you're feeling something a bit more comforting, garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta are fantastic choices.

And don't forget a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complete the meal!