Are you ready to indulge in a dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious? Our Baked Cod with Lemon and Olive Oil is a Mediterranean masterpiece that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean! With just a handful of fresh ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a meal that feels gourmet without the fuss. Perfectly flaky cod fillets, zesty lemon slices, and aromatic herbs come together in a symphony of flavors that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. Dive into this simple yet elegant recipe and discover how easy it is to impress at your next dinner gathering!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even cooking.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better golden color and prevents steaming.
- Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, remaining olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade.
- Arrange the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Drizzle the olive oil and herb mixture evenly over the cod fillets, coating them completely.
- Place lemon slices around and on top of the cod fillets to infuse additional citrus flavor during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Cod: For the best flavor and texture, select fresh cod fillets from your local fish market. If fresh isn't available, frozen fillets can work as well—just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- Dry the Fillets: Patting the cod dry with paper towels before cooking helps to achieve a beautiful golden crust and prevents the fish from steaming in the oven.
- Customize the Marinade: Feel free to experiment with the marinade by adding your favorite herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.
- Use the Right Baking Dish: A large baking dish allows for even cooking. Make sure the fillets are arranged in a single layer without overlapping to ensure they cook properly.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cod as it bakes; it should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the cod to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute, making for a juicier and more flavorful dish.
- Garnish for Presentation: Elevate your dish by garnishing with fresh parsley and extra lemon slices before serving. It not only looks appealing but adds a burst of freshness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 223kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 60mg
