Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic: How to Get Juicy Results

There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling a perfectly cooked piece of cod from the oven – that moment when the fork glides through the flaky white flesh and you know you’ve nailed it. After years of testing and refining seafood recipes, I can confidently say that mastering Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is one of the most rewarding cooking skills you can develop. This Mediterranean-inspired dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

If you’ve struggled with dry, overcooked fish in the past, this recipe is about to change your seafood game forever. Let’s dive into how to create this simple yet elegant dish that manages to be both light and satisfying at the same time.

How to Make Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

Quick Overview

Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic transforms humble cod fillets into a restaurant-worthy meal with just a few high-impact ingredients. The magic happens when fresh lemon, aromatic garlic, and quality olive oil come together to infuse the mild, flaky cod with bright, zesty flavor. What makes this dish truly special is how the gentle baking method preserves the cod’s natural moisture, resulting in incredibly tender, juicy fish that practically melts in your mouth.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its stunning simplicity – it takes just 10 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to bake. That means you can have an impressive, healthy dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. The lemon butter sauce that forms while baking creates a silky, fragrant pool of goodness that you’ll want to spoon over every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that feels special without the fuss, this dish delivers gourmet results with everyday effort.

The Ingredients I Use to Bring My Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic to Life

For the fish:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each), preferably center-cut and of even thickness
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

For the lemon garlic sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
• Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh)

For garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Lemon wedges for serving
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare your oven and baking dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for baking cod – hot enough to cook it through quickly while still gentle enough to prevent it from drying out. Take a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar oven-safe dish with sides and lightly coat it with a small amount of olive oil or non-stick spray. The sides of the dish will help contain the delicious sauce that forms during baking.

2. Prepare the cod fillets

Pat the cod fillets completely dry using paper towels. This step is crucial – removing excess moisture helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes better browning. Place the dried fillets in your prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer with a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking.

3. Season the fish

Drizzle the cod fillets with the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, making sure each piece gets a light coating. Season evenly with the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, being sure to season both sides of the fillets. The olive oil helps the seasonings stick to the fish and also contributes to a more moist final result.

4. Create the lemon garlic sauce

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), dried oregano, and dried thyme. Whisk thoroughly to create a uniform mixture. This aromatic sauce is the heart of the dish’s flavor profile – the combination of butter and lemon creates a perfect balance of richness and brightness that complements the mild cod beautifully.

5. Apply the sauce

Pour the lemon garlic sauce evenly over the seasoned cod fillets, making sure each piece gets a generous amount of the mixture. Use a spoon to scoop up some of the minced garlic and herbs from the bottom of the bowl and distribute them on top of the fillets.

6. Bake to perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. You’ll know the cod is perfectly cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C), but be careful not to overcook – even a minute too long can dry out the fish.

7. Rest and garnish

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the proteins in the fish to relax, resulting in a more tender texture. Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the top of the fillets, and if desired, add the capers for an extra burst of briny flavor that pairs wonderfully with the lemon.

8. Serve immediately

Carefully transfer the cod fillets to serving plates, spooning some of the sauce from the baking dish over each portion. Place a lemon wedge on each plate for diners to add an extra squeeze of fresh citrus if desired. The vibrant colors of the dish – the white fish, green herbs, and yellow lemon – make for a visually appealing presentation.

What to Serve Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic With

This light, bright fish dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some of my favorite combinations:

For a healthy Mediterranean meal:

• Cherry tomatoes roasted with olive oil and a blend of herbs.
• Steamed asparagus drizzled with olive oil and a touch of lemon
• Quinoa or farro pilaf with herbs and a light lemon dressing
• Greek-style roasted potatoes with oregano and lemon

For a classic seafood dinner:

• Garlic butter rice pilaf
• Steamed green beans with slivered almonds
• Simple mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette
• Crusty French bread for soaking up that amazing sauce

For a low-carb option:

• Cauliflower rice with herbs
• Zucchini noodles sautéed with olive oil and garlic
• Simple cucumber and tomato salad
• Roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze

Beverage pairings:

• A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the citrus flavors.
• A light Pinot Grigio works beautifully with the delicate fish
• For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a light iced tea with mint makes for a refreshing accompaniment

Top Tips for Perfecting Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

1. Choose the right cod

Look for firm, white fillets with no gray or brown spots. Fresh cod should have a clean, oceanic smell – never fishy. If possible, opt for thick, center-cut pieces that are similar in size for even cooking. If fresh isn’t available, high-quality frozen cod that’s been properly thawed works wonderfully too.

2. Pat the fish completely dry

This cannot be overstated – thoroughly drying your cod fillets with paper towels before cooking is essential for perfect texture. Excess moisture creates steam during cooking, which can make your fish soggy instead of flaky.

3. Don’t overcook

The number one mistake people make with cod is leaving it in the oven too long. Cod cooks quickly, and since it continues cooking for a minute or two after being removed from the oven, it’s better to err on the side of slightly underdone than overdone. Once it flakes easily with a fork, it’s ready to come out.

4. Use room temperature butter for the sauce

If you start with cold butter, it may solidify when it hits the lemon juice. Melting the butter first ensures a smooth, emulsified sauce that coats the fish beautifully.

5. Fresh ingredients make a difference

While dried herbs work well in this recipe, using fresh garlic (not pre-minced from a jar) and freshly squeezed lemon juice (never the bottled kind) makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor.

6. Consider a quick broil

For a slightly more caramelized finish, you can switch your oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Watch it carefully to prevent burning – you just want a light golden color on top.

7. Substitution options:

• Other fish: This recipe works beautifully with other white fish like haddock, halibut, or sea bass
• Herb substitutions: Fresh dill or tarragon can replace or complement the thyme and oregano
• Butter alternatives: For a dairy-free version, use good-quality olive oil instead of butter
• Garlic sensitivity: Shallots can provide a milder alternative to garlic

Storing and Reheating Tips

Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is definitely best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but if you do have leftovers, here’s how to handle them:

Refrigerating leftovers:
Store any leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to include some of the sauce with the fish to help maintain moisture during storage. I recommend allowing the fish to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation inside the container, which can make the fish soggy.

Freezing is not ideal:
I generally don’t recommend freezing cooked cod, as the delicate texture can become mealy when thawed. However, if you must freeze leftovers, store them in an airtight, freezer-safe container for no more than 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Gentle reheating is key:
To reheat without drying out the fish, place it in a covered, oven-safe dish with all of its sauce and warm in a 275°F (135°C) oven just until heated through, about 10-12 minutes. The lower temperature and covered dish help preserve moisture.

Alternatively, you can reheat in a microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals until just warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this will quickly turn your tender cod into a rubbery disappointment.

Creative leftover ideas:
If you prefer not to reheat the fish (which can sometimes change its texture), cold leftover cod makes excellent fish salad. Flake it into a bowl, add a little mayonnaise, more fresh lemon juice, diced celery, and herbs for a delicious sandwich filling.

This Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic has become my go-to recipe for those nights when I want something impressive yet effortless. The bright, clean flavors and foolproof preparation make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Master this dish, and you’ll always have a restaurant-quality meal ready to shine on your dinner table any night of the week. The combination of succulent, flaky fish and vibrant citrus garlic sauce is simply irresistible!

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