What You'll Need for This Simple Baked Cod Recipe

Here's what you'll need to round up for this recipe:

• Cod fillets: You can use fresh or frozen cod fillets. I think 4-6 ounces per fillet is a good size. You can use other white fish like halibut, or tilapia, but the texture of cod works really nice here.
• Lemon: This is a must-have for a bright, tangy flavor. I use the juice of one lemon for the marinade, plus a few slices for serving. Fresh lemon is best, but if you're in a pinch, bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch. So, here you have olive oil; use extra virgin olive oil for the richest experience of flavor. If you want to watch your oil intake a little bit more, you can substitute that with avocado oil, something light and clear. Garlic: A little bit of garlic brings heat and depth to the dish. Best with freshly minced but you can use garlic powder if you need to. I have, on occasion thrown in a pinch of garlic powder when I'm too lazy to mince it up, but there is no substitute for the fresh stuff!
• Herbs: Fresh herbs just give so much more flavor, especially parsley, dill, and thyme. You may substitute with dried herbs if you don't like fresh herbs. Just remember you will need to use a lot less of them because they are substantially stronger. Parsley and dill are good together, but mix and match your desired herbs. Smoked Salmon Pâté *Salt and pepper: These are the ultimate seasonings. Season liberally to taste. Lemon wedges: To serve. Always serve a few lemon wedges on the side. If you are feeling fancy, you can do a lemon garnish! Just peel, slice the rind off, then cut it into thin strips. Or you can use a citrus zester for this task. Optional toppings include additions to the cod: chopped tomatoes, olives, capers, or even some crumbled feta cheese.

Now that all the ingredients are at hand, let's proceed!

How to Bake Perfect Cod with Lemon and Herbs

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. It does not require anything fancy, neither in techniques nor in special equipment. Just follow the steps below, and you will be amazed at how delicious a healthy meal you will have in no time.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If your oven has a setting for convection, this is a very nice recipe to take advantage of that with. Of course, you can bump the temperature down just a little, too, to about 375°F (190°C). Just always check the temperature before adding the cod!

2. Prepare your cod: Take some paper towels and pat the cod fillets dry. This will make them cook evenly. If using frozen cod, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. You can also thaw it more quickly by placing it in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes.
   3. Marinate the cod.
   Mix the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs in a little bowl. Place the marinade over the cod fillets. Make sure the fillets are well coated. You can let it sit for a few minutes as you prep the baking dish. The longer it sits, the stronger in flavor it will be, but in this recipe, it is not necessary.
   4. Bake the cod
   : Place the cod fillets in a greased baking dish, or one lined with parchment paper. You want to avoid overcrowding the pan-if you are cooking more than two fillets, it's probably better if you used a second dish. Season liberally with salt and pepper. I throw on a bit of extra salt on top before baking it. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flaky. The fish is done when it's opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
   5. Serve the cod.
   Let the cod cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve the cod fillets with lemon wedges and enjoy!

Tips for Baking Cod

• Do not overcook cod. Overcooked cod will be dry and rubbery. If you don't know, you can check using a thermometer. The internal temperature should read 145°F (63°C).
• Watch your fish. Baking time is going to vary greatly with the thickness of your fillets. You can start with a somewhat short baking time and check on it as you go. Serve with your favorite sides. The cod is quite nice with roasted vegetables, salad, rice, or pasta. You could also make a sauce from the leftover lemon and herbs; just add in a tablespoon butter and a splash of water to make it a more saucy sauce! Get creative! Try different herbs and spices, and toppings that make your cod your own. You can also try different marinades, such as Mediterranean marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic. This recipe can be super versatile, and you can add as much flavor into it as you'd like!

Merry Seafood Adventure!

Voilà! A light, healthy, and flavorful baked cod for the perfect quick dinner on any given weeknight. This is a great starting point for a person that has never cooked seafood in their lives. If you are an experienced seafood cook and looking for ways to get creative with this dish, try modifying it by using different herbs, spices, or even a different type of fish. Just remember, the key is to have fun and not be afraid to experiment!

Now that you have mastered the baked cod, what are you waiting for? Give this a try. I promise you will not be sorry.