This easy baked cod recipe comes together in just over 20 minutes and has quickly become a reader favorite! Flaky, tender cod fillets are coated with warm Mediterranean spices, seared for extra flavor, and finished with a zesty lemon-garlic sauce. It’s simple, wholesome, and packed with fresh flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – ready in 20–25 minutes.
- Healthy & light – part of the Mediterranean diet.
- Bold flavor – warm spices plus lemon and garlic make the fish shine.
- Versatile – pairs beautifully with salads, grains, or roasted veggies.
Can I Use Frozen Cod?
Yes! In fact, frozen cod is often fresher than “fresh” fillets at the counter since it’s flash-frozen right after being caught. Just be sure to thaw properly:
- Keep fillets sealed in their packaging (or place in a zip-top bag).
- Submerge in a bowl of cold water (never warm) for 15–20 minutes.
- Once thawed and tender, pat dry before cooking.
How to Bake Cod (Step by Step)
Oven Temperature: 400°F (200°C)
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb cod fillets (4–6 pieces)
- ¼ cup parsley, chopped
Lemon Sauce
- 5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
Seasoned Flour Coating
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ¾ tsp paprika
- ¾ tsp cumin
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix lemon sauce: In a shallow bowl, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, and melted butter (save garlic for later).
- Seasoned flour: In another bowl, combine flour with coriander, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Coat fish: Pat cod dry. Dip each fillet into the lemon sauce, then dredge in the flour mixture. Shake off excess. Reserve remaining lemon sauce.
- Sear fillets: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Sear cod for 2 minutes per side to add color. Remove from heat.
- Add garlic: Stir minced garlic into the reserved lemon sauce. Pour over fish.
- Bake: Transfer skillet to oven. Bake 8–10 minutes, until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Finish: Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
What to Serve with Baked Cod
- Salads: Greek salad, chickpea salad, or fattoush.
- Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, grilled asparagus, or stuffed zucchini.
- Grains & starches: Lemon rice, oven fries, or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Dips & extras: Tzatziki, hummus, or baba ganoush with pita bread.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overbake! Cod cooks quickly; check at 8 minutes.
- A cast-iron skillet helps with even heat and flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice is a must — it brightens the whole dish.
- If gravy is too thin, simmer a little longer; if too salty, add a splash of water or stock.
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store cooled fish in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
- Freeze: Can be frozen for up to 1 month (texture may change slightly).
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at medium heat until just heated through. Avoid microwaving to prevent overcooking.
✨ This baked cod with lemon and garlic is a perfect weeknight dinner — light, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Pair it with a fresh salad and lemon rice for a full Mediterranean feast!