Simple Lemon Herb Baked Cod: A Light & Flavorful Weeknight Meal

 

 I'm always looking for quick, healthy, and delicious meals that don't require a ton of ingredients. This Simple Lemon Herb Baked Cod fits the bill perfectly! With just a handful of everyday items, you can have a flavorful and flaky fish dish on your table in under 30 minutes. It's a fantastic option for a light dinner and highlights the fresh flavors of lemon and herbs.

 

This recipe uses just eight main ingredients, making it a breeze to prepare.

 

Yields: 2-3 servings

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 15-20 minutes

 

Ingredients:

 

1 pound cod fillets (about 2-3 fillets)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 lemon, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Arrange Cod: Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish.

Drizzle with Oil: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the cod fillets.

Add Lemon and Garlic: Arrange the thin slices of lemon and garlic over and around the cod fillets.

Sprinkle with Herbs: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and dried thyme over the fish.

Season: Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your cod fillets.

Serve: Carefully remove the baked cod from the oven and serve immediately. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or rice.

Tips for Perfect Baked Cod:

 

Fresh Cod is Best: Use fresh, high-quality cod fillets for the best flavor.

Don't Overbake: Cod cooks quickly and can become dry if overcooked. It's done when it's opaque and flakes easily.

Adjust Lemon and Garlic: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon and garlic to your preference.

Other Herbs: You can also experiment with other fresh or dried herbs like dill, oregano, or chives.

Serving Suggestions: A squeeze of extra lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors even more.