Baked Cod with Lemon & Garlic

A Light and Flaky Fish Dish.

Baked Cod with Lemon & Garlic:

This Baked Cod with Lemon & Garlic is a light, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The cod fillets are baked in a simple marinade of lemon, garlic, and olive oil, which enhances the delicate flavor of the fish. The result is a flaky, tender fish with a bright citrusy taste.

Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or fresh if preferred)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Cod:

• Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the fish cook evenly and avoid being soggy.
• Place the fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with oil.

3. Make the Marinade:

• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

4. Marinate the Cod:

• Drizzle the marinade over the cod fillets, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
• Let the fish sit for about 10-15 minutes to marinate and absorb the flavors.

5. Bake the Cod:

• Place the marinated cod in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish easily flakes with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets, so check the fish around the 12-minute mark.

6. Serve:

• Once baked, remove the cod from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
• Serve the cod with your choice of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a simple salad.

Tips & suggestions:

• Side Dish Pairings: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or mashed potatoes.
• Fresh Herbs: You can use fresh garlic and fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor, or even add a touch of fresh dill for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Crispy Option: For a crispier finish, broil the cod for the last 2 minutes of baking.
• Other Fish: If you don’t have cod, you can substitute with other white fish such as halibut or tilapia.

Enjoy your meal!