Learn how to make this easy baked cod recipe with lemon and garlic!
f you’ve ever been hesitant to cook fish at home, this Easy Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic is here to change that. Cod is a beginner-friendly fish with a mild flavor, and this recipe keeps it simple with fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs for a bright and flavorful dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s a foolproof way to get tender, flaky cod without any stress. Plus, I’ll show you how to take it up a notch with a Cod Imperial twist inspired by Bonefish Grill!
Why Cod is Perfect for Beginners
Cod is one of the easiest fish to cook because it has a mild, delicate flavor that pairs well with various seasonings. It’s also forgiving in the oven, meaning it’s hard to overcook if you follow the steps in this recipe. If you’ve never cooked fish before, cod is a great place to start.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb cod fillet (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/2 lemon, juiced + zest
- 1 tbsp garlic paste (or 2 cloves minced garlic)
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning (like Lawry’s or Goya)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Kosher salt to taste
- Seafood seasoning (optional)
- Lemon slices for baking
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400°F and position the rack in the top third of the oven to ensure even cooking and a nice golden finish.
Step 2: Prep the Baking Dish
Line a baking dish with lemon slices to create a flavorful base for your cod. This not only prevents sticking but also infuses the fish with fresh citrus flavor.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice + zest
- Garlic paste
- Chopped parsley
- All-purpose seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Kosher salt (to taste)
This marinade is the key to keeping the fish moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Coat and Season the Cod
Place the cod fillet on top of the lemon slices in the baking dish. Pour the marinade over the fish and use a brush or spoon to ensure it’s evenly coated.
Step 5: Bake the Cod
Bake the cod at 400°F for 20 minutes. The fish should flake easily with a fork when it’s done.
For an extra golden, slightly crispy finish, broil the cod for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Easy Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic
Ingredients
- 1 lb cod fillet fresh or thawed from frozen
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/2 lemon juiced + zest
- 1 tbsp garlic paste or 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning like Lawry’s or Goya
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Kosher salt to taste
- Seafood seasoning optional
- Lemon slices for baking
Instructions
Notes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the rack in the top third of the oven to ensure even cooking and a nice golden finish.
- Line a baking dish with lemon slices to create a flavorful base for your cod. This not only prevents sticking but also infuses the fish with fresh citrus flavor.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic paste, chopped parsley, all-purpose seasoning, smoked paprika, and kosher salt to taste.
- Place the cod fillet on top of the lemon slices in the baking dish.
- Pour the marinade over the fish and use a brush or spoon to ensure it’s evenly coated.
- Bake the cod at 400°F for 20 minutes. The fish should flake easily with a fork when it’s done.
- For an extra golden, slightly crispy finish, broil the cod for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
How to Make Cod Imperial (Bonefish Grill Style)
Want to turn your baked cod into a restaurant-quality dish? Try this creamy, crab-topped Cod Imperial variation.
Ingredients for Cod Imperial Topping:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup crab meat (fresh or canned)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 egg yolk
How to Make It:
- Prepare the cod as instructed above.
- In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Parmesan, crab meat, mustard, Old Bay, and egg yolk.
- Spoon the mixture over the cod during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Easy Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic or Cod Imperial with:
- Steamed asparagus
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts
Pro Tips for Cooking Cod
- Use lemon slices as a base: This keeps the cod moist and prevents it from sticking to the dish.
- Don’t skip the broil: Broiling for the last 2 minutes gives the fish a beautifully golden finish.
- Season generously: Cod is mild, so don’t be afraid to layer on the flavors.
Final Thoughts
Cooking fish at home doesn’t have to be intimidating. This Easy Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic is simple, quick, and foolproof, making it perfect for beginner cooks. And if you’re feeling fancy, try the Cod Imperial twist for a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @asiliglamcooks to show off your dish. Happy cooking!
SEO Keywords:
oven baked lemon garlic cod, easy baked cod recipe, lemon garlic fish recipe, baked cod for beginners, cod imperial recipe, Bonefish Grill cod imperial, how to cook cod, garlic butter cod recipe, simple seafood recipe, healthy baked fish
