Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic: A Simple Delight for Busy Nights
Are you searching for a quick, healthy dinner that tastes like it took hours to prepare? Look no further! Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is your answer. This dish is not just easy to make; it’s bursting with flavor and looks fancy enough to impress your family or guests. Trust me, your busy evenings are about to get a whole lot brighter—let’s dive into this ocean of flavor together!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic
If you’re anything like me, you probably juggle work, family, and a hundred other responsibilities. Finding time to prepare a wholesome meal can feel like a treasure hunt with no map in sight. But don’t fret! This Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic recipe only requires a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. Plus, cod is loaded with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, so you can feel good about serving it to your loved ones. And if you happen to have picky eaters like mine, the bright lemon and garlic flavors will surely win them over!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we roll up our sleeves and get to cooking, here’s what you’ll need to gather. This list is short and sweet, so no long grocery runs required!
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, if you’re feeling fancy)
Steps to Make Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic
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Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because nobody likes cold fish, right?
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with a bit of olive oil to keep the cod from sticking—because no one wants to experience the heartbreak of shredded fish!
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Season the Cod: Pat your cod fillets dry with a paper towel (this helps them crisp up, plus, it’s a chef-y move!). Place them in your prepared dish and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper evenly over the top. Imagine you’re giving your fillets a spa day; pamper them a little!
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Bake It Up: Pop your dish into the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Cooking times can vary, so check in around the 10-minute mark—you’ll want to avoid overcooked fish and a disappointed family!
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Garnish and Serve: Once your cod is cooked to perfection, sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve it with your favorite side dishes, and let those compliments roll in!
Cooking Tips for the Best Baked Cod
- Don’t Skimp on the Lemon: This dish thrives on the zesty tang of lemon, so feel free to add a little extra if you’re feeling zesty!
- Experiment with Herbs: If parsley is not your jam, try dill or basil for a twist. Let your inner flavor artist shine!
- Leftovers Are Your Friend: This dish is even delicious cold, so keep any leftovers for a tasty lunch the next day.
A Little Personal Touch
I can’t help but chuckle when I think about the first time I made this baked cod. I invited some friends over for a casual dinner party, and wouldn’t you know, I accidentally supercharged the garlic. My dear friend Sally couldn’t help but joke, “Anna, is this fish or a vampire deterrent?” Unfortunately for her, no vampires were in sight, but she devoured her plate! This recipe quickly became a staple in our gatherings; the laughter and good times are truly what it’s all about.
FAQs About Baked Cod
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Can I substitute another fish? Absolutely! If cod isn’t available, you can use tilapia or halibut. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different fish cook differently.
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How can I store leftovers? Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, just pop it in the microwave or give it a quick reheat in the oven.
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Can I make this dish in advance? While it’s best fresh, you can prep everything and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve!
Now that you have the scoop on this delightful Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic, why not give it a whirl? This dish will become your go-to for quick dinners that taste like they took all day to create. Whether you’re feeding the family or dining solo, you’ll whip up something delicious in no time.
So grab your apron, channel your inner chef, and dive into this delightful recipe. Happy cooking, friends!
Enjoyed this dish? Check out some of my other fabulous recipes like Creamy Garlic Pasta or Lemon-Garlic Shrimp for more delicious family meals!
Meta Description
Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is the perfect recipe for busy nights. Quick, easy, and delicious, this dish will become your go-to meal. Try it today!