Description
A quick and easy lemon pepper baked cod recipe that’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish delivers bright, zesty flavors with a flaky, tender texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 fillets of fresh cod (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for added richness)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cod Fillets: Pat each fillet dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish.
- Season the Cod: In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush or drizzle the mixture evenly over each fillet.
- Bake the Cod: Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness. The cod should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Optional Broiling for Crispiness: For a slightly crispy top, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let it rest for a minute, then garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For Extra Crispiness: Broil for the last 2 minutes or add a light panko breadcrumb topping.
- Dairy-Free Version: Omit butter or substitute with additional olive oil.
- Alternative Fish Options: This recipe works well with haddock, tilapia, or halibut.
- Storage & Reheating: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American