This Healthy Lemon Garlic Cod is a simple yet elegant seafood dish bursting with fresh flavors. Featuring tender cod fillets infused with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fragrant herbs, this dish is both light and satisfying. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and ready in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Healthy & Light – Packed with lean protein and healthy fats.
- Naturally Gluten-Free & Paleo – Suitable for various dietary preferences.
- Deliciously Flavorful – A balance of bright lemon, savory garlic, and aromatic herbs.
- Versatile – Can be paired with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Seafood:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Produce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Baking & Spices:
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Oils & Vinegars:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Directions
- Preheat & Prepare – Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Season the Cod – In a small bowl, mix paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel and rub them with the seasoning mixture.
- Sauté Garlic – In a pan over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Lemon Flavor – Remove the pan from heat and stir in lemon juice and zest.
- Bake the Cod – Place the seasoned fillets in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the garlic-lemon mixture over the top.
- Cook – Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat.
- Butter Substitute – Swap olive oil for melted butter for a richer flavor.
- Herb Variations – Use fresh basil, dill, or cilantro instead of parsley.
- Grilled Option – Instead of baking, grill the cod over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Parmesan Crust – Sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking for a crispy, cheesy crust.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating – Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fish rubbery.
- Freezing – Not recommended, as cooked cod can become watery and lose texture after freezing.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cod fillets?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking.
2. What other fish can I use instead of cod?
You can substitute cod with halibut, haddock, tilapia, or sea bass.
3. How do I know when cod is fully cooked?
Cod should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free. Just avoid any optional Parmesan toppings.
5. What sides go well with lemon garlic cod?
Serve with roasted vegetables, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can season the cod and prepare the garlic-lemon sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to bake just before serving.
7. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in protein, making it great for a keto diet.
8. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of baking?
Absolutely! Sear the fillets in a pan over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side.
9. What type of lemon should I use?
Fresh lemons are best for the most vibrant flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice.
10. How do I prevent cod from sticking to the pan?
Use a well-oiled nonstick pan or parchment paper in the baking dish to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
This Healthy Lemon Garlic Cod is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. With its simple preparation and bright flavors, it’s a go-to recipe for seafood lovers. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete, satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Print
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Healthy Lemon Garlic Cod is a simple, elegant seafood dish packed with flavor! Featuring tender cod fillets, fresh lemon, garlic, and parsley, this recipe is gluten-free, paleo, and ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Seafood:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Produce:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Baking & Spices:
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Oils & Vinegars:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Cod:
- Season the Cod:
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
Cook the Cod:
- Heat the Oil:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sear the Fillets:
- Add the cod fillets to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- Sauté the Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Lemon Juice and Zest:
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Finish the Sauce:
- Let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Combine and Serve:
- Coat the Cod:
- Return the cod fillets to the skillet and spoon the lemon garlic sauce over the top. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to warm through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Serve the cod with steamed vegetables, quinoa, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
- Substitute cod with haddock, tilapia, or halibut if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
