Mediterranean Baked Cod with Lemon
This recipe delivers a vibrant Mediterranean baked cod dish. Fresh cod fillets are seasoned with an aromatic butter blend of garlic, parsley, oregano, and thyme, then topped with lemon slices and drizzled with olive oil. Baked until tender and flaky, it's a quick, healthy, and flavorful main course, perfect for a light, low-carb meal.
Equipment
- 1 Baking Dish A shallow dish, ideally 9x13 inches or similar, suitable for baking four fish fillets.
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl For combining the herb butter mixture.
- 1 Sharp Knife Essential for mincing garlic, herbs, and slicing lemon.
- 1 Cutting Board For prepping aromatics and lemon.
- 1 Measuring Spoons For accurate measurement of herbs and spices.
Ingredients
Main
- 3 Tablespoons softened unsalted butter
- 1 Tablespoon finely minced fresh garlic
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme or rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon finely ground pink salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 lemon cut into 8 thin slices
- 4 cod filets about 6 ounces each
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh parsley springs for optional garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, finely minced fresh garlic, minced fresh parsley, minced fresh oregano, minced fresh thyme or rosemary, pink salt, black pepper, and paprika, mixing until well combined.
- Pat the cod fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Arrange the dried cod fillets in the prepared baking dish.
- Evenly spread the herb butter mixture over the top of each cod fillet.
- Place two thin slices of lemon on top of each buttered cod fillet.
- Drizzle the entire dish with extra virgin olive oil.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork at its thickest point.
- Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven.
- Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
1. Ensure your cod fillets are patted thoroughly dry with paper towels before applying the herb butter. This helps create a better texture and prevents the fish from steaming. 2. Softened butter is key for an even spread; allow it to come to room temperature. 3. While the recipe suggests 8 slices of lemon, consider thinly slicing half a lemon and reserving the other half for a fresh squeeze over the finished dish to brighten the flavors just before serving. 4. Do not overcook the cod; it's lean and can dry out quickly. It's done when it flakes easily with a fork at its thickest part, typically 10-15 minutes depending on thickness. 5. For an added layer of flavor, consider laying a bed of thinly sliced shallots or cherry tomatoes under the fish.