This lemon garlic baked cod reaches the table in 15 minutes with a hot oven, simple seasonings, and no breading.
Lemon Garlic Baked Cod in 15 Minutes
Cod cooks quickly at 425 degrees F. Even-size fillets and an instant-read thermometer help prevent a dry or undercooked center.
- Prep time: 3 minutes.
- Bake time: 10 to 12 minutes.
- Oven: 425 degrees F.
- Yield: 4 servings.
- Safe temperature: 145 degrees F.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless cod fillets, 5 oz each
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
How to Bake Lemon Garlic Cod
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Pat cod dry and arrange fillets in a lightly oiled baking dish.
- Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the mixture evenly over each fillet.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Remove when the center reaches 145 degrees F and flakes easily.
- Finish with parsley and fresh lemon wedges.
Doneness and Serving Tips
- Measure temperature in the thickest part.
- Look for an opaque center that separates into moist flakes.
- Serve with 1 cup roasted asparagus per person.
- Add cauliflower rice for a larger low-carb plate.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheat covered at 300 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add 1 tsp water before reheating to reduce drying.
- Discard fish left above 40 degrees F for more than 2 hours.
For more quick protein meals, try Air Fryer Salmon Bites, High-Protein Tuna Salad, or Meal Prep Baked Chicken.
Lemon Garlic Baked Cod FAQ
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator and pat it very dry before seasoning.
Why did my cod release water?
Excess moisture often comes from incomplete thawing or skipping the drying step.