Description
Mediterranean-style baked cod delights seafood enthusiasts with its simple preparation and bold flavors. Fresh herbs, lemon, and olive oil create a light, aromatic dish that brings coastal Greece directly to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cod fillets (about 1 ½ lbs or 680 g)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped)
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to a precise 400F, creating an ideal thermal environment for transforming cod fillets into a culinary masterpiece.
- Flavor Fusion: Craft a harmonious seasoning by whisking olive oil with garlic, paprika, parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper, incorporating lemon zest and citrus juice to elevate the fish’s inherent taste.
- Fish Preparation: Thoroughly desiccate cod fillets with paper towels, eliminating moisture to guarantee a golden, crisp exterior during the baking process.
- Seasoning Application: Position fillets in a single layer within a baking dish, lavishly coating each piece with the prepared aromatic mixture, ensuring comprehensive flavor infusion.
- Culinary Transformation: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, monitoring the fish’s metamorphosis into an opaque, delicately flaky delicacy that gracefully separates under minimal fork pressure.
- Final Touches: Confirm the cod has reached a food-safe 145F internal temperature, then extract from the oven, embellish with a citrus splash, sprinkle fresh parsley, and present alongside bright lemon wedges for a sophisticated gastronomic experience.
Notes
- Moisture Removal Matters: Thoroughly pat cod fillets dry to prevent steaming and achieve a crispy, golden exterior that locks in delicious flavors.
- Temperature Precision: Use a reliable meat thermometer to confirm the 145F internal temperature, ensuring perfectly cooked fish without overcooking or undercooking.
- Spacing Strategy: Arrange fillets in a single layer with adequate space between pieces to promote even heat circulation and prevent soggy, unevenly cooked fish.
- Versatile Seasoning Hack: Adjust the spice blend to accommodate dietary preferences by swapping herbs or using low-sodium alternatives without compromising the dish’s vibrant flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg