Baked Cod with Garlic and Herbs Recipe

Ingredients

Before you get started, let’s make sure you have everything on hand. Baked cod with garlic and herbs requires only a handful of ingredients, but they come together to create a vibrant, delicious meal. Here’s the full list:

• 4 cod fillets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

This is all you need to create a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish at home. The freshness of the herbs and the slight tang from the lemon zest will add layers of flavor to the cod, making each bite a taste sensation.

Preparing the Cod: Simple Steps for Perfect Results

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few steps, you’ll have a perfectly baked cod fillet on your plate. Let’s break down the preparation process.

1. Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking cod fillets, ensuring the fish cooks through evenly while retaining its moisture.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. This will prevent the fish from sticking to the pan and make cleanup a breeze. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for even easier cleanup, especially if you’re using a larger sheet pan for multiple fillets.

3. Season the Cod

Next, season your cod fillets with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides. This will form the base layer of flavor. Now, let’s get to the fun part—the garlic and herb mixture.

4. Make the Garlic and Herb Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh parsley, rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest. Mix everything together until it’s well blended. This herby, garlicky concoction will infuse the cod with flavor as it bakes.

5. Coat the Cod with the Herb Mixture

Using a spoon or a brush, generously coat each cod fillet with the garlic and herb mixture. Make sure every inch of the fillet is covered to ensure maximum flavor infusion.

6. Bake the Cod

Place the seasoned cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish easily flakes with a fork. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets, so be sure to check for doneness.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the cod is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and sprinkle with extra fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side, which will add a burst of brightness to each bite.