With just a handful of fresh ingredients and 20 minutes from prep to plate, you'll have a light, protein-packed meal that will impress everyone at the table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe?
* **Beginner Friendly:** No complicated techniques here. If you can chop herbs and set a timer, you can make this.* **Quick & Healthy:** Ready in 20 minutes and packed with lean protein and healthy fats.
* **Naturally Flaky & Tender:** Baking cod at a high temperature ensures a moist, flaky interior every time.
* **Endlessly Customizable:** Use your favorite herbs or whatever you have on hand.
Key Ingredients & Why They Work?
* **Cod Fillets:** Choose thick, even-sized fillets (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick) for even cooking. You can use fresh or frozen (thawed completely first). Cod is mild and perfect for absorbing the herb flavors.* **Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Dill, & Chives):** Using a mix of **fresh herbs** is non-negotiable for the best flavor! They create a bright, garden-fresh taste that dried herbs can't match.
* **Parsley** adds a fresh, clean note.
* **Dill** has a slightly sweet, grassy flavor that pairs classically with fish.
* **Chives** offer a mild, onion-like sharpness.
* **Lemon:** You'll use both the **zest and juice**. The zest is packed with fragrant oils that infuse the fish with flavor, while the juice adds a necessary pop of acidity at the end.
* **Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic gives a savory backbone to the herb topping.
* **Olive Oil:** Helps the herb mixture stick to the fish, promotes a beautiful golden edge, and keeps the cod fillets wonderfully moist.
## Step-by-Step Instructions:
### Ingredients:
* 4 (6 oz) cod fillets, patted very dry
* 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
* 3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
* 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
* 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 lemon (zest + 2 tbsp juice)
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. **Prep:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is key for a flaky result. Pat the cod fillets *extremely* dry with paper towels. This is the secret to getting a nice sear instead of a steam!
2. **Season:** Place the dried cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and rub it over both sides. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. **Make the Herb Topping:** In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, chopped parsley, dill, chives, minced garlic, and the zest of one lemon. Mix until it forms a fragrant, paste-like mixture.
4. **Top the Cod:** Divide the herb mixture evenly among the tops of the cod fillets, gently pressing it down to adhere.
5. **Bake:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for **10-13 minutes**. The cook time depends on thickness. The cod is done when it is **opaque throughout** and **flakes easily** with a fork. A digital thermometer should read 135-140°F (57-60°C).
6. **Finish & Serve:** Remove the cod from the oven. Immediately drizzle the fresh lemon juice (from your zested lemon) over the top. Let it rest for 2 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
## Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Cod:
* **Don't Overcook It!** This is the most important rule. Cod cooks quickly. Check it at the 10-minute mark. Overcooked cod becomes tough and rubbery.
* **Pat Dry:** Never skip patting the fish dry. Moisture is the enemy of browning.
* **Even Thickness:** If your fillets are uneven, the thinner parts will cook much faster. Try to select fillets of similar size, or tuck the thin ends underneath to create a more uniform thickness.
* **Frozen Fish:** If using frozen cod, thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight. Pat it extra dry to remove any excess moisture.
Delicious Serving Suggestions:
This versatile fish pairs beautifully with so many sides! Here are a few ideas:
* **For a Light Meal:** Serve over a bed of simple **mixed greens** or with a side of **roasted asparagus** or **broccoli**.
* **For a Hearty Meal:** Pair with **Garlic Mashed Potatoes**, **Quinoa**, or **rice pilaf** to soak up the delicious juices.
* **Keep it Low-Carb:** Serve alongside **zucchini noodles** or **cauliflower rice**.
FAQs ?
**Can I use dried herbs?**
While fresh is highly recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried in a pinch. Use 1/3 the amount (so 1 tbsp fresh = 1 tsp dried). The flavor will be more muted.
**How do I know when the cod is done?**
The fish will turn from translucent to completely opaque white. Gently press it with a fork—it should flake apart easily. If you have a thermometer, aim for 135-140°F (57-60°C).
**Can I use another type of fish?**
Absolutely! This method works wonderfully with other mild white fish like **haddock, halibut, or tilapia**. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
There you have it! A simple, elegant, and healthy dinner that is absolutely beginner-proof. This baked cod recipe is sure to become a regular in your rotation.
**Enjoy! Let me know in the comments what your favorite side dish to serve with fish is!**
