There’s something magical about how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s both bursting with flavor and good for you. This Mediterranean baked cod with lemon and herbs has been my go-to weeknight dinner for years – it’s so easy even my tired-after-work self can handle it. The bright citrus, earthy herbs, and flaky fish make it taste like sunshine on a plate. Honestly, I’ve served this to guests who swear it’s restaurant quality, but it takes just 25 minutes start to finish. Plus, with all those omega-3s and lean protein, you can feel great about eating it regularly. My kids don’t even realize they’re eating something healthy when I make this – they just know it’s delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs
Trust me, this recipe will become your new favorite fish dish for so many reasons:
- Crazy fast – Ready in under 30 minutes, even on busy weeknights
- Super healthy – Packed with lean protein and heart-healthy fats
- Bursting with flavor – The lemon and herb combo makes every bite zing
- Foolproof cooking – Even if you’re new to fish, this method is nearly impossible to mess up
- Minimal cleanup – Just one baking dish to wash when you’re done
Seriously, what’s not to love?
Ingredients for Mediterranean Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs
Grab these simple ingredients – I promise you probably have most of them already! The magic happens when they all come together:
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) – Look for thick, fresh pieces with that pretty pearly color
- 2 tbsp olive oil – Good quality extra virgin makes all the difference
- 1 lemon, sliced – Thin rounds work best for even flavor distribution
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh is key, none of that jarred stuff!
- 1 tsp dried oregano – Rub it between your fingers to wake up the flavor
- 1 tsp dried thyme – Or use fresh if you’ve got it (just double the amount)
- 1/2 tsp salt – I use sea salt for that extra mineral punch
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – Freshly ground preferred
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – Save some pretty sprigs for garnish
That’s it! See? Nothing fancy – just good, honest ingredients that make magic together.
Equipment Needed
You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this one – just some basic kitchen essentials:
- A medium baking dish (9×13 works great)
- Chef’s knife for slicing lemon and mincing garlic
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
That’s seriously all you need – no special equipment required!
How to Make Mediterranean Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs
Okay, let’s get cooking! This method is so simple you’ll wonder why you ever ordered expensive fish at restaurants. Just follow these steps and you’ll have perfect flaky cod every time.
Preparing the Cod
First things first – pat those cod fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial! Wet fish won’t brown properly and the seasoning won’t stick as well. Arrange them in your baking dish with a little space between each fillet – they shouldn’t be touching.
Now drizzle that gorgeous olive oil over them like you’re blessing them with liquid gold. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly – I like to rub it right into the fish with my fingers. Then comes the herb party! Oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper should rain down evenly over each fillet. Don’t be shy – get those flavors everywhere!
Finally, lay those beautiful lemon slices across the top. I usually do about 2-3 slices per fillet, overlapping slightly. The lemon will infuse the fish with bright flavor as it bakes.
Baking the Cod
Pop that baking dish into your preheated 400°F oven – and set your timer for 12 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The fish will turn opaque and start flaking easily when done.
Here’s my foolproof doneness test: Gently press the thickest part of a fillet with a fork. If it flakes apart easily and looks opaque all the way through, it’s done. If it still looks translucent in the center, give it another minute or two. But watch closely – overcooked cod turns rubbery fast!
When it’s perfect, pull it out and sprinkle with that fresh parsley. The heat will release its amazing aroma. Now try not to burn your tongue as you dive in!
Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs
After making this recipe countless times, here are my best tricks for cod that’s perfect every single time:
- Check the thickness – Thinner fillets may cook in 10 minutes, while thicker ones could need 15
- Fresh is fabulous – Swap dried herbs for fresh if you have them (use double the amount!)
- Season with confidence – Don’t be shy with the salt – fish needs it to shine
- Room temp fish – Let fillets sit out 10 minutes before cooking for even baking
- Watch like a hawk – Cod goes from perfect to overcooked in seconds
Trust me, follow these tips and you’ll be a cod-baking pro in no time!
Serving Suggestions for Mediterranean Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs
Oh, let me tell you about my favorite ways to serve this gorgeous fish! I love pairing it with simple Mediterranean-inspired sides that let the cod shine:
- Roasted vegetables – Toss some zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil and roast while the fish bakes
- Lemon herb quinoa – Fluffy quinoa with a squeeze of lemon and chopped parsley makes the perfect bed
- Crisp green salad – A simple arugula salad with shaved fennel and lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness
- Crusty bread – For soaking up all those delicious lemony juices left in the pan
Honestly, sometimes I just eat it straight from the baking dish – no shame in my game!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Okay, confession time – I rarely have leftovers of this cod because we gobble it up! But if you’re lucky enough to have some, here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:
- Storage: Pop it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The lemon keeps it tasting bright!
- Reheating: Gently warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes – microwaving makes fish rubbery.
- Pro tip: Enjoy leftovers cold on a salad – the flavors intensify beautifully overnight.
Just promise me you won’t freeze it – the texture will break your heart!
Nutritional Information for Mediterranean Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs
Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (one 6 oz fillet) – and let me tell you, these numbers make me feel great about eating this regularly:
- 220 calories – Light yet satisfying
- 32g protein – Hello, muscle fuel!
- 8g healthy fats – Mostly from that glorious olive oil
- Only 3g carbs – Perfect for low-carb diets
Remember, exact numbers may vary slightly based on your specific ingredients – but this gives you a great idea of why this dish is such a nutritional powerhouse!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked about this Mediterranean baked cod recipe all the time – here are the answers to the most common questions:
Can I use a different fish?
Absolutely! Haddock or halibut work beautifully here. Just adjust cooking time slightly based on thickness. Avoid delicate fish like tilapia – they’ll overcook too quickly.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
No worries! The dried herbs in the recipe work great. If you’ve got fresh, use double the amount – the flavor will be incredible!
Can I prep this ahead?
You bet! Season the fish and arrange lemon slices up to 4 hours before baking. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to cook.
Why is my cod watery?
Ah, that means it wasn’t patted dry enough before seasoning. Always blot well – moisture is the enemy of perfect baked fish!
Can I make it spicy?
Oh yes! A pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced chili would be delicious. My husband loves it with a sprinkle of smoked paprika too.
25-Minute Mediterranean Baked Cod Recipe – Irresistibly Flaky & Fresh!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and healthy Mediterranean baked cod recipe with lemon and herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place cod fillets in a baking dish.
- Drizzle olive oil over the fillets.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Top with lemon slices.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes easily.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cod for best results.
- Adjust baking time based on fillet thickness.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Mediterranean baked cod, lemon herb cod, healthy fish recipe
