Lemon Dill Baked Cod

$For Lemon Dill Baked Cod, you will need: - 4 fillets of cod (about 6 oz each) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon slices, for garnish - Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish You will need a few simple tools: - Baking dish - Parchment paper - Small bowl - Whisk - Fork Each serving of Lemon Dill Baked Cod is healthy and tasty. Here’s what you get: - Calories: Approximately 280 - Protein: About 25 grams - Fat: Roughly 18 grams - Carbohydrates: Around 4 grams - Fiber: 0 grams This dish offers a good source of protein and healthy fats. It keeps your meals light and nutritious. Enjoy this delightful dish without guilt! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for baking the cod. While it heats, line a baking dish with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and helps the fish cook evenly. In a small bowl, mix three tablespoons of olive oil, two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and the zest of one lemon. Add three cloves of minced garlic, one teaspoon of chopped dill, and one teaspoon of dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk it all together until it's well combined. This sauce gives the cod a bright, fresh taste. Now, place four cod fillets in your prepared baking dish, skin-side down if they have skin. Pour the lemon-dill mixture evenly over the fillets. Make sure they are fully coated. This step ensures every bite is tasty. Bake them in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. The cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork. Once it’s done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and dill sprigs before serving. Enjoy your meal! To make Lemon Dill Baked Cod shine, focus on fresh ingredients. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Fresh dill adds a bright taste that dried herbs can't match. Make sure to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the fish cook evenly. When mixing the lemon-dill sauce, whisk thoroughly. This ensures all the flavors blend well. One common mistake is overcooking the cod. Cod cooks quickly, usually in 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness by using a fork. If it flakes easily, it’s ready. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Salt and pepper enhance the dish. Don’t skip these simple steps. Garnish your cod with fresh lemon slices and dill sprigs for a lovely look. Serve it with rice or a green salad to balance the meal. You could also pair it with steamed veggies for extra color and nutrients. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Cod: Always opt for fresh cod fillets for the best flavor and texture. If you use frozen cod, make sure to fully thaw it beforehand for even cooking. Marinate for More Flavor: If time allows, marinate the fish in the lemon-dill mixture for 30 minutes to an hour in the refrigerator. This enhances the flavors significantly. Check for Doneness: Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Serve with Sides: Pair this dish with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Quinoa or rice also complement the flavors beautifully. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your cod by using different herbs and spices. For a fresh twist, try parsley, basil, or cilantro. If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes. You can mix and match to find your favorite flavor. Each herb gives a unique taste to the dish. Baking is not the only way to cook cod. You can grill it for a smoky flavor. Simply brush the fillets with olive oil and season as you like. Cook on medium heat until the fish flakes easily. Frying is another option, giving a crispy texture. Use a hot skillet with oil and cook each side for a few minutes. Pair your lemon dill baked cod with fresh sides. Steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans work well. A light salad with mixed greens adds a nice crunch. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. These sides balance the flavors and make your meal complete. After your meal, let the cod cool down first. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the fish fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date. This way, you won't forget when you cooked it. To reheat, you can use the oven or a microwave. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm. If using a microwave, put the cod on a plate. Heat in 30-second bursts until warm. Be careful not to overcook it, or it will get dry. If you want to freeze the cod, do it right away. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped fillets in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets. Just thaw them before cooking. Thawing helps the fish cook evenly. You can thaw fillets in the fridge overnight or use cold water. If you use frozen fillets, adjust your cooking time. They may need a few extra minutes in the oven. If you don't have dill, you can use parsley or thyme. Both herbs add flavor without being too strong. You can also try tarragon, as it has a nice taste. Choose an herb that you enjoy. Just remember, each herb has a unique flavor. Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork. You can check the thickest part of the fillet. Look for a white, opaque color. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). If you see these signs, your cod is ready to eat! This blog post covers cod cooking from start to finish. We explored key ingredients and equipment needed. I shared a step-by-step guide for baking cod, along with tips to improve your dish. We also discussed variations and how to store leftover cod. Whether you grill, fry, or bake, you can enjoy this tasty fish. Follow the methods here for a delightful meal. Cooking cod is simple and rewarding. You now have the tools to make it a hit at your table.$

A light and flavorful baked cod dish with lemon and dill.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets cod (about 6 oz each)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 zest lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste salt and pepper
as needed lemon slices, for garnish
as needed fresh dill sprigs, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped dill, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, skin-side down if applicable. Pour the lemon-dill mixture evenly over the fillets, ensuring they are well coated.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
Garnish with fresh lemon slices and dill sprigs before serving.

Notes

Serve with a side of vegetables or rice.

Keyword baked fish, cod, dill, lemon