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Get ready to enjoy an amazing lemon baked cod dish that's so easy, it'll quickly become your go-to weeknight meal. It's light, healthy and packed with natural flavors!
What makes this dish so special?
This meal brings together the natural freshness of cod with zesty lemon notes. It's super quick to make and showcases basic ingredients for a tasty yet light dinner, just perfect when you need something fast on the table.
Key basic ingredients needed
- Cod: 1 fresh fillet, skinless works best for a smoother texture.
- Lemon: Fresh, both for juice and garnish slices.
- Olive oil: Extra virgin, to enhance flavor during cooking.
- Butter: Just a bit for richness.
- Sea salt: To bring out natural flavors.
- Pepper: Freshly ground for better taste.
- Oregano: A small amount for herby flavor (if you want).
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Foolproof step-by-step directions
- Get your oven hot
- Set to 200°C (400°F) so it cooks evenly throughout.
- Get your dish ready
- Lightly coat a baking dish with olive oil so the fish won't stick.
- Add flavor to your cod
- Put the fillet in your dish, squeeze half a lemon over it, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle salt and pepper to your liking.
- Pop it in the oven
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the fish turns white and flakes easily with a fork.
- Dish up and enjoy
- Serve it hot with a lemon slice and maybe a sprinkle of oregano to boost the flavor.
Tips for amazing flavor
Sprinkle a bit of oregano for Mediterranean flair or pair with grilled veggies for a complete meal. The real trick? Always use fresh lemons for bright flavor and pick thick cod fillets for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I pick good cod?
- Look for firm fillets with white, shiny flesh. It shouldn’t have a strong smell, and the texture should bounce back when touched.
- → Can I prep this ahead of time?
- It’s best eaten fresh. Since it cooks so quickly, it’s easy to prepare right before serving for the best taste.
- → What’s the right fillet thickness?
- Fillets that are 2-3 cm thick work well. Adjust the cook time based on thickness—thicker fillets need a little longer.
- → What sides go well with this?
- Try pairing it with a green salad, steamed veggies, or plain rice. For something heartier, roasted potatoes are a great choice.
- → How do I know when cod is done?
- It’s ready when the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Don’t let it overcook—it’ll become dry.