Zesty Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe

Succulent cod takes center stage in this vibrant Greek-style baked cod with lemon and garlic masterpiece that sings of Mediterranean sunshine.

Ocean-fresh fish meets a zesty marinade bursting with bright flavors and aromatic herbs.

garlic and lemon work their magic, infusing each tender flake with irresistible Mediterranean charm.

The dish promises a quick, elegant meal that transports you straight to a seaside taverna in Greece.

Simple ingredients combine to create a restaurant-worthy experience right in your kitchen.

Delicate, flaky cod emerges from the oven perfectly seasoned and ready to delight your taste buds.

Get ready to savor every mouthwatering bite of this Mediterranean classic that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Greek-Style Baked Cod

• Cod Fillets: Fresh, mild-flavored fish that absorbs Mediterranean seasonings beautifully, selecting skin-on or skinless based on preference.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance the natural fish flavor and create a balanced taste profile.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides crispy golden exterior and helps seal in moisture during baking.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Creates rich, luxurious coating with authentic Mediterranean cooking technique.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy element that tenderizes fish and adds zesty complexity.

• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent depth that complements the delicate cod perfectly.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings vibrant green color and fresh herbaceous note to finish the dish.
• Dried Spices (Optional): Mediterranean blend like oregano or za'atar can introduce additional warmth and traditional flavor layers.

Tools to Bake Cod with Mediterranean Flair

• Cast Iron Skillet: Heavy-duty pan perfect for searing and transferring fish directly to the oven.
• Shallow Bowls (2): One for lemon juice mixture, another for flour and spice coating.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Cutting Board: For preparing herbs and chopping parsley.
• Sharp Knife: To mince garlic and chop fresh parsley.
• Mixing Spoon or Whisk: To blend lemon juice mixture and combine ingredients.
• Baking Dish or Oven-Safe Skillet: For finishing fish in the oven.
• Paper Towels: To pat fish dry before coating.
• Fork: To check fish doneness when baking.

How to Bake Lemon-Garlic Cod Just Right

• Kitchen Preparation

Set up your cooking space with a cast iron skillet, baking dish, and essential utensils. Ensure all surfaces are clean and ingredients are ready for a smooth cooking experience.

• Fish Coating

Create a zesty flavor foundation by dipping cod fillets into a tangy lemon and olive oil bath, then dusting with a light, seasoned flour mixture. This technique helps develop a delicate, crispy exterior.

• Searing Process

Quickly sear the cod in hot olive oil, developing a golden color and sealing in the fish’s natural moisture. This quick technique enhances the flavor profile without overcooking the delicate protein.

• Aromatic Infusion

Drizzle a fragrant garlic and lemon mixture over the partially cooked fish, allowing the bright Mediterranean flavors to penetrate the flesh during baking.

• Oven Transformation

Bake the cod in a hot oven until it becomes perfectly flaky and tender. Watch carefully to prevent overcooking, ensuring a moist and delicate final dish.

• Finishing Touch

Garnish with fresh parsley to add a burst of color and herbal freshness. Serve immediately alongside complementary Mediterranean sides like chickpea salad or Greek-style rice.

Tips for Texture, Marinades & Pairings

• Choose the freshest cod possible, checking for firm flesh and mild ocean scent at your local seafood market.
• Experiment with different Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, or dill to create unique flavor profiles matching your taste preferences.
• Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and develop a delicious golden-brown crust without overcooking the delicate fish.
• Swap wheat flour with almond flour or cornmeal for a crispy coating that accommodates dietary restrictions while maintaining authentic Greek-style texture.
• Select a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the lemon and garlic notes, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Serving Up Baked Cod with Elegance

• Pair with Zesty Mediterranean Rice: Complement the delicate cod with fluffy Lebanese rice, seasoned with a hint of herbs and butter for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad bursting with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and tangy feta cheese to balance the fish's rich flavors.
• Hearty Chickpea Companion: Add a protein-packed Mediterranean chickpea salad with fresh herbs, lemon, and olive oil to create a nutritious and satisfying plate that highlights the cod's delicate texture.
• Crusty Bread Delight: Include warm, crusty bread or pita to soak up the delicious lemon-garlic sauce, transforming every bite into a mediterranean flavor explosion.

How to Store and Rewarm Cod Flakes Perfectly

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume refrigerated fish within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and safety.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual cod portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen fish maintains quality for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Reheat Carefully: Gently warm cod in the oven at 275°F to prevent drying out. Add a splash of lemon juice or olive oil to retain moisture and restore original flavors.
• Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare fish components in advance by mixing dry and wet ingredients separately. Keep fish fillets and mixtures refrigerated until ready to cook for convenient, quick meal preparation.

Succulent Greek-Style Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean flavors highlight this greek-style baked cod with lemon and garlic recipe, showcasing fresh herbs and zesty citrus. Perfectly seasoned fish promises a delightful meal you’ll savor with simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 fillets cod (6 oz/170 g each)
• ⅓ cup flour (all-purpose)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ¾ tsp sweet Spanish paprika
• ¾ tsp ground cumin
• ¾ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C), creating an ideal thermal environment for baking delicate cod fillets.
2. Marinade Creation: Whisk lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and melted unsalted butter in a shallow dish, crafting a zesty flavor foundation for the fish.
3. Seasoning Blend: Combine all-purpose flour, aromatic spices, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl to develop a robust coating mixture.
4. Fish Preparation: Meticulously pat cod fillets dry, ensuring optimal surface texture for achieving a golden, crisp exterior.
5. Coating Process: Immerse cod fillets in lemon-oil mixture, allowing excess to drip, then thoroughly dredge in seasoned flour, shaking off surplus coating.
6. Searing Technique: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface to develop a light golden crust on the fish.
7. Flavor Infusion: Stir minced garlic into the reserved lemon juice mixture, intensifying the dish’s aromatic profile.
8. Oven Baking: Transfer seared fillets to preheated oven, baking for 8-12 minutes until fish becomes translucent and effortlessly flakes with a fork.
9. Final Touches: Drizzle garlic-enhanced liquid over baked cod, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley to introduce a vibrant, herbaceous element.
10. Serving Suggestion: Plate immediately alongside Lebanese rice or Mediterranean chickpea salad, completing this Greek-inspired culinary experience.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Pat cod fillets completely dry to achieve a perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in delicate fish flavors.
• Searing Technique: Quick sear in hot skillet creates a beautiful crust without overcooking, developing rich caramelized edges and tender interior.
• Temperature Precision: Bake between 8-12 minutes, monitoring fish closely to prevent dryness; cod should flake gently and appear translucent when perfectly cooked.
• Flavor Layering: Marinate cod in lemon-oil mixture before dredging to infuse depth, then enhance with garlic-infused drizzle for complex Mediterranean-inspired taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 525 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg