Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of one lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
Prepare the Marinade:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season Cod Fillets:
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Make Marinade:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, and onion powder. This will be the marinade for the cod.
- Marinate Cod:
- Place the cod fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the cod, ensuring each fillet is well-coated. Marinate for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
Bake Cod:
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- Place the marinated cod fillets in a baking dish lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil (Optional):
- If you desire a golden-brown top, you can broil the cod for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with Parsley:
- Remove the baked cod from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve Hot:
- Serve the Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs hot, with lemon wedges on the side.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy this light and flavorful dish!
Note:
- Feel free to customize the herbs based on your preferences. You can use fresh herbs instead of dried ones for a more vibrant flavor.
- Serve the baked cod with your favorite sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Adjust the baking time based on the thickness of your cod fillets. Thicker fillets may require a few extra minutes in the oven.