Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean with just one bite - a perfectly baked cod that's so tender it practically melts in your mouth, bursting with vibrant lemon and garlic flavors, and accompanied by juicy roasted cherry tomatoes. This Lemon Garlic Baked Cod isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary escape that promises to elevate your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary, all in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your cod fillets cook evenly and develop a nice, flaky texture.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the ingredients. Rinse the cod fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture, allowing the fillets to bake properly.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Whisk together until well blended. This mixture will serve as a marinade and flavor base for the cod.
- Place the cod fillets in a baking dish. Pour the lemon-garlic mixture over the fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated. Use a brush or spoon to spread the mixture if necessary.
- Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper to taste. Be generous with the seasoning, as it enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes around the cod fillets in the baking dish. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the tomatoes and sprinkle them with salt and pepper to enhance their sweetness and flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the fish from drying out during the cooking process. This will help to keep the cod moist and tender.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. This allows the cod to cook through while the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- After 15 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This will give the cod a slight golden color and allow the flavors to intensify.
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it sit for a couple of minutes. This resting time helps the juices redistribute within the fish.
- Garnish the baked cod with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the dish warm, spooning the roasted cherry tomatoes and any pan juices over the cod fillets.
- Enjoy your Lemon Garlic Baked Cod with Cherry Tomatoes alongside a side of crusty bread or a light salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Tips
- Always pat your cod fillets completely dry before cooking to ensure a perfect, flaky texture and prevent steaming.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients - especially the garlic and lemon - as they're the star flavors of this dish.
- Don't overcook the fish! Cod is delicate and can become tough if baked too long. Watch it carefully and remove from the oven as soon as it's opaque and flakes easily.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or oregano to complement the Mediterranean profile.
- If you want a golden, slightly crispy top, switch your oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Choose firm, fresh cod fillets of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.
- The aluminum foil covering is crucial - it helps retain moisture and prevents the fish from drying out during baking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
