Baked cod with lemon and herbs is one of those no-fuss dinners that feels fresh and wholesome. It’s a great way to enjoy fish with just a handful of ingredients and a short amount of time in the kitchen. The lemon adds a nice brightness that balances the tender flaky cod. It pairs nicely with rice or a simple salad.
The Story Behind This Recipe
I came across this style of cooking fish on a trip to Greece, where simple flavors really let the ingredients shine. Locals often use fresh herbs like oregano and parsley with plenty of lemon for a lively touch. It wasn’t fancy, but it stuck with me because it felt like something you could easily whip up any night.
Over time, I tweaked the herbs based on whatever I had on hand—sometimes adding a hint of garlic or swapping oregano for dill. It’s quick enough to make after work but still feels like you’re putting in a bit of care. When I serve this, friends often comment on the fresh, bright flavors that don’t get lost in heavy sauces or seasoning.
One little habit I’ve developed is to zest the lemon before slicing it, saving the zest for a sprinkle on top right at the end. That extra lemon kick really wakes up the whole dish. Also, letting the fish sit in the marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for just 10 minutes before baking can make a noticeable difference in flavor.
I usually keep a loaf of crusty bread nearby since it’s handy to scoop up any of the lemony olive oil left on the plate. Sometimes, I add simple roasted veggies alongside, and it turns into a filling meal without much fuss.
Cuisine: Greek
Course: Dinner
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 lemons (zested and juiced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3. Place cod fillets in a shallow baking dish and pour the lemon herb mixture over them. Let marinate for about 10 minutes if you have time.
- Step 4. Bake the cod for 12-15 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 5. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the cod — it should flake easily but still be moist.
- Using fresh herbs makes a big difference, but dried oregano works well too.
- If you prefer, swap cod for any firm white fish like haddock or pollock.
- Marinating the fish briefly helps the flavors absorb better but is optional.
- Serve with plain rice, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for an easy meal.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a gentle heat.
- Swap parsley for fresh dill or basil depending on what you like or have.
- For a more garlicky flavor, roast whole garlic cloves alongside the fish.
- Include sliced cherry tomatoes in the baking dish for a touch of sweetness.
