Baked Cod with Lemon, Garlic, and Spiced Flour Coating Recipe
This Baked Cod Recipe with Lemon and Garlic features tender cod fillets seared in a skillet and then baked to perfection with a zesty lemon and garlic sauce. The combination of aromatic spices, fresh herbs, and a light breading creates a flavorful yet healthy dish, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Fish and Coating
- 1.5 lb Cod fillet pieces (4-6 pieces)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 3/4 tsp sweet Spanish paprika
- 3/4 tsp ground cumin
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Lemon Garlic Sauce
- 5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cod after searing.
- Prepare Lemon Sauce: In a shallow bowl, mix the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and melted butter together, but do not add the garlic yet. Set this mixture aside.
- Mix Flour and Spices: In a separate shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with ground coriander, sweet Spanish paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. This will be used to coat the fish.
- Coat the Fish: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Dip each piece first into the lemon sauce mixture and then into the flour and spice mixture. Shake off any excess flour to ensure a light coating. Reserve the lemon sauce bowl for later use.
- Sear the Fish: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add the coated cod fillets. Sear the fish for about 2 minutes on each side to create a golden crust, but do not cook them through. Then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Add Garlic to Sauce and Drizzle: To the reserved lemon sauce, add the minced garlic and stir well. Drizzle this garlic-infused lemon sauce evenly over the seared cod fillets in the skillet.
- Bake the Cod: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Start checking earlier to prevent overcooking.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the fish, and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Ensure the cod is patted dry before coating for a better sear and crust.
- The searing step helps add texture and flavor; do not skip it.
- Adjust baking time depending on the thickness of the cod fillets to avoid overcooking.
- Serve with lemon wedges or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
- Cast iron skillets or oven-safe pans are essential for searing and baking in one vessel.