If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner option that’s packed with flavor, this Easy Greek Baked Cod is exactly what you need! With a light, lemony dressing, fresh herbs, and a touch of Mediterranean goodness, this dish comes together effortlessly and makes for the perfect weeknight meal. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a protein-rich meal without any fuss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Greek-inspired flavors are known for being fresh and vibrant, and this baked cod recipe is no exception. The flaky, mild cod is perfectly complemented by a zesty mix of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs like oregano and parsley. It’s a simple recipe that doesn’t take much time to prepare but delivers a ton of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a group, this is one dish that will make everyone feel like they’re dining in the Mediterranean.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek of the ingredients you’ll need for this Mediterranean-inspired dish. You can find the full list of ingredients below:
- Cod fillets (fresh or frozen)
- Olive oil
- Fresh lemon juice
- Garlic (minced)
- Dried oregano
- Fresh parsley (or dried)
- Salt and pepper
For the complete list and measurements, check the recipe card below.
Directions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the cod will bake evenly and have that perfect flaky texture.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
While the oven is heating, lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This will keep the fish from sticking and help it cook more evenly.
3. Season the Cod
Place your cod fillets in the baking dish. Drizzle them with olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Then, sprinkle with minced garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You want the cod to be nicely coated with the seasonings, so use your hands or a spoon to evenly distribute the mixture.
4. Bake the Cod
Once your fillets are seasoned, pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The cod should be opaque and easily flake with a fork when done. If you’re using frozen cod, it may take an extra 5 minutes, so check for doneness.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove the cod from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice for that fresh, zesty finish. Serve the fish with your favorite sides, and you’re good to go!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Fish: While frozen cod works perfectly fine, fresh cod will give you the best texture and flavor. If you can get fresh fish, go for it!
- Customize the Herbs: If you’re not a fan of oregano, feel free to swap it out for thyme, basil, or dill. Greek cooking is all about fresh, bold flavors, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
- Extra Crispy: For a bit of extra texture, you can broil the cod for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. This will give the top a golden, crispy finish.
- Don’t Overcook: Cod cooks quickly, so be sure to check it early to avoid overcooking. Overcooked cod can become tough and dry.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add Veggies: For a one-pan meal, you can add sliced tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers to the baking dish. These vegetables pair perfectly with the Greek flavors and will cook along with the cod.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to give the dish a little heat. The subtle spiciness balances nicely with the tangy lemon and garlic.
- Different Fish: If you don’t have cod, you can use other white fish like halibut, tilapia, or haddock. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Easy Greek Baked Cod pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a light, healthy meal, serve it with a crisp Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or some roasted potatoes. If you want a heartier side, couscous or quinoa would work beautifully, soaking up all the delicious juices from the cod. A side of warm pita bread is also a great option to dip into the lemony olive oil sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave in short intervals to avoid overcooking. The fish can also be used in wraps or salads for a quick lunch the next day!
4 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the cod completely in the fridge before cooking. It might need an extra few minutes of baking compared to fresh cod, so check it for doneness by flaking it with a fork.
2. Can I make this recipe without garlic?
Yes, if you don’t have garlic or prefer to leave it out, you can still achieve a delicious flavor. You might want to use a little more lemon or a dash of onion powder to compensate.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Easy Greek Baked Cod is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While cod is best when served fresh, you can prep the fish with the seasoning and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. This allows the flavors to marinate a bit, making the fish even more flavorful.
Conclusion
This Easy Greek Baked Cod is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious, satisfying meal. With its light, fresh flavors and tender, flaky fish, it’s sure to become a go-to weeknight dinner. It’s quick, healthy, and absolutely packed with Mediterranean goodness. I hope you try this recipe soon and enjoy it just as much as I do—happy cooking!
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Easy Greek Baked Cod: A Fresh and Flavorful Weeknight Dinner
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 17-20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Greek Baked Cod is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner option. Packed with Mediterranean herbs, lemon, and garlic, it’s a light and delicious meal that comes together effortlessly for a perfect weeknight dish.
Ingredients
- Cod fillets: 4 (about 4 oz each)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh lemon juice: 2 tablespoons (about 1 medium lemon)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Fresh parsley (or dried): 2 tablespoons, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (or to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Season the cod fillets with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place the fillets in the prepared baking dish and bake for 12-15 minutes until the cod is opaque and flakes easily.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley and additional lemon juice.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For extra crispy texture, broil the cod for the last 2-3 minutes.
- You can add vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers for a one-pan meal.
- If you prefer, substitute oregano with basil, thyme, or dill.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 60mg