Description
This delicious baked cod recipe features tender cod fillets coated in a flavorful blend of lemon, garlic, and aromatic spices. The fish is lightly seared for a golden crust and then baked to flaky perfection, making it a healthy and easy meal perfect for any occasion.
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 (plus 2 tbsp additional for searing)
- 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 ensure it is hot and ready for baking the fish after searing.
- Prepare Lemon Sauce Base: In a shallow bowl, combine lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and melted butter. Set this mixture aside for dipping the fish before coating it with the flour mixture.
- Prepare Flour Coating: In another shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, ground coriander, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour will give the fish a flavorful crust.
- Coat the Fish: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Dip each piece first into the lemon sauce mixture, then dredge it thoroughly in the flour and spice mixture, shaking off any excess flour. Reserve the lemon sauce for later use.
- Sear the Fish: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), add the coated cod fillets and sear each side for approximately 2 minutes to develop a golden color without cooking through. Remove the pan from heat.
- Add Garlic to Lemon Sauce and Drizzle: Stir the minced garlic into the reserved lemon sauce and drizzle this mixture evenly over the seared fish fillets in the skillet.
- Bake the Fish: Place the skillet with the fish in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Start checking earlier to ensure the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top, and serve the cod fillets immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcook the fish; it should flake easily with a fork but remain moist inside.
- Using a cast iron or oven-safe pan is essential for the searing and baking steps to avoid transferring the fish to another dish.
- If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the garlic cloves to 3 or mince them more finely.
- You can substitute cod with similar flaky white fish like haddock or halibut.
- Serving suggestion: pair with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
