Baked Cod with Lemon-Thyme and Garlic
Tender cod fillets baked with fresh lemon, thyme, and garlic for a light and flavorful seafood dish. This seafood-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) cod fillets, olive oil, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) cod fillets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Place 4 cod fillets in the prepared baking dish and brush the lemon-thyme mixture evenly over each fillet.
- Step 4: Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 5: Remove from oven and let rest for 3 minutes before serving with a drizzle of remaining pan juices.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cod with Lemon-Thyme and Garlic take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Cod with Lemon-Thyme and Garlic?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) cod fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cod with Lemon-Thyme and Garlic?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Cod with Lemon-Thyme and Garlic for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Baked Cod with Lemon-Thyme and Garlic?
Seafood seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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