Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Herb Quinoa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate cod fillets baked with a lemon-garlic drizzle served over fluffy quinoa infused with fresh herbs for a light and healthy dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs 6 oz each cod fillets, lemon juice, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the lemon-garlic mixture evenly over them. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, bring 2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed.
  4. Step 4: Remove quinoa from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1 tsp lemon zest.
  5. Step 5: Serve the baked cod fillets over the herb quinoa, spooning any pan juices on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Herb Quinoa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Lemon-Garlic Cod with Herb Quinoa?

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 Lemon-Garlic Cod with Herb Quinoa?

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 Lemon-Garlic Cod with Herb Quinoa 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.

Is Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Herb Quinoa gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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