Baked Lemon-Rosemary Cod with Garlic Spinach

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender cod fillets baked with fresh lemon and rosemary, served atop garlicky sautéed spinach for a light and flavorful meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs cod fillets, lemon zest, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place 4 cod fillets (5 oz each) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with 2 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp olive oil, then sprinkle 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly over the fillets.
  2. Step 2: Bake the cod for 12-15 minutes until opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: While the fish bakes, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 8 cups fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until just wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt.
  5. Step 5: Serve the baked cod fillets over the garlic spinach, spooning any pan juices from the baking sheet on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Lemon-Rosemary Cod with Garlic Spinach 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 Lemon-Rosemary Cod with Garlic Spinach?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Lemon-Rosemary Cod with Garlic Spinach?

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-Rosemary Cod with Garlic Spinach 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 Lemon-Rosemary Cod with Garlic Spinach?

Mediterranean 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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