Herb-Baked Cod with Lemon and Capers

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

Delicate cod fillets baked with fresh herbs, bright lemon slices, and briny capers for a light yet flavorful Italian seafood dish. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs about 6 oz each cod fillets, thinly sliced lemon, drained capers 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with 1 tbsp olive oil. Place 4 cod fillets in the dish and season each with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Evenly distribute 2 tbsp drained capers, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, and 2 minced garlic cloves over the fillets.
  3. Step 3: Top each fillet with 2-3 thin lemon slices and drizzle the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil over everything.
  4. Step 4: Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Serve immediately with a side of steamed vegetables or crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Baked Cod with Lemon and Capers 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 Herb-Baked Cod with Lemon and Capers?

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 about 6 oz each cod fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Baked Cod with Lemon and Capers?

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 Herb-Baked Cod with Lemon and Capers 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 Herb-Baked Cod with Lemon and Capers?

Italian 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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