Lemon-Baked Cod with Garlic and Capers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender cod fillets baked with bright lemon juice, garlic, and briny capers create a fresh, sour-accented seafood entree full of vibrant flavors. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each cod fillets, olive oil, fresh 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.

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

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) in a single layer in a baking dish. Drizzle with 3 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice.
  2. Step 2: Scatter 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 2 tbsp drained capers evenly over the fish. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes until the cod flakes easily with a fork and the edges start to turn opaque.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh herbal finish before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Baked Cod with Garlic 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 Lemon-Baked Cod with Garlic 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 6 oz each cod fillets from drying out.

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

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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