Lemon-Dill Baked Cod with Lemon-Caper Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate cod fillets baked to perfection with a bright lemon-dill crust, served with a shimmering caper sauce that captures the essence of sunlight on water. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes blends (6 oz each) cod fillets, olive oil, lemon into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 282 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

★ 3.7 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 282 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 4 cod fillets dry with paper towels, then brush each with 2 tbsp olive oil; season with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp dried dill.
  2. Step 2: Arrange 1 thinly sliced lemon over each fillet and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet; bake for 12-15 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: While fish bakes, simmer 1/4 cup rinsed capers, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly, then stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill.
  4. Step 4: Spoon lemon-caper sauce over the baked cod and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Dill Baked Cod with Lemon-Caper Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Dill Baked Cod with Lemon-Caper Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Dill Baked Cod with Lemon-Caper Sauce?

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-Dill Baked Cod with Lemon-Caper Sauce 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 Lemon-Dill Baked Cod with Lemon-Caper Sauce 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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