Lemon-Garlic Baked Cod with Sautéed Spinach

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

Tender cod fillets baked in a bright lemon and garlic sauce paired with garlicky sautéed spinach for a light and nourishing Whole30 dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired Whole30 recipe (gluten free), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs cod fillets, lemon, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk together zest and juice of 1 lemon, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 cod fillets in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the lemon-garlic mixture evenly over the fillets. Let marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Bake cod for 12-15 minutes until opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Meanwhile, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Step 4: Add remaining 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 8 cups fresh baby spinach, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Cook, stirring frequently, until spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve baked cod alongside sautéed spinach, spooning any pan juices over the fish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Garlic Baked Cod with Sautéed Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Lemon-Garlic Baked Cod with Sautéed 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 Lemon-Garlic Baked Cod with Sautéed 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 Lemon-Garlic Baked Cod with Sautéed 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.

Is Lemon-Garlic Baked Cod with Sautéed Spinach whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, 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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