Lemon-Herb Baked Cod

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-03-30 · Updated 2026-03-30

Flaky cod baked with a zesty lemon-herb crust, served over a bed of saffron-infused rice. This Mediterranean-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, pairs cod fillets, lemon, fresh parsley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Ingredients

• 4 (6 oz) fillets cod fillets
• 1, zested and juiced (2 tbsp juice) lemon
• 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp, chopped dill
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp saffron threads
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, combine lemon zest, parsley, dill, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper. Press mixture onto both sides of cod fillets.
2. Step 2: Place fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 15-18 minutes until flesh is opaque and flakes easily. Meanwhile, in a medium pot, cook rice with saffron, 2 1/2 cups water, and 1/4 tsp salt, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
3. Step 3: Drizzle remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and lemon juice over cod before serving. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon slices.