Lemon-Herb Baked Cod
Flaky cod baked with a zesty lemon-herb crust, served over a bed of saffron-infused rice. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs (6 oz) fillets cod fillets, zested and juiced (2 tbsp juice) lemon, chopped 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 3: Drizzle remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and lemon juice over cod before serving. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon slices.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Baked Cod take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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-Herb Baked Cod?
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) fillets cod fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Baked Cod?
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-Herb Baked Cod 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-Herb Baked Cod?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
