Hands down the most simple way to prepare fish - Baked Lemon Cod is the easiest weeknight meal!
Want to hear a confession? When I took my first ever job as a private chef I have absolutely ZERO idea how to make fish. I grew up not eating it, and we hadn't get covered fish in culinary school, and the family I was cooking for were big time fish lovers. So after getting over my initial fear of cooking fish, I threw together the simplest recipe I could imagine. Lemon, butter, salt, paprika and a fish that you can't easily mess up - Cod! You can whip up an amazing pan fried sole with lemon using similar and few ingredients in no time. The result was mind blowing and I impressed even myself! It's been on regular rotation ever since and it's the perfect lightened up main course that you can serve alongside some pesto broccoli, perhaps a bowl of garlic herb sweetpotato fries or even some spicy green beans
Baked Lemon Cod
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning
- 1.5 pounds cod cut into 4 equal pieces
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons zested lemon peel
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a shallow bowl, mix lemon juice and butter. In a separate shallow bowl, mix flour and seasonings. Dip fillets in lemon juice mixture, then in flour mixture to coat both sides.
- Place the prepped fish in a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Drizzle with remaining lemon juice mixture. Bake 12-15 minutes or until fish just begins to flake easily with a fork. Broil for the last 60 seconds to get a little bit of a golden crust.
- Garnish with parsley and lemon zest.
Does lemon juice take the fishy taste out of the fish when it's cooked?
it sure does
The flavor was good; however, the coating was a little gummy vs crispy. I used frozen cod that was well thawed and patted dry. I used a glass 9x13 pan, maybe that was why. Dunno. Good to try something new though!
Thank you Gady. This receip was awesome. The fish was the best fish ever. Thanks again!
I loved this! Fish was perfect. I made a simple veggie fried rice with it. Thank you!
SO happy to hear! xo
Would almond flour work as a gluten free substitute?
yes!
LOL so I am also GF and subbed Arrowroot flour which was a terrible mistake. It turned into a gelatinous mess. Gross! I know in fancy restaurants people pay good money for "gel" but not this lady. I'll try almond flour next time. The fish underneath was good once we scraped off the gel!
Hi Gaby,
Looks delicious. Can I substitute Halibut for Cod?
you can!
Going to try this recipe tomorrow night!!!!! I can't wait!!!
Could I bake this in the morning and warm it up at night?
it would be better if you make it right before eating - fish is funny like that. BUT... it's do-able
I love following you on snapchat and this is just a scrumptious recipe thank you xoxo
Can I use walleye fish. It is also a thick and meaty fillet.
totally!
Wow, all I can say is mine nver looks this good. Terrific.
Can I make this with Salmon?
I don't see why not!! 🙂
Sounds yummy. Looking forward to trying it out. I think home made oven chips to accompany, basically your parmesan roasted potatoes but cut into chunky sticks rather than cubed., and green veg, broccolli or peas. British person here!
This cod sounds so nice, simple and good!
I LOVE simple!! And this will still be so flavorful!!
I think the title of the recipe should be Baked. Not Baken. But I'm still going to make it. 🙂
OMG!!! whoops 🙂 good call!