Quick Baked Cod with Garlic and Herbs

The gentle warmth of garlic mingling with fresh herbs creates an inviting aroma that transforms simple cod into a tender, flavorful delight. Baked cod with garlic and herbs offers a light yet satisfying bite, where the fish absorbs the zesty lemon and subtle sweetness for a balanced, Mediterranean-inspired taste. Its flaky texture emerges effortlessly from the oven, making it a go-to for those craving healthy comfort without the fuss.

This dish fits seamlessly into busy evenings, ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish. I appreciate how the marinade infuses deep flavor while keeping things gluten-free friendly with a simple swap. Leftovers hold up well, reheating to maintain that moist tenderness everyone raves about at family dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, ideal for weeknight meals without sacrificing taste.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with lean protein and fresh herbs, it supports a balanced diet while feeling indulgent.
• Versatile Flavor: The garlic and herb marinade adds brightness and depth, appealing to both kids and adults.
• Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps and minimal prep make it approachable for anyone new to seafood cooking.
• Make-Ahead Option: Marinate ahead to save time, enhancing flavor for even busier days.

Baked Cod with Garlic and Herbs Ingredients

These ingredients blend seamlessly to create a light, aromatic marinade that enhances the cod’s natural mildness with savory, zesty notes. Opting for fresh herbs and quality seafood elevates the dish, ensuring vibrant flavors and tender results every time.

• Cod fillets: Provides a mild, flaky base that absorbs the marinade for a tender, protein-rich main.
• Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness, helping the herbs and garlic cling to the fish during baking.
• Honey: Introduces a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements, optional for a purely savory profile.
• Soy sauce: Brings umami depth and a touch of saltiness, with tamari as a gluten-free alternative.
• Lemon zest: Offers bright, citrusy notes that cut through the richness for a fresh finish.
• Fresh parsley: Contributes earthy, green freshness to the marinade and as a garnish for color.
• Fresh thyme leaves: Infuses a subtle, woody herb flavor that complements the garlic beautifully.
• Salt: Enhances all flavors, drawing out the fish’s natural taste without overpowering.
• Pepper: Adds a mild kick and warmth to round out the seasoning blend.
• Minced garlic: Delivers bold, aromatic savoriness as the star of the herb-infused coating.
• Cooking spray or butter: Prevents sticking in the baking dish, ensuring easy release and clean prep.
• Lemon wedges: Serves as an acidic squeeze to brighten each bite at serving time.
• Fresh herbs: Used for garnish to add visual appeal and a burst of herbaceous aroma.

Note: The complete list of ingredients and exact measurements can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

How to Make Baked Cod with Garlic and Herbs

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. This quick seafood recipe starts with a hot oven for even cooking. The greased dish ensures the cod releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Whisk the Herb Marinade

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, honey if using, soy sauce, lemon zest, chopped parsley, thyme, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Whisk until smooth to create a flavorful coating that infuses the fish. Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme add that signature garlic and herbs aroma right away.

Step 3: Coat and Marinate the Cod

Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels, then place them in the prepared dish and spoon the marinade over each piece for full coverage. For deeper flavor in this healthy fish dinner, let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours. Add thin lemon slices on top if desired for extra citrus brightness.

Step 4: Bake the Cod

Bake the coated cod for 10 to 15 minutes until it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork, adjusting time based on thickness. For a golden top on your oven baked cod, broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes while watching closely to avoid burning. This keeps the texture moist and tender.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with extra fresh herbs and lemon wedges. The result is a flaky, aromatic dish ready for serving. Pair it warm to enjoy the full garlic and herbs infusion.

Pro Tips for Success

• Pat Fish Dry: Always dry the cod before marinating to help the flavors adhere better and promote even cooking.
• Marinate Ahead: Allow at least 30 minutes in the fridge for optimal flavor absorption without over-marinating beyond 8 hours.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Flake with a fork to ensure it’s opaque and moist; overcooking leads to dryness in this delicate fish.
• Use Tamari Swap: Opt for tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the recipe gluten-free while maintaining umami.
• Broil with Caution: Watch closely during the 2-3 minute broil to achieve a light brown top without burning the herbs.

How to Serve Baked Cod with Garlic and Herbs

Garnishes

I love sprinkling extra chopped parsley or thyme over the top right after baking to enhance the fresh herb notes and add a pop of green color. A squeeze of lemon wedge brings bright acidity that cuts through the garlic richness. These simple touches make the flaky fish look and taste even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair this with steamed green beans or a crisp cucumber salad for a light, refreshing contrast to the tender cod. Roasted potatoes absorb the lemony juices beautifully, creating a cozy, complete meal. I often add quinoa for extra protein to keep it satisfying yet healthy.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners, arrange the fillets on a platter surrounded by lemon slices to showcase the golden bake and aromatic appeal. Flake the cod over a bed of greens for a deconstructed salad vibe that’s effortlessly elegant. I sometimes nestle it into foil packets before baking for a rustic, picnic-style presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any remaining baked cod with garlic and herbs in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for a few days. This helps preserve the moist texture without sogginess. Always cool it completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

Portion the cooked cod into freezer-safe bags, flattening them for easy storage, and freeze for up to a month to enjoy later. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use. This method maintains the herb flavors surprisingly well for quick meals.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 5-7 minutes to prevent drying out the flakes. For speed, use the microwave on medium power in short bursts, checking frequently. I add a splash of water or lemon juice to restore moisture every time.

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