Baked Lemon Herb Cod

22 min | easy | gluten-free, keto-friendly, Mediterranean diet, pescatarian

Recipe by Eunice Updated Mar 7, 2025

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
10 min	12 min	22 min

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Introduction

This baked lemon herb cod is light, bright, and full of fresh flavor without feeling fussy or time consuming.

The buttery lemon-garlic sauce soaks into the tender cod fillets, while dried herbs add a cozy, Mediterranean-style touch.

It is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, yet special enough to serve to guests with a simple salad or roasted veggies.

Prep mode (keeps screen active)

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a small baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
Pat the cod dry

Pat the cod fillets dry on both sides with paper towels so the sauce clings and the fish bakes evenly.

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Whisk the lemon herb butter

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Stir in the garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes until the mixture looks well combined.
Coat and bake the cod

Place the cod fillets in the prepared dish and spoon the lemon herb mixture evenly over the top and sides.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque in the center.
Garnish and serve

Let the cod rest for 2 minutes, then spoon any pan juices back over the fillets.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges, rice, or a simple green salad.

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Cod fillets -> halibut or haddock fillets: Swap cod with halibut or haddock fillets of similar thickness for a slightly firmer texture that still tastes mild. Baking time stays about the same, so check for flaky flesh and opaque centers.
Butter -> all olive oil: Use extra olive oil in place of melted butter for a dairy-free version with a clean, bright Mediterranean flavor. The sauce will feel lighter, and the herbs and lemon will shine a bit more.
Lemon -> lime or orange: Replace the lemon juice and zest with lime for a sharper citrus bite that pairs well with spicy red flakes. Or use orange for a softer, sweeter profile that kids often love.

Watch the internal temperature: For the juiciest texture, start checking the fish at 8 minutes, especially if your fillets are thin. Cod is done when it flakes easily and reaches 135°F to 140°F in the thickest part.
Dry fish makes better flavor: Always pat the cod very dry so the lemon butter clings instead of sliding off into the pan. This also helps the surface cook evenly and prevents a watery sauce.
Choose a snug baking dish: Choose a baking dish that holds the fillets close together without overlapping, so the sauce pools around the fish. The cod will baste in its own juices and stay extra moist.
Make the sauce ahead: You can whisk the lemon herb mixture several hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Whisk again before using to recombine the oil, butter, and lemon.
Broil briefly for color: If you want light browning, broil the cod for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch closely so the garlic does not burn, since it browns very quickly.

^* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.

How do I stop the cod from turning rubbery or dry?: Rubbery cod almost always means it was baked too long or at too high a temperature. Use a timer, start checking early, and pull the fish as soon as it flakes with gentle pressure. Remember the temperature will rise a bit after you remove it from the oven.
Can I use frozen cod fillets?: Yes, but thaw them completely in the fridge overnight so they bake evenly and do not weep excess water. Pat very dry before adding the sauce, and expect them to need an extra minute or two.
What can I serve with lemon herb cod?: This cod pairs nicely with steamed rice, roasted potatoes, or a crusty baguette to soak up the lemony juices. For something green, try roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a simple mixed salad.
Can I double the recipe for guests?: You can easily double this recipe as long as the fillets sit in a single layer in your baking dishes. Use two pans if needed, and rotate them halfway through baking for even cooking.
How spicy will it be with the red pepper flakes?: The amount listed adds just a gentle warmth that most people find very mild. For no heat, simply leave them out, or add more if you like a noticeable kick.

This baked lemon herb cod shines with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes, herbed rice, or crusty bread for dipping.

For a special touch, add a quick topping of toasted breadcrumbs mixed with extra lemon zest and parsley for crunch.

If you love sauces, whisk a spoonful of Dijon into the pan juices to make a light, tangy drizzle.

Jacqueline, Miami: Really enjoyed this one, super bright and buttery without being heavy. I did find the lemon juice a bit sharp for my fillets, so next time I’ll cut it back slightly and serve extra lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add to taste. The pan juices were great spooned over rice. — 4 ★

Eunice: So happy this cod hit the bright-but-light balance for you, Jacqueline! Cutting the lemon juice a touch and serving wedges on the side is a smart move, and those pan juices over rice are such a good call.