Easy Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe

Greek-style baked cod brings Mediterranean magic right to your dinner table with its vibrant, sun-kissed flavors.

Coastal regions inspire this simple yet sophisticated seafood dish that revamps ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Zesty lemon and fragrant garlic dance harmoniously across tender, flaky fish fillets.

Mediterranean cooking celebrates fresh, quality ingredients that shine through minimal preparation techniques.

Bright herbs and aromatic spices elevate this classic protein into a restaurant-worthy meal anyone can master at home.

Elegant yet unpretentious, this recipe promises a delightful culinary journey that transports you to idyllic Greek seaside tavernas.

Tips for Garlic Punch Without Overpowering

• Choose Fresh Fish: Select the freshest cod possible with firm, translucent white flesh and minimal fishy smell for the best flavor and texture.
• Pat Dry Thoroughly: Use paper towels to completely dry fish fillets before coating, ensuring a crispy, golden exterior that seals in moisture.
• Control Skillet Temperature: Heat olive oil to medium-high but not smoking to create a perfect golden crust without burning the delicate fish.
• Watch Baking Time Closely: Check fish at 8 minutes since cooking times vary based on fillet thickness; fish is done when it flakes easily and turns opaque white.
• Enhance Flavor Layers: Let fish rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, creating a more tender and succulent final dish.

Storing Cod Without Losing Moisture

• Storing Leftovers: Transfer cooled cod to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and flavor.
• Refrigeration Method: Place fish in a shallow, sealed container to prevent moisture loss. Cover with plastic wrap or lid, pressing gently to remove excess air.
• Reheating Technique: Warm gently in a preheated oven at 275°F for 10-12 minutes. Drizzle with a little olive oil to maintain moisture and prevent drying. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make fish tough and rubbery. Check internal temperature reaches 145°F for food safety. Sprinkle fresh parsley before serving to revive the dish's vibrant flavors.

Mediterranean Sides That Complete the Meal

• Uncork a Crisp White Wine: Pair this zesty cod with a refreshing Assyrtiko from Santorini or a chilled Sauvignon Blanc to complement the bright lemon and garlic flavors, cutting through the fish's richness.
• Enhance with Herbal Mediterranean Sides: Serve alongside a vibrant Greek salad with feta, kalamata olives, and a light olive oil dressing to echo the dish's Mediterranean roots and add textural contrast.
• Boost with Aromatic Rice Pilaf: Prepare Lebanese-style rice with toasted pine nuts and a hint of cinnamon to provide a warm, nutty backdrop that elevates the delicate cod and brings depth to the meal.
• Finish with Citrus-Infused Dessert: Follow up with a light lemon sorbet or Greek yogurt with honey to continue the citrus theme and offer a refreshing, palate-cleansing conclusion to the dining experience.

Flavorful Fish Upgrades with a Greek Twist

• Mediterranean Herb Twist: Replace standard spices with a blend of dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary for an intense herbal flavor profile that highlights coastal Mediterranean cooking techniques.
• Almond-Crusted Version: Substitute half the flour with finely ground almonds to create a nutty, crispy exterior that adds rich texture and subtle sweetness to the delicate cod.
• Spicy Paprika Edition: Incorporate smoked paprika and red pepper flakes into the flour mixture for a warming, slightly fiery version that complements the fish's mild flavor with a subtle kick.
• Citrus Fusion Approach: Expand the lemon component by adding orange zest and a splash of lime juice to the marinade, creating a brighter, more complex citrus profile that enhances the seafood's natural qualities.

Why Greek Baked Cod Brightens Any Table

• Elevate Seafood Simply: This recipe transforms humble cod into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cooking skills required, making gourmet dining accessible for home chefs.
• Mediterranean Flavor Explosion: The combination of zesty lemon, rich olive oil, and aromatic garlic creates a vibrant taste profile that transports your palate to Greek coastal regions with every bite.
• Quick and Foolproof Technique: Searing then baking ensures perfectly cooked fish with a golden exterior and tender, flaky interior, eliminating the guesswork of preparing delicate seafood while keeping cooking time under 20 minutes.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable to different side dishes and dietary preferences, this recipe offers a protein-packed meal that can be dressed up for elegant dinner parties or enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner.

Everything You Need for That Med Lemon Flair

• Cod Fillets: Fresh, white fish with delicate flavor perfect for baking and absorbing Mediterranean seasonings. Wild-caught or fresh-caught preferred for best taste.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Olive Oil: Essential for creating authentic Greek flavor and helping fish achieve golden crispy exterior. High-quality oil recommended.

• Fresh Lemon: Provides bright, citrusy acidity that complements fish and tenderizes protein. Choose firm, heavy lemons with smooth skin.
• Fresh Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic flavor traditional in Greek cuisine. Select firm cloves without sprouting.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers fresh, herbaceous garnish that adds color and light flavor. Choose bright green leaves without wilting.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates crispy, light coating for fish. Helps seal in moisture and provides golden exterior.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall dish flavor. Freshly ground pepper preferred.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create golden brown exterior. room temperature recommended.

Baking Cod That’s Flaky and Flavorful

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Ingredients

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Gather all necessary ingredients for the Greek-Style Baked Cod.

Step 2: Create Lemon Marinade

• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Melted butter

Set the marinade mixture aside.

Step 3: Prepare Seasoned Flour Coating

• Flour
• Spices
• Salt
• Pepper

Place this mixture near the lemon juice marinade.

Step 4: Coat the Fish Fillets

Pat fish fillets completely dry. Dip each fillet first into the lemon juice mixture, then coat with the seasoned flour mixture. Gently shake off any excess flour.

Step 5: Sear the Fish

Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the fish on each side for 1-2 minutes to add color, without fully cooking. Remove from heat.

Step 6: Add Garlic Flavor

Mix minced garlic into the remaining lemon juice mixture. Drizzle this garlic-infused liquid evenly over the fish fillets.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven until fish flakes easily with a fork, approximately 10 minutes. Check early to prevent overcooking.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately alongside Lebanese rice, Mediterranean chickpea salad, or a traditional Greek salad.

Greek-Style Baked Cod With Lemon And Garlic Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance in this Greek-style baked cod, celebrating zesty lemon and robust garlic. Succulent fish emerges from the oven infused with Mediterranean herbs, promising a delightful journey through Greek coastal cuisine you’ll savor with each tender bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces/170 grams each)

Spice Blend:

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ¾ teaspoon sweet Spanish paprika
• ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius), ensuring an even temperature for optimal cooking.
2. Create a zesty marinade by whisking together freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and melted unsalted butter in a shallow dish, which will infuse the cod with bright, tangy flavors.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, craft a seasoned coating by combining all-purpose flour, aromatic spices, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, creating a flavorful dredging mixture.
4. Gently pat the cod fillets dry using paper towels to ensure a crisp, golden exterior during cooking.
5. Dunk each cod fillet first into the lemon-oil mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking gently to remove any loose powder.
6. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for quick searing.
7. Briefly sear the coated cod fillets for approximately 1-2 minutes on each side, developing a light golden crust without fully cooking the fish.
8. Enhance the reserved lemon juice mixture by stirring in finely minced garlic, which will add depth and complexity to the dish.
9. Carefully drizzle the garlic-infused liquid over the seared cod fillets, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
10. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, checking periodically until the fish becomes translucent and flakes easily with a fork.
11. Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant green touch and herbaceous aroma.
12. Serve immediately alongside Lebanese rice, Mediterranean chickpea salad, or a traditional Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Notes

• Prep Like a Pro: Pat fish fillets completely dry to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that locks in delicious flavors and prevents soggy coating.
• Quick Searing Secret: Brief skillet searing creates a beautiful golden crust without fully cooking the fish, helping retain moisture during baking.
• Temperature Timing: Check fish earlier than 10 minutes to prevent overcooking, as cod cooks quickly and can become dry if left too long in the oven.
• Flavor Boosting Hack: Drizzling the remaining lemon-garlic mixture over fish after searing intensifies the Mediterranean-inspired taste profile.
• Serving Smart: Pair with light, fresh side dishes that complement the delicate cod and enhance the overall Greek-style dining experience.
• Freshness Factor: Chopped parsley sprinkled right before serving adds a bright, herbaceous finish that elevates the entire dish’s visual and flavor appeal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 440 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg