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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius), ensuring an even temperature for optimal cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gently pat the cod fillets dry using paper towels to ensure a crisp, golden exterior during cooking.
- 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.
- Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for quick searing.
- Briefly sear the coated cod fillets for approximately 1-2 minutes on each side, developing a light golden crust without fully cooking the fish.
- Enhance the reserved lemon juice mixture by stirring in finely minced garlic, which will add depth and complexity to the dish.
- Carefully drizzle the garlic-infused liquid over the seared cod fillets, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- 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.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant green touch and herbaceous aroma.
- 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