Zesty Lemon Dill Baked Cod

$To make Lemon Dill Baked Cod, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 lemons (1 juiced and 1 sliced) - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Fresh dill sprigs for garnish You can swap out some ingredients if you prefer. For olive oil, use melted butter for a richer flavor. If you can’t find fresh dill, dried dill works too, but use less. You can also replace cherry tomatoes with bell peppers or zucchini. For lemon juice, lime juice can be a good alternative as well. When buying cod, look for fillets that are firm and moist. They should not have a strong fishy smell. Fresh lemons should feel heavy and have a bright, smooth skin. For dill, choose vibrant green sprigs without yellow or brown spots. These tips help you get the best flavor in your dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your cod fillets. You want about four fillets, each weighing six ounces. Make sure they are fresh and firm to the touch. Rinse the fillets under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick well. Lay the fillets in a baking dish. Now, it’s time to make the marinade. In a small bowl, combine two tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of one lemon, and two minced garlic cloves. Add two tablespoons of chopped fresh dill, a teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk this mixture until it blends well. This marinade brings a bright flavor to the cod. Pour the marinade over the cod fillets. Use a spoon to ensure they are covered well. Next, slice the second lemon and place the slices on top of the fillets. Scatter one cup of halved cherry tomatoes around the fish in the dish. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the cod for 15 to 20 minutes. The fish should turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. Once done, let it rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs before serving. Enjoy your meal! To get the best flavor from cod, use a good marinade. I mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, paprika, salt, and pepper. This blend adds zest and depth. The key is to coat the fish well. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in. If you have time, marinate it longer for even more taste. Cooking time can change based on your oven and cod fillet thickness. Typically, cod takes about 15-20 minutes at 400°F. Check for doneness by looking for opaque fish. It should flake easily with a fork. If your pieces are thicker, add a few extra minutes. Always keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. One mistake is not using enough seasoning. Cod can taste bland if you skip the marinade. Another is crowding the baking dish. Give each fillet space to cook evenly. Lastly, don’t skip the resting time after baking. Letting it sit for a minute keeps the fish juicy and enhances the flavors. Pro Tips Tip for Freshness: Use the freshest cod fillets you can find for the best flavor and texture. Tip for Marinade: Allow the cod to marinate for at least 15 minutes before baking to enhance the flavors. Tip for Cooking: Avoid overcooking the cod; it should be opaque and flake easily when done. Tip for Serving: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can add vegetables to your Lemon Dill Baked Cod for extra flavor and nutrition. Try using zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. Simply chop the veggies and place them in the baking dish with the cod. This mix will absorb the lemon and dill flavors. Bake as usual. Your dish will be colorful and tasty! If you want to switch things up, you can use other herbs. Fresh parsley or thyme can work well with cod. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. Each herb gives a new twist to the dish. Feel free to experiment with your favorites. Your taste buds will thank you! Both grilling and baking bring out great flavors in cod. Baking gives you a moist fish with easy cleanup. Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor and crispy edges. If you grill, preheat your grill and oil the grates. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. Choose the cooking method that fits your style. Either way, you will enjoy a delicious meal! To keep your Lemon Dill Baked Cod fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the cod is cool before putting it away. It will last in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. When you are ready to eat your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. Check if it's warm throughout. You can also use a microwave, but it may make the cod less flaky. If you want to freeze your Lemon Dill Baked Cod, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can enjoy Lemon Dill Baked Cod with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed broccoli or green beans - Lightly seasoned rice or quinoa - A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette - Roasted potatoes for a hearty touch - Couscous with herbs for a fluffy side These sides balance the flavors of the cod. They add color and nutrition to your meal. Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just remember a few tips: - Thaw the cod in the fridge overnight. - You can also thaw it under cold running water for faster results. - Make sure to pat the fish dry before marinating. Frozen cod works well. It stays fresh and is often easy to find. You can tell cod is cooked when it looks opaque. Here are some signs to look for: - The fish should flake easily with a fork. - The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). - The color should change from translucent to white. If you see these signs, your cod is ready to enjoy! You learned about essential ingredients, cooking steps, and smart tips for cod. These details help you make tasty Lemon Dill Baked Cod. Remember to swap ingredients wisely and check for quality. Avoid common mistakes to get the best results. Store leftovers correctly and use the reheating tips for a great meal later. Enjoy your delicious cod dish with fresh sides, making every bite special. With these simple methods, you can cook with confidence!$

Zesty Lemon Dill Baked Cod

A flavorful baked cod dish with lemon, dill, and cherry tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Seafood

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 lemons (1 juiced and 1 sliced)
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
to taste salt and pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
for garnish fresh dill sprigs

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Place the cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure they are well coated.
Arrange the lemon slices on top of the cod fillets, then scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around them in the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a minute before serving.
Garnish with fresh dill sprigs before serving.

Notes

Serve with a side of vegetables or rice.

Keyword baked, cod, dill, lemon, seafood