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Gentle Oven-Baked Cod

This baked cod recipe uses gentle, even heat to produce tender, flaky fillets with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Main ingredients include fresh cod, olive oil, lemon, and herbs, which highlight the fish’s natural ocean brightness without overpowering seasonings. The final dish has a light, flaky appearance with a subtly golden edge, perfect for a simple yet elegant meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Seafood
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets fresh cod fillets look for firm, translucent flesh with a mild ocean scent
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for coating and moistening the fish
  • 1 lemon lemon for fresh juice and finishing
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill chopped, for flavor and garnish
  • to taste sea salt preferably fine or flaky
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Basting brush
  • Fish spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 150°C (300°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps them brown lightly and stay flaky.
  3. Using a basting brush, lightly coat each fillet with olive oil to keep them moist and shiny during baking.
  4. Sprinkle sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper evenly over the fillets, adjusting to your taste for seasoning.
  5. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets, about 1 teaspoon per piece, to add a bright, zesty flavor that lifts the natural ocean brightness.
  6. Distribute chopped parsley or dill on top of the fillets for a fresh, grassy aroma that complements the fish.
  7. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish should turn opaque and flake easily when gently tested with a fork.
  8. Optionally, sprinkle a light layer of toasted breadcrumbs on top during the last 5 minutes for a subtle, crispy topping.
  9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the fish rest for 2–3 minutes, allowing the delicate flakes to settle and juices to redistribute.
  10. Finish by squeezing fresh lemon over the fillets and drizzling with a little extra olive oil if desired, then serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

This method emphasizes gentle, even heat to preserve the fish’s tender, flaky texture. For extra flavor, add a few slices of lemon or herbs during baking, or serve with a simple side salad.