Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

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Introduction

Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is a light, flavorful, and healthy dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. The tender cod fillets are infused with aromatic lemon, garlic, and herbs, making them the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a fresh seafood option for a family gathering, or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe has it all.

With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this Greek-style dish will quickly become one of your go-to meals. The bright, zesty flavors of lemon and garlic pair wonderfully with the mild, flaky cod, while the olive oil and fresh herbs add a rich, Mediterranean touch. Plus, it’s a Halal-friendly recipe, free from pork, bacon, and alcohol, making it suitable for a wide variety of dietary preferences. Get ready to enjoy a healthy, delicious meal that tastes just as good as it looks.

Perfect for:

• Healthy weeknight dinners
• Family gatherings or dinner parties
• Special occasions or holiday meals
• Mediterranean cuisine lovers
• Halal-friendly seafood dishes

Why You’ll Love This Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

Here’s why Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic will become your favorite new seafood recipe:

• Light and Fresh Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a refreshing, zesty flavor that perfectly complements the delicate cod.
• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and just a few simple steps, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Cod is a lean source of protein and packed with essential nutrients, making it a great option for a balanced meal.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the herbs or add extra ingredients like olives, feta cheese, or cherry tomatoes to make it your own.
• Halal and Alcohol-Free: This recipe is made with wholesome ingredients, ensuring it fits within a Halal diet, free of pork, bacon, and alcohol.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 220-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 6g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

For this Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (6 oz each), skinless and boneless
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon capers (optional)
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cod: A mild, flaky white fish that is low in fat and high in protein, making it an excellent choice for a light, healthy meal.
• Lemon: The bright acidity of lemon adds a tangy, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the olive oil and garlic.
• Garlic: Garlic brings a savory, aromatic depth to the dish, perfectly complementing the other Mediterranean flavors.
• Oregano: A staple in Greek cuisine, oregano imparts a savory, herbaceous note that adds authenticity to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is used to marinate the cod and provide a rich, fruity flavor that enhances the other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

for Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

Follow these easy steps to prepare the perfect Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic:

Prepare the Cod:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish or a sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prep the Cod Fillets: Rinse the cod fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture and ensures the fish bakes evenly.
3. Season the Cod: Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the fillets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Rub the olive oil and seasonings over the fillets to ensure they are evenly coated.

Prepare the Lemon-Garlic Marinade:

4. Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and dried oregano. If you’re using fresh oregano, chop it finely and add it to the marinade.
5. Marinate the Fish: Pour the lemon-garlic marinade over the cod fillets. Use a spoon or your hands to evenly coat the fish with the mixture. Let the cod marinate for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

Bake the Cod:

6. Bake the Cod: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake the cod for 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. You can check the doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the fillet; the fish should be opaque and easily flake apart.
7. Optional: Add Capers: If you’re using capers, sprinkle them over the cod fillets about 5 minutes before the end of baking. This will give them time to warm up and release their briny flavor without overcooking.

Garnish and Serve:

8. Garnish: Once the cod is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Sprinkle the fish with fresh parsley and additional lemon zest if desired.
9. Serve: Serve the Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic with lemon wedges on the side. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for an extra pop of color and flavor, if desired.

How to Serve Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various side dishes:

• With Greek Salad: Serve the cod alongside a refreshing Greek salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese for a true Mediterranean feast.
• With Rice or Quinoa: A side of fluffy rice or quinoa complements the cod’s delicate flavor while adding a satisfying base to the meal.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers provide a sweet and savory contrast to the tangy lemon and garlic.
• With Fresh Bread: Serve the fish with warm pita or crusty bread to soak up any extra lemon-garlic sauce.
• With Roasted Potatoes: Crispy, golden roasted potatoes make a great side dish for this light fish recipe, creating a hearty yet healthy meal.

Additional Tips for Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

Here are some tips to make your Greek-Style Baked Cod even better:

• Don’t Overcook the Cod: Cod is a delicate fish, and overcooking it will result in dry, tough fillets. Keep an eye on the cooking time, and remove the cod from the oven as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs will make a big difference in flavor. If you can, opt for fresh oregano instead of dried for a more aromatic experience.
• Customize the Marinade: Feel free to adjust the flavors of the marinade. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or swap the oregano for thyme or basil for a different flavor profile.
• Rest the Fish: Let the cod rest for a couple of minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute and enhance the flavor.
• Make it a One-Pan Meal: For an easier cleanup, you can add your choice of vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes) to the same baking dish and roast them along with the cod for a complete one-pan meal.

Recipe Variations of Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

Here are 10 variations of Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic to try:

• Greek-Style Baked Cod with Olives and Feta: Add Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the baking dish for an extra Mediterranean touch.
• Lemon and Herb Baked Cod: Use fresh dill or basil in place of oregano for a slightly different herbal flavor.
• Spicy Greek-Style Baked Cod: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Tomato and Capers Baked Cod: Add diced tomatoes and capers to the baking dish for a tangy, briny contrast to the fish.
• Baked Cod with Pesto: Swap the lemon-garlic marinade for a homemade basil pesto for a twist on the classic Greek recipe.
• Baked Cod with Veggies: Add thinly sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers to the pan and bake alongside the cod for a complete Mediterranean meal.
• Crispy Greek-Style Cod: Coat the cod fillets in breadcrumbs or panko before baking to add a crispy, golden crust.
• Baked Cod with Greek Yogurt Sauce: Serve the baked cod with a side of creamy Greek yogurt sauce mixed with lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs.
• Baked Cod with Spinach and Artichokes: Top the cod with sautéed spinach and artichoke hearts before baking for a rich, flavorful dish.
• Greek-Style Baked Cod with Tzatziki: Serve the cod with a side of homemade or store-bought tzatziki sauce for a cool and creamy accompaniment.

Freezing and Storage for Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

• Freezing: While it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, you can freeze the cooked cod for up to 2 months. Wrap the cod fillets tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container before freezing. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• Storage: Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cod may dry out slightly when reheated, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.

Special Equipment for Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

Here are a few items that might come in handy when making Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic:

• Baking Dish or Sheet Pan: A medium-sized baking dish or sheet pan is perfect for baking the cod fillets in a single layer.
• Microplane Zester: A zester is helpful for getting fine lemon zest without the bitter pith.
• Citrus Juicer: A citrus juicer makes it easy to extract juice from lemons and other fruits without wasting any.
• Mixing Bowl: A small mixing bowl is necessary for preparing the marinade and mixing the garlic, lemon, and olive oil.
• Basting Brush: A basting brush helps evenly distribute the marinade over the cod fillets.

FAQ Section about Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

1. Can I use a different type of fish?
   Yes, you can substitute cod with other white fish like haddock, tilapia, or halibut. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   While the cod is best served fresh, you can prepare the marinade and coat the fish up to 24 hours in advance. Store the cod in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
3. Can I use frozen cod fillets?
   Yes, you can use frozen cod, but make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
4. Can I add more vegetables to the dish?
   Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes to the baking dish for added flavor and nutrition.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you don’t use any breading. Just be sure to double-check any optional ingredients for gluten content.

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Conclusion

Greek-Style Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is a healthy, flavorful dish that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. With its bright, tangy lemon and garlic marinade, tender cod fillets, and Mediterranean-inspired seasonings, this dish offers a light yet satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to make, Halal-friendly, and packed with nutritious ingredients, making it ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome seafood dinner.