Flaky, juicy cod fillet seasoned with bold spices and baked to perfection over a bed of lemon slices. This effortless dish is light, zesty, and protein-packed—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy seafood centerpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Oven-Baked Lemon Pepper Cod is a simple yet flavorful seafood dish that’s both light and satisfying. The cod comes out perfectly flaky and juicy, while the lemon slices add a bright, zesty flavor. The seasoning blend of paprika, garlic, and onion powder gives the fish a savory depth, while the black pepper and lemon bring a fresh, tangy kick. It’s an easy, healthy meal that takes less than 20 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a light dinner option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 large cod fillet (about 1 lb)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Pat the cod fillet dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Rub the cod fillet with olive oil, then evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the fish.
- Arrange lemon slices on the prepared baking sheet and place the seasoned cod fillet on top of them.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges for an added zesty touch.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 210 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add herbs: You can add fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill to the seasoning mix for added flavor.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a bit of heat.
- Vegetable side: Serve the cod with roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a complete, healthy meal.
- Crispy topping: For a crispy crust, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs or crushed nuts on top of the seasoned cod before baking.
Storage/Reheating
This cod is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the cod back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or microwave on low heat for a few minutes until heated through. The texture may not be as flaky when reheated, but it will still be delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute cod with other white fish fillets, such as haddock, halibut, or tilapia. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillet.
Can I make this recipe without olive oil?
Yes, you can use other oils like avocado oil or coconut oil. For a lighter version, you can also use a cooking spray.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Oven-Baked Lemon Pepper Cod is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the seasonings you’re using are also gluten-free (some spice mixes may contain gluten).
How can I make this dish spicier?
You can increase the amount of black pepper, or add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
Can I bake this cod without lemon slices?
While the lemon slices add flavor and moisture, you can bake the cod directly on the baking sheet. You may want to add a little extra lemon juice on top before baking for added tang.
How do I know when the cod is done?
The cod is done when it easily flakes with a fork and turns opaque in the center. It should be cooked through but still tender.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
This recipe is best when served immediately after baking, but you can prep the fish and seasonings ahead of time. Store the uncooked cod with seasonings covered in the fridge and bake when ready to serve.
Conclusion
This Oven-Baked Lemon Pepper Cod is a quick, easy, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its simple seasoning and bright lemony flavor, it’s light yet satisfying and pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Whether you’re enjoying it as part of a quick dinner or making it for meal prep, this protein-packed dish is sure to become a go-to in your meal rotation!
Oven-Baked Lemon Pepper Cod
Flaky, juicy cod fillet seasoned with bold spices and baked to perfection over a bed of lemon slices. This effortless dish is light, zesty, and protein-packed—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy seafood centerpiece.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood, Healthy
Ingredients
- 1 large cod fillet (about 1 lb)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.
- Pat the cod fillet dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Rub the cod with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the fillet.
- Arrange lemon slices on the baking sheet and place the seasoned cod on top.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary on top of the cod before baking.
- Serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
- If you prefer a crispier texture, broil the cod for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg