Name: Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Cod
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: Cod Fillets (1.5-2 lbs): The star of the show! Choose fresh or thawed frozen cod fillets. Look for thick, firm fillets for the best texture. Cod is a fantastic lean protein source and has a mild, delicate flavor that perfectly absorbs the lemon and garlic.; Lemons (2-3): We’ll need both the zest and juice of fresh lemons. One lemon for zesting and juicing for the marinade and sauce, and the others for slicing and roasting alongside the cod, which caramelizes beautifully and adds extra flavor. Fresh lemon is key for that bright, citrusy zing!; Garlic (4-5 cloves): Fresh garlic, minced or pressed, is crucial for that pungent, savory flavor that complements the lemon and cod so well. Don’t skimp on the garlic!; Olive Oil (1/4 cup): Use good quality extra virgin olive oil. It adds richness and healthy fats, and helps the fish stay moist during baking. Olive oil also aids in browning and flavor development.; Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Fresh parsley adds a vibrant green color and a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish. It brightens up the flavors and provides a lovely finishing touch.; Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Oregano brings a warm, slightly peppery, and earthy flavor that works wonderfully with lemon, garlic, and fish.; Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is essential to enhance the natural flavors of the cod and other ingredients. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred.; Optional: Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon): For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick that balances the lemon and garlic.

Ingredients

Cod Fillets (1.5-2 lbs): The star of the show! Choose fresh or thawed frozen cod fillets. Look for thick, firm fillets for the best texture. Cod is a fantastic lean protein source and has a mild, delicate flavor that perfectly absorbs the lemon and garlic.
Lemons (2-3): We’ll need both the zest and juice of fresh lemons. One lemon for zesting and juicing for the marinade and sauce, and the others for slicing and roasting alongside the cod, which caramelizes beautifully and adds extra flavor. Fresh lemon is key for that bright, citrusy zing!
Garlic (4-5 cloves): Fresh garlic, minced or pressed, is crucial for that pungent, savory flavor that complements the lemon and cod so well. Don’t skimp on the garlic!
Olive Oil (1/4 cup): Use good quality extra virgin olive oil. It adds richness and healthy fats, and helps the fish stay moist during baking. Olive oil also aids in browning and flavor development.
Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Fresh parsley adds a vibrant green color and a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish. It brightens up the flavors and provides a lovely finishing touch.
Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Oregano brings a warm, slightly peppery, and earthy flavor that works wonderfully with lemon, garlic, and fish.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Seasoning is essential to enhance the natural flavors of the cod and other ingredients. Freshly ground black pepper is always preferred.
Optional: Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon): For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick that balances the lemon and garlic.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Sheet Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you place the cod in, allowing it to cook evenly and beautifully. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup incredibly easy. If using foil, lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Lemon Garlic Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest (from one lemon), lemon juice (from one lemon), minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper (and red pepper flakes, if using). This is your flavor powerhouse! Make sure the garlic is finely minced or pressed to release its flavor fully into the marinade. Zesting the lemon first, before juicing, is much easier.
Marinate the Cod: Place the cod fillets on the prepared sheet pan. Pour the lemon garlic marinade evenly over the cod fillets, ensuring each fillet is well coated. Gently rub the marinade into the fish, making sure it penetrates all sides. Let the cod marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for even more flavor. While marinating for longer is optional, even a short 10-minute marinade will significantly enhance the flavor of the cod.
Slice the Remaining Lemons: While the cod is marinating, slice the remaining lemons into thin rounds. These lemon slices will be roasted alongside the cod, adding another layer of citrusy flavor and visual appeal.
Arrange Lemon Slices and Bake: Arrange the lemon slices around and on top of the cod fillets on the sheet pan. This infuses the cod with even more lemon flavor as they roast and caramelize. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your cod fillets, so start checking for doneness around 12 minutes. You’ll know the cod is cooked when it transitions from translucent to opaque and flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork. Avoid overcooking, as cod can become dry if cooked for too long.
Garnish and Serve: Once the cod is cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the cod and lemon slices. The parsley adds freshness and a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and healthy Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Cod! The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 300
Fat: 15
Protein: 35