Baked Cod with Lemon Dill Sauce Recipe
This Delicious Baked Cod with Lemon Dill Sauce is a quick and flavorful dinner option featuring tender, flaky cod fillets baked to perfection and topped with a bright, herbaceous lemon dill sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal that’s both easy to prepare and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 fillets Cod (Choose fresh cod for the best texture; if frozen, ensure it’s fully thawed.)
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil (Adds moisture and richness; substitute with avocado oil for a different flavor.)
- Salt, to taste (Enhances flavor; adjust to taste based on personal preference.)
- Pepper, to taste (Enhances flavor; adjust to taste based on personal preference.)
Lemon Dill Sauce
- 1 each Lemon (zest and juice) (Provides acidity and brightness; fresh lemons are recommended for best flavor.)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh dill (Offers an herbaceous note and freshness; parsley or tarragon make good substitutes.)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (Contributes depth and a hint of spice; yellow mustard can be used for a milder taste.)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced (Adds aromatic flavor; adjust according to preference, or use garlic powder as an alternative.)
- 1 tablespoon Honey (Introduces sweetness to balance acidity; maple syrup or agave can be used for a vegan alternative.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the cod bakes evenly and achieves a tender, flaky texture.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, then arrange the fresh cod fillets neatly on the sheet.
- Season Cod: Drizzle the cod fillets with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper, enhancing the natural flavor of the fish.
- Make Lemon Dill Sauce: In a bowl, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh dill, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and honey to create a vibrant and flavorful sauce.
- Coat the Fish: Pour the lemon dill sauce evenly over the cod fillets, making sure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake the Cod: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the baked cod with extra fresh dill and serve immediately for a fresh and delicious dinner.
Notes
- For a vegan or plant-based alternative, substitute cod with firm tofu or cauliflower steaks and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon dill sauce.
- Ensure the cod is fully thawed before baking to prevent uneven cooking.
- Use fresh lemons for the best balance of acidity and brightness in the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
Keywords: baked cod, lemon dill sauce, quick dinner, healthy fish recipe, easy seafood, cod fillets, baked fish, lemon garlic sauce
