Juicy, Mediterranean-Style & Ready in 30 Minutes
Flaky cod baked in a pool of golden olive oil, roasted cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness, smashed garlic, fresh thyme, and bright lemon slices…
This Mediterranean Baked Cod is light, elegant, and packed with fresh flavor — yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Healthy. Easy. Restaurant-quality.
table of contents
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 30–35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
SEO Keywords: baked cod recipe, lemon garlic cod, Mediterranean baked fish, healthy oven baked cod, easy cod dinner recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 1-inch thick)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon, sliced (plus wedges for serving)
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed (unpeeled)
- 2 thyme sprigs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2️⃣ Season the Cod
Pat cod dry. Season all sides with salt and pepper.
3️⃣ Build the Flavor Base
In a 13×9-inch baking dish, combine:
- Lemon slices
- Garlic
- Thyme
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Red pepper flakes
Toss gently and spread evenly.
Nestle cod fillets into the mixture.
4️⃣ Bake
Bake 25–30 minutes, until:
- Fish is opaque
- Internal temperature reaches 145°F
- Cod flakes easily with a fork
5️⃣ Finish & Serve
Top with fresh parsley.
Spoon pan juices over fish.
Serve with lemon wedges.
Pro Tips
- Use thick fillets for juicier results
- Don’t overcook — cod dries quickly
- Let rest 3 minutes before serving
- Add capers or olives for extra Mediterranean flair
What to Serve With
- Garlic roasted potatoes
- Orzo or rice pilaf
- Steamed asparagus
- Crusty bread to soak up sauce
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 28g
- Healthy fats from olive oil
- Low carb & gluten-free
Values are approximate.
Disclaimer
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes. This content is for informational purposes only.
FAQs
How do I know cod is done?
It flakes easily and reaches 145°F internally.
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes — fully thaw and pat dry first.
Can I substitute another fish?
Yes — try haddock, halibut, or flounder.
Baked Cod with Lemon, Garlic & Tomatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season cod fillets with salt and black pepper.
- Arrange lemon slices, minced garlic, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil in the baking dish.
- Nestle the cod fillets into the dish among the vegetables and herbs.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until fish flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
This Lemon Garlic Baked Cod proves that simple ingredients create extraordinary flavor. Bright citrus, sweet roasted tomatoes, fragrant thyme, and flaky white fish come together in one effortless dish.
It’s light yet satisfying perfect for busy weeknights, elegant dinners, or healthy meal prep.