Tangy Baked Cod with Creamy Garlic Sauce & Lemon Recipe

My recent culinary exploration of baked cod with creamy garlic sauce revealed an unexpected symphony of flavors.

Mediterranean kitchens inspired this delicate seafood delight that melts like silk on your palate.

Perfectly seasoned white fish transforms into a magnificent centerpiece for any dinner gathering.

Tender cod fillets absorb robust garlic notes while maintaining their delicate texture.

Bright lemon zest cuts through the rich cream, creating a balanced and sophisticated profile.

Fresh herbs scattered across the top add a vibrant, aromatic dimension to this elegant dish.

You’ll find this recipe surprisingly simple yet impressively restaurant-worthy.

Prepare to impress your guests with this effortless gourmet masterpiece.

Baked Cod With Creamy Garlic and Lemon Zest

• Quick Weeknight Lifesaver: Whip up this elegant cod dish in under 30 minutes with minimal prep, perfect for busy families craving a restaurant-quality meal without complex cooking techniques.
• Foolproof Flavor Explosion: The simple garlic sauce transforms basic cod into a luxurious dinner, delivering rich, creamy taste with just a few ingredients that blend seamlessly together.
• Healthy Protein Powerhouse: Cod offers lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making this recipe a nutritious choice that doesn't compromise on incredible taste or satisfaction.
• Versatile Entertaining Option: Impressive enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for casual family meals, this recipe adapts beautifully to different dining scenarios with minimal extra effort.

Baked Cod with Creamy Garlic Sauce and Lemon Ingredients

• Cod Fillets: Fresh white fish perfect for baking with delicate texture. Wild-caught or sustainably sourced recommended.

• Olive Oil: Helps coat fish and promote even browning. Extra virgin provides best flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Classic seasonings that enhance fish's natural taste. Freshly ground pepper preferred.

• Butter: Creates rich base for creamy sauce. Unsalted butter allows better seasoning control.
• Garlic: Provides sharp, aromatic flavor to sauce. Fresh garlic cloves recommended over pre-minced.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious thickness and smoothness to sauce. Full-fat version ensures best consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth to sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.

• Lemon: Adds bright, citrusy freshness to balance rich sauce. Fresh lemon provides best zest and juice.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers fresh herb garnish with color and light flavor. Flat-leaf parsley recommended.

Baking Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F.

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prep the Fish

Grab paper towels and gently pat the cod fillets until completely dry.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika (optional)

Nestle the fillets into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Cook the Cod

Slide the dish into the hot oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes beautifully with a gentle fork touch.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Heat a skillet over medium flame.

Drop in butter and let it melt.

Toss in minced garlic and sauté until it becomes wonderfully aromatic, about 1 minute.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese.

Let the mixture bubble and thicken for 2-3 minutes.

• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Transfer the perfectly cooked cod to serving plates.

Lavish each fillet with the luxurious garlic cream sauce.

Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve right away while everything is piping hot.

Cod Cooking Tips That Keep It Moist with Garlic-Lemon Zing

• Pat cod fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp exterior and better browning when baking.
• Check cod at 12 minutes; fish is done when it easily flakes with a fork and appears opaque white throughout.
• Simmer garlic cream sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety texture without burning.
• Add extra lemon zest for brightness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat if you want more depth.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice to keep the meal light and diet-friendly while maintaining delicious flavor profile.

Reheat Baked Cod with Garlic Sauce & Lemon

• Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 1-2 days maximum.
• Warm cod in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
• Separately store the creamy garlic sauce in a sealed container. Warm sauce separately to prevent breaking or curdling.
• Discard fish if it develops an off smell, slimy texture, or shows signs of discoloration. Fresh seafood leftovers should smell mild and ocean-like.

Vegetables and Grains for Baked Cod with Garlic Sauce

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the creamy sauce and complements the delicate cod flavor.
• Match with Fresh Salad Side: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich garlic sauce and add brightness to the dish.
• Serve Alongside Herbed Potatoes: Roast small potatoes with rosemary and thyme to provide a hearty, earthy counterpoint to the delicate fish and creamy texture.
• Complement with Citrus Sparkler: Prepare a refreshing lemon-infused sparkling water with fresh mint to cleanse the palate and enhance the lemon notes in the cod.

Baked Cod with Creamy Garlic Sauce Ideas

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Ocean Option: Swap Parmesan for almond flour and use Greek yogurt as a lighter sauce base, keeping the dish protein-rich and keto-friendly.
• Herb-Infused Seafood Variation: Substitute paprika with dried thyme or dill, and add fresh herbs like tarragon or chives to the sauce for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Coastal Meal: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, and use cornstarch instead of traditional thickeners to maintain the sauce's smooth consistency while accommodating gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

• What type of cod works best for this recipe?

Fresh cod fillets are ideal, preferably wild-caught or sustainably sourced. Skinless cod works best, and look for firm, white fillets without any discoloration or strong fishy smell.

• Can I use another type of fish instead of cod?

Yes, you can substitute cod with similar white fish like halibut, haddock, or tilapia. These fish have mild flavors and similar textures that work well with the creamy garlic sauce.

• How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?

The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque white throughout. Be careful not to overcook, as cod can quickly become dry and tough when baked too long.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe contains dairy and is not suitable for vegans or those with lactose intolerance. For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.

Baked Cod With Creamy Garlic Sauce & Lemon Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky baked cod with creamy garlic sauce blends Mediterranean elegance with simple coastal charm. Fresh lemon and herbs elevate this delicate seafood dish, promising a luxurious dining experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces or 170 grams each)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a sizzling 400°F (200°C), creating a perfect cooking environment. Prep a baking vessel with a light olive oil coating or protective parchment layer.
2. Meticulously dry the cod fillets using absorbent towels, ensuring a pristine surface. Delicately massage with olive oil, then generously season with salt, pepper, and a whisper of paprika if desired.
3. Carefully position the seasoned fillets in the prepared baking dish, arranging them with precision to promote even cooking.
4. Slide the dish into the preheated oven, allowing the cod to transform for 12-15 minutes until it effortlessly separates with a gentle fork prod.
5. Simultaneously craft the luxurious garlic sauce by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Introduce minced garlic, stirring until its aromatic essence fills the kitchen.
6. Pour heavy cream into the fragrant butter-garlic mixture, incorporating Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently, watching the sauce thicken and develop a velvety consistency.
7. Elevate the sauce’s brightness by stirring in vibrant lemon zest and a splash of fresh lemon juice, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
8. Once the cod achieves perfect flakiness, remove from the oven and lovingly cloak the fillets with the creamy garlic sauce.
9. Add a final flourish of freshly chopped parsley, providing a verdant contrast and herbaceous note. Serve immediately to capture the dish’s peak flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Create a moisture barrier by thoroughly patting cod fillets dry to ensure a perfect golden exterior and prevent steaming.
• Choose fresh, high-quality cod with firm, translucent flesh for the best texture and flavor profile.
• Adjust baking time based on fillet thickness, checking doneness by gently flaking with a fork to prevent overcooking.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, diet-friendly sauce variations that maintain creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg