Lemon Dill Baked Cod Recipe

Introduction

This lemon dill baked cod recipe offers a bright and flavorful way to enjoy tender, flaky fish. With a creamy lemon-dill sauce and simple seasoning, it’s a quick and elegant meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (approximately 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Lemon slices, for garnish
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for a creamier sauce)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
• Salt, to taste (for sauce)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (for sauce)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Place cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using.
3. Step 3: Bake the cod for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
4. Step 4: While the cod bakes, combine Greek yogurt or sour cream, mayonnaise if using, chopped dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic if using, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir until smooth.
5. Step 5: After baking, remove the cod from the oven. Spoon a generous portion of lemon-dill sauce over each fillet. Garnish with lemon slices and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter sauce, omit the mayonnaise or substitute with light mayonnaise.
• Substitute fresh dill with 1 teaspoon dried dill if fresh is unavailable.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
• Serve the cod with roasted vegetables, rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.
• Sprinkle parmesan cheese on fillets before baking for a savory twist.

Storage

Store leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the lemon-dill sauce separate to maintain freshness. To reheat, warm the fish gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–8 minutes to avoid drying it out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, this recipe works well with other firm white fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia. Adjust the baking time as needed based on the thickness of the fillets.

Is it necessary to use mayonnaise in the sauce?

No, mayonnaise is optional and used to make the sauce creamier. You can omit it or replace it with extra Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version.

Lemon Dill Baked Cod Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 123 reviews

This lemon dill baked cod recipe features tender, flaky cod fillets seasoned with garlic, paprika, and olive oil, then baked to perfection. A creamy lemon-dill sauce made from Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard adds a fresh, tangy complement to the fish, making for a light and flavorful seafood dish perfect for a healthy dinner.

• Author: Isla
• 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
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish

• 4 cod fillets (approximately 6 ounces each)

Base Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Garnish

• Lemon slices

Lemon-Dill Sauce

• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for a creamier sauce)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare the cod: Place the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle both sides with olive oil, then season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and, if desired, paprika for a subtle smoky flavor.
3. Bake the fish: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the fish is opaque, cooked through, and flakes easily with a fork.
4. Make the lemon-dill sauce: While the fish bakes, combine Greek yogurt or sour cream, mayonnaise if using, finely chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic if using, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Stir the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
5. Finish and serve: Remove the baked cod from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of the lemon-dill sauce over each fillet. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For a lighter sauce, omit the mayonnaise or substitute it with light mayonnaise.
• If fresh dill is unavailable, use 1 teaspoon of dried dill instead.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
• Serve the baked cod alongside roasted vegetables, rice, or quinoa to complete your meal and add nutritional balance.
• For a savory twist, sprinkle parmesan cheese on the fillets before baking.

Keywords: lemon dill baked cod, baked cod recipe, healthy fish recipe, easy seafood dinner, lemon dill sauce, baked fish