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Lemon Dill Baked Cod 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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