Lemon Baked Cod is a healthy fish dish. The easy recipe is low carb and keto-diet friendly. It is perfect for busy cooks, and even the kids will enjoy this simple fish meal. The baked cod recipe is low in calories, yet high in protein and potassium. I expect it will fit in many diet plans.
Lemon Baked Cod
Fish fillets, especially white fish fillet like cod, are ideal for keto cod recipes. The cod is lightly seasoned with black pepper and garlic powder, and covered with butter and lemon before baking. The lemon slices keep moisture in the fish and once baked, the white fish flakes easily with a fork. The lemony melted butter in the bottom of the baking dish is perfect for ladling over the fish itself or over the side dishes which accompany it.
This low carb recipe is convenient, with a short prep time and cooking time, making it great for quick meals. Both prep time and cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fish.
If this is not quite the type of cod preparation you were looking for, check out my Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping.
Cod Fish
Atlantic Cod is also commonly known by the names haddock and scrod. The fish is a huge part of New England history. Even a large portion of Massachusetts is named Cape Cod.
Cod is a popular white fish fillet used in many keto recipes. Both fresh fish and frozen cod can be used for this recipe, depending on availability. It is a mild, firm fleshed, flaky, white fish. Cod filets are a good lean protein source.
How to Make Lemon Baked Cod
Here is a visual walk through of making this keto fish recipe with step-by-step pictures. If you are an experienced cook skip to the printable recipe below.
Prep time: About 5 minutes to gather and prepare ingredients. Bake time: 20-25 minutes
After preheating the oven to 400 degrees, lay the cod loins on a baking dish coated with a drizzle of olive oil.
Season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
Then zest some lemon on top.
Cut the rest of the lemon into slices.
Top the cod filets with butter.
.. and the lemon slices.
Then bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your cod fillets. Fatter pieces of cod like the ones I used in the images will take up to 25 minutes.
Recipe Tips:
- For best results, pat the cod dry before seasoning to help the spices stick.
- Adjust the amount of salt and black pepper to your taste. Add a sprinkle of garlic powder if you like.
- Check for doneness by ensuring the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
Serving and Storing
The cod is served hot with your favorite sides. Some fantastic low carb options are: sauteed asparagus, cauliflower rice, steamed broccoli or a simple green salad with red wine vinaigrette. A glass of dry white wine, a cape cod cocktail or glass of Green Tea Lemonade would all be tasty drink choices.
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
More Low Carb Fish Recipes
- Curry Pan Seared Sea Bass with Blistered Tomatoes
- Blackened Salmon
- Shrimp Scampi Sweet Potato Noodles with Kale and Walnuts
- Keto Salmon with Greek Yogurt Cream Sauce, Squash, Peppers and Dandelion
Lemon Baked Cod
Ingredients
- 12 ounces cod (cut in two filets)
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- sea salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Drizzle olive oil in a baking dish then place the cod filets on top. Season with sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Grate approximately a teaspoon of lemon zest over the fish (just use an end area of the lemon, so you can use the rest for the slices you will need)
- Divide the butter in half and break up over each cod filet. Then place the fresh lemon slices on top.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until fish is no longer translucent. Thicker filets will take longer.
- Plate the cod with a spatula to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Linda says
Such a quick and easy recipe for busy weeknights. I love fish for dinner and this looks like a delicious way to prepare it. Of course, bonus because fish is so good for you. I'll have to try this one soon.
Audrey says
I love how easy this recipe looks to make. It looks delicious and I can't wait to try it!
William L says
Easy and everyone ate dinner. It's a winner.
Jim says
Nice simple healthy keto fish recipe!