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.
This lemon baked cod recipe is a great option to bake cod quickly for an easy weeknight dinner. Cod is a mild-tasting fish that easily absorbs bold flavors from seasonings and sauces. Fish is one of the staples of the Mediterranean diet, and eating fish regularly can provide numerous health benefits, including improved heart and brain health, and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes eating fish and seafood at least once a week. As a recipe developer, I am passionate about creating easy, healthy, and delicious meals for busy families.
Lemon Baked Cod
Fish fillets, especially white fish fillet like cod, are ideal for keto cod recipes. This lemon baked cod recipe is one of my favorite fish recipes and part of my collection of delicious meals. The cod is lightly seasoned with salt and pepper then covered with butter and lemon before baking. The lemon slices keep moisture in the fish and once baked, the cod 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. Cod loin is a high-quality cut that is ideal for baking and can be used fresh or from properly thawed frozen fish. 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.
Nutritious Choice
Baked cod is a nutritious choice for anyone looking to eat healthier or enjoy more seafood recipes. A typical serving of baked cod is low in calories, usually between 120 and 200 per serving. The fish is high in lean protein and rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The addition of lemon juice and olive oil provides vitamin C and heart-healthy fats. This easy baked cod recipe is a wholesome, satisfying fish recipe that fits beautifully into a variety of healthy eating plans such as high protein, low carb and Mediterranean diets.
Choosing the Right Cod
When preparing a baked cod recipe, choosing the right cod fillets is key to a delicious result. Fresh cod is always a fantastic choice for its mild flavor and firm, flaky texture. Look for fillets that are bright white, moist, and have a clean, ocean-fresh scent. If fresh cod isn’t available, frozen cod is a convenient and tasty alternative, just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator and pat it dry before cooking. Whether you opt for wild-caught or responsibly farmed cod, make sure the fillets are free from any discoloration or strong odors. Using high-quality cod, whether fresh or frozen, ensures your baked cod will be tender, flavorful, and perfect for any cod recipe.
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 or a finely minced clove of fresh garlic if you like. A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds depth and color to the baked fish.
- Toss some cherry tomatoes in the dish around the cod fillets before baking, and you will have a bright side dish ready to serve with your baked cod.
- Check for doneness by ensuring the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Cod cooks quickly, so take care your fish does not become overdone.
Serving and Storing
When serving sprinkle some fresh chopped herbs over the fish for color and flavor. Classic fresh parsley or basil are great choices.
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. To properly store cooked fish, refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 2-3 days. For best results when reheating, gently warm the cooked fish in the oven or microwave to avoid drying it out. Cooked fish can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
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!