Lemon Herb Baked Cod

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1

   PREHEAT AND PREP: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove cod from refrigerator 10 minutes before cooking. Pat fillets completely dry with paper towels - wet fish won't brown properly. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or line with parchment paper.

2. 2

   ARRANGE THE FISH: Place cod fillets in the baking dish in a single layer, leaving space between each one for even cooking. Season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper on both sides. Cod is a mild fish that benefits from generous seasoning.

3. 3

   ADD AROMATICS: Scatter minced garlic evenly over the fillets. Sprinkle chopped parsley and dill on top. Lay lemon slices over and around the fish - they'll infuse the cod with bright citrus flavor as it bakes.

4. 4

   ADD OIL: Drizzle olive oil generously over everything - about 2 tsp per fillet. The oil helps conduct heat for even cooking and keeps the fish moist. Make sure some oil gets on the lemon slices too.

5. 5

   BAKE THE COD: Place in the preheated oven and bake 12-15 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily when tested with a fork and is opaque all the way through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Don't overcook - cod goes from perfectly flaky to dry very quickly.

6. 6

   FINISH AND SERVE: Remove from oven and scatter capers over the top (they add briny pops of flavor that complement the mild fish). Spoon any pan juices over the fish. Serve immediately with the roasted lemon slices on the side - squeeze them over the fish for extra brightness.