One-Pan Baked Cod with Lemon-Herb Crust
This one-pan baked cod with lemon-herb crust is a quick and easy weeknight meal that's bursting with flavor. The cod is coated in a flavorful marinade made with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper, then baked until it's cooked through and flaky. The result is a moist and tender cod with a crispy, flavorful crust.
The origins of this recipe can be traced back to the Mediterranean, where seafood has been a staple of the diet for centuries. Cod is a versatile fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, but baking it is one of the simplest and most foolproof methods. This recipe is inspired by the classic Italian dish, "pesce al forno," which is typically made with a whole fish that is baked in a flavorful broth. In this recipe, we've simplified the process by using cod fillets, which are quick and easy to cook. The lemon-herb crust adds a bright and herbaceous flavor to the cod, making it a perfect dish for a light and healthy meal.
One-Pan Baked Cod with Lemon-Herb Crust One-Pan Baked Cod with Lemon-Herb Crust One-Pan Baked Cod with Lemon-Herb Crust One-Pan Baked Cod with Lemon-Herb Crust
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1 pound cod fillets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  4. Brush the cod fillets with the marinade.
  5. Place the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Why It Works
  • The marinade helps to keep the cod moist and tender while it bakes.
  • The lemon zest and juice add a bright and citrusy flavor to the cod.
  • The oregano and thyme add a herbaceous flavor to the cod.
  • The salt and pepper help to season the cod.
  • Baking the cod on a parchment-lined baking sheet makes for easy cleanup.