Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a seafood dish that feels as fresh as a sunny day at the coast, the Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings together tender, flaky cod fillets baked to perfection, topped with a vibrant, creamy lemon-dill sauce that sings with brightness and herbal charm. It’s light, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want something elegant without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become one of those comforting staples you turn to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce Recipe just right is all about using simple, quality ingredients that each add their own magic to the plate. Every element combines to create a balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish unforgettable.

• Cod fillets: Choose fresh or thawed 6-ounce pieces for tender, flaky fish that bakes beautifully.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the seasoning adhere while ensuring a moist bake.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient and enhance natural flavors.
• Garlic powder: Provides a subtle savory depth without overpowering the delicate fish.
• Paprika (optional): Offers a sweet smokiness and gorgeous color to the cod.
• Lemon slices: Perfect for garnishing and adding a fresh citrus pop on the plate.
• Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Creates the creamy base of the lemon-dill sauce with a pleasant tang.
• Mayonnaise (optional): Makes the sauce extra silky and rich if you prefer a creamier finish.
• Fresh dill: Finely chopped, it brings that unmistakable bright, herbaceous note essential to the sauce.
• Lemon juice: Adds zing and acidity to balance the creaminess perfectly.
• Lemon zest: Concentrates the citrus aroma for more lively flavor.
• Dijon mustard: A little kick that enhances the sauce’s complexity.
• Minced garlic (optional): Adds a fresh garlicky punch for those who love a little more bite.

How to Make Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for baking cod because it cooks the fish quickly and evenly, sealing in moisture and creating a tender, flaky texture you’ll adore.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease. This step prevents the cod from sticking and makes cleanup effortless. The clean baking surface also helps the fillets cook evenly.

Step 3: Get the Cod Ready

Pat your cod fillets dry with paper towels, which is key to achieving a great texture and ensuring the olive oil and seasonings stick properly. Brush both sides with olive oil for richness and seasoning adherence.

Step 4: Season the Fillets

Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using) evenly over both sides of each fillet. This simple seasoning mix enhances the fish’s natural sweetness and adds a subtle depth of flavor without overwhelming it.

Step 5: Bake the Cod

Arrange the seasoned fillets on your baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The timing ensures the cod is perfectly cooked—moist and tender without drying out.

Step 6: Whip Up the Lemon-Dill Sauce

While the cod bakes, mix together your sauce ingredients in a small bowl: Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), fresh dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Whisk until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste. The sauce is creamy, tangy, and packed with freshness—an ideal complement to the mild fish.

Step 7: Chill the Sauce

Cover your sauce and pop it in the refrigerator to mellow the flavors and keep it cool until the cod is ready. This step helps the sauce thicken slightly and develop a harmonious flavor profile.

Step 8: Rest and Plate the Cod

Once baked, take the cod out and let it rest for a moment. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite moist and flavorful. Then place the fillets on plates and either drizzle the lemon-dill sauce generously on top or serve it on the side for dipping.

Step 9: Garnish Beautifully

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh dill and a lemon slice on each fillet for a bright, inviting presentation that boosts the dish’s freshness and color, making it as pretty to look at as it is delicious to eat.

How to Serve Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh dill sprigs and thin lemon slices are your go-to garnishes. They not only add a pop of color but also reinforce the citrus-herb flavors in the dish, giving it a fresh aroma you can’t resist.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines alongside light, healthy sides like roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a vibrant green salad. These pairings complement the cod’s delicate flavor and create a well-rounded, satisfying meal that feels balanced and nourishing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your baked cod over a bed of fluffy quinoa or farro to absorb the sauce. Alternatively, plate the fillets with a colorful medley of cherry tomatoes and steamed green beans drizzled with olive oil and lemon zest for an eye-catching and tasty arrangement.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover baked cod and lemon-dill sauce in airtight containers and refrigerate promptly. The fish is best eaten within 2 days to retain its freshness and texture, while the sauce can stay good for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked cod, but the texture might change slightly upon thawing. If you freeze leftovers, wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Freeze the sauce separately to preserve its texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftover cod gently in a low oven around 275°F (135°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to avoid drying it out. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the delicate flaky texture intact. Serve with chilled or room temperature lemon-dill sauce for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the cod completely and pat it dry before baking to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Is it possible to make the lemon-dill sauce vegan?

Yes, you can swap the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for plant-based alternatives like coconut or cashew yogurt and vegan mayo to keep the sauce creamy and delicious.

What if I don’t have fresh dill on hand?

Dried dill works in a pinch—use about one-third the amount of fresh dill called for in the recipe since dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.

Can I grill the cod instead of baking it?

Grilling is a great option! Just brush the fillets with olive oil and season as usual, then grill over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side. Serve with the lemon-dill sauce as a refreshing complement.

How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?

The best sign is when the fish flakes easily with a fork and the flesh turns opaque all the way through. Using a thermometer, look for an internal temp of 145°F (63°C) to be safe and delicious.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce Recipe enough if you’re looking for a dish that’s simple to make but feels truly special. It strikes a wonderful balance between fresh, creamy, and tangy flavors that come together to create a lovely dining experience whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests. Give it a try—you might find your new favorite seafood dinner!

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