Description
This Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce is a light, flavorful seafood dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Tender cod fillets are seasoned and oven-baked to perfection, then served with a refreshing lemon-dill yogurt sauce that adds a creamy, tangy finish. Quick to prepare and full of bright flavors, this recipe serves 4 and is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
For the Lemon-Dill Sauce:
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for a creamier texture)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the cod fillets.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the cod from sticking.
- Oil and Dry the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then brush both sides evenly with olive oil.
- Season the Fillets: Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional paprika over both sides of the fillets, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Cod: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cod flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Make the Sauce: While the fish is baking, whisk together Greek yogurt, optional mayonnaise, chopped dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill the Sauce: Cover the sauce and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Plate and Serve: Remove the baked cod from the oven and let it rest for one minute. Plate the fillets and drizzle the lemon-dill sauce over the top or serve it on the side.
- Garnish: Add fresh dill sprigs and lemon slices atop the plated cod for an attractive presentation and extra freshness.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free yogurt or omit the sauce.
- Fresh dill is preferable for the best flavor, but dried dill works in a pinch.
- Adjust seasoning and garlic to taste for a milder or stronger sauce.
- Check the internal temperature of the fish for safe consumption.
- The sauce can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
