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Mediterranean Lemon Garlic Baked Cod in a skillet with lemon butter sauce.

Mediterranean Lemon Garlic Baked Cod Recipe

A bright, restaurant-quality Mediterranean meal made in one pan. This cod is first pan-seared to create a delicate golden crust, then finished in a high-heat oven with a silky lemon, garlic, and olive oil sauce. It’s a foolproof way to ensure flaky, moist fish every single time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Middle Eastern
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Cod Fillets 6oz each
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Paprika 1/2 tsp Cumin, 1/2 tsp Coriander
  • 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • Juice of 1 large lemon
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley chopped

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Pat cod fillets dry. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Mix flour and spices. Dredge fish lightly.
  4. Heat oil in an oven-proof skillet. Sear fish 2 mins per side until golden.
  5. Whisk lemon juice, melted butter, and garlic. Pour over fish.
  6. Transfer skillet to oven. Bake 8–12 mins until fish reaches 145°F.
  7. Garnish with parsley and serve.

Notes

  • The Skillet: For best results, use a cast-iron or heavy stainless steel oven-safe skillet. This allows you to move directly from the stove to the oven without losing heat.
  • The Fish: If cod is unavailable, you can substitute with Halibut or Haddock, though cooking times may vary slightly based on thickness.
  • The Sauce: If the sauce reduces too much in the oven, splash in a tablespoon of warm water or white wine before serving to loosen it back into a silky glaze.
  • Safety: Always check the thickest part of the fillet with an instant-read thermometer. Pull the fish at 140°F, as carry-over cooking will bring it to the food-safe 145°F while it rests.