Description
Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the mild flavor of cod, one of the most popular white fish varieties. Cod is prized for its flaky texture and clean taste, which is enhanced with a tangy lemon-dill sauce. This sauce, made from Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, and fresh dill, adds a delightful creamy yet fresh contrast to the fish.
Ingredients
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
1. Prepare the Cod:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides with olive oil.
- Season the fillets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
- Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Bake the Cod:
- Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
3. Make the Lemon-Dill Sauce:
- While the cod is baking, prepare the sauce.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the lemon or dill to your preference.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
4. Serve:
- Remove the cod from the oven and let it rest for a minute.
- Plate the fillets and drizzle the lemon-dill sauce over the top or serve it on the side.
- Garnish with fresh dill and lemon slices for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
For a heartier meal, serve this dish with a side of roasted baby potatoes or a light quinoa salad. You can also drizzle extra lemon-dill sauce over steamed veggies for an added burst of flavor. Don’t forget – fresh dill makes all the difference!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Baked Cod with Lemon-Dill Sauce
