Baked Cod with Lemon and Thyme Recipe
Introduction
Baked cod is a simple and delicious way to enjoy flaky white fish with minimal effort. This recipe features a light coating of seasoned flour and fresh herbs, resulting in tender fish with a lovely lemon aroma. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp plain flour
- 4 cod loin fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- ½ small bunch of thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan)/gas mark 7. Place the flour in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Coat each cod fillet evenly in the flour.
- Step 2: Heat half the olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the cod for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Step 3: Transfer the browned cod fillets to a roasting tin. Arrange the lemon slices and thyme on and around the fish, then drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
- Step 4: Bake the fish in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or a few capers before baking.
- Use parsley or dill instead of thyme for a different herbal note.
- If you prefer, swap the plain flour for gluten-free flour to suit dietary needs.
Storage
Store leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying it out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw the cod completely and pat dry before coating in flour to ensure even cooking and a nice crust.
What can I serve with baked cod?
Baked cod pairs well with steamed vegetables, new potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
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Baked Cod with Lemon and Thyme Recipe
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This simple and flavorful baked cod recipe features tender cod loin fillets lightly coated in seasoned flour, pan-fried until golden brown, then finished in the oven with fresh lemon slices and thyme for a fragrant and healthy meal.
Ingredients
For the Cod:
- 3 tbsp plain flour
- 4 cod loin fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- ½ small bunch of thyme
Instructions
- Prepare the Flour Coating: In a bowl, mix the plain flour with a pinch of seasoning (salt and pepper). Turn each cod loin fillet into the flour mixture until each piece is evenly coated on all sides, ensuring a light crust forms.
- Fry the Cod Fillets: Heat half of the olive oil (1 tbsp) in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets and fry them for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden brown crust, which seals in moisture and enhances flavor.
- Arrange for Baking: Transfer the browned cod fillets to a roasting tin. Arrange the lemon slices and fresh thyme sprigs on and around the fish. Drizzle the remaining olive oil (1 tbsp) evenly over the fish and aromatics, which will infuse the dish during baking.
- Bake the Cod: Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan)/gas mark 7. Place the roasting tin in the oven and bake the cod for about 10 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
- Use fresh cod loin fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute plain flour with gluten-free flour if needed.
- Keep an eye on the fish while baking to avoid overcooking, which may cause it to dry out.
- Lemon slices and thyme add bright, fresh flavors but can be omitted or replaced with other herbs like parsley or dill.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: baked cod,fish recipe,healthy dinner,cod loin,oven baked fish,lemon thyme cod
