Lemon Garlic Baked Cod with Pine Nuts and Parsley – A Bright, Elegant, and Effortless Dish
If you’re looking for a light, flavorful, and elegant seafood dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, this Lemon Garlic Baked Cod with Pine Nuts and Parsley will absolutely win your heart. It’s the perfect balance of fresh citrus, rich nuttiness, and tender, flaky cod baked to perfection. Every bite bursts with Mediterranean-inspired flavor — bright lemon, fragrant garlic, toasted pine nuts, and fresh herbs that create a mouthwatering harmony.
This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for entertaining. It’s a wholesome, protein-packed, and low-carb dish that proves healthy eating can be indulgent, satisfying, and restaurant-quality.
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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Baked Cod
This dish is adored for its simplicity, freshness, and versatility. The tender cod fillets soak up the vibrant lemon-garlic sauce beautifully, while the toasted pine nuts add a delicate crunch and buttery flavor. The result is a dish that’s light yet deeply satisfying, healthy yet comforting, and always a showstopper at the table. Whether you’re serving it with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a crisp green salad, it’s guaranteed to impress.
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Ingredients and Their Roles
Each ingredient in this recipe is chosen to bring out the best in the cod — enhancing its delicate texture and mild taste with bright, bold flavors.
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each) – The star of the dish. Cod is mild, flaky, and tender, making it ideal for absorbing the zesty lemon-garlic sauce. You can use fresh or thawed frozen cod.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil – Adds richness and helps the fish stay moist while baking. It also carries the flavors of garlic and lemon throughout the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Provides that classic aromatic depth and warmth that pairs beautifully with fish.
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon – The lemon’s acidity brightens the dish, while the zest intensifies the citrus aroma. This is what gives the cod its signature fresh flavor.
- ¼ cup pine nuts, lightly toasted – Adds a nutty, buttery crunch that elevates the dish’s texture and complexity.
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – Brings freshness and color, tying together all the flavors with a bright, herbal note.
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste – Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a subtle heat to contrast the lemon’s brightness.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps for a foolproof Lemon Garlic Baked Cod that’s tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or line it with parchment paper. This prevents the fish from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 2: Toast the Pine Nuts
In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for about 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until they’re golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them — they toast quickly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). This bright, aromatic mixture will coat the cod and infuse it with flavor as it bakes.
Step 4: Prepare the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels — this ensures a nice texture and prevents sogginess. Place them in the prepared baking dish and brush generously with the lemon garlic mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cod for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overbaking — cod cooks quickly and stays juiciest when just done.
Step 6: Add Finishing Touches
Once baked, sprinkle the cod with toasted pine nuts and chopped fresh parsley. The heat from the fish will slightly warm the pine nuts, releasing their nutty aroma and perfectly finishing the dish.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Cod
- Dry the fish well before baking – This ensures the cod roasts beautifully instead of steaming.
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest – Bottled lemon juice can’t match the brightness of fresh citrus.
- Don’t overbake – Cod should be flaky but moist. A good rule of thumb: bake for 10 minutes per inch of thickness.
- Toast your pine nuts – This simple step enhances their flavor dramatically.
- Add a drizzle of olive oil before serving – It enhances the richness and gives the fish a glossy finish.
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Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Garlic Baked Cod with Pine Nuts and Parsley pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious ideas:
- Garlic butter asparagus or roasted green beans for a light, vibrant pairing.
- Herbed quinoa or lemon rice pilaf to soak up the flavorful juices.
- Mashed cauliflower or roasted baby potatoes for a heartier meal.
- A fresh arugula salad with olive oil and balsamic for a crisp contrast.
For a full Mediterranean spread, serve it with warm pita bread, hummus, and a chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
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Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
This dish has earned its reputation as a healthy gourmet favorite because it’s simple yet sophisticated. It’s light without being bland, and nourishing without feeling restrictive. The combination of lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs awakens the palate, while the pine nuts add a luxurious texture that elevates the entire meal.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a romantic dinner for two, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your home kitchen.
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Conclusion: Simple, Elegant, and Unforgettable
This Lemon Garlic Baked Cod with Pine Nuts and Parsley is the definition of effortless elegance. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a dish that’s vibrant, flavorful, and beautifully balanced. The lemon-garlic sauce infuses every flake of cod with brightness, while the crunchy pine nuts and fresh parsley add gourmet flair.
It’s a healthy dinner option that doesn’t sacrifice taste — perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. Once you try it, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen rotation. Simple to make, stunning to serve, and absolutely delicious to eat — this baked cod recipe is a masterpiece of flavor and freshness.
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