Name: Gluten-Free Mediterranean Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1.5 lb cod (sustainably sourced if possible); 1/2 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour; 1 tsp ground coriander (freshly ground for best aroma); 3/4 tsp paprika; 3/4 tsp ground cumin; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 6 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 5 tbsp olive oil (good quality extra virgin); 2 tbsp butter (preferably unsalted, I like Kerrygold); 6 garlic cloves (finely minced); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)

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Introduction

This Gluten-Free Mediterranean Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is a bright, flavorful dish that’s both healthy and easy to prepare. Coated with a fragrant spice blend and finished with a zesty lemon sauce, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

The image shows four white fish fillets placed side by side in a clear glass baking dish filled with golden yellow butter sauce. Each fillet is topped with finely chopped green herbs, bits of white garlic, and red pepper flakes, creating a textured and colorful layer on top. The sauce looks rich and slightly oily, spreading evenly around the fish. The dish is set on a white marbled surface, with fresh green parsley and a small white bowl of mixed spices nearby, along with a white salt shaker and a green cloth napkin. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 lb cod (sustainably sourced if possible)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground coriander (freshly ground for best aroma)
3/4 tsp paprika
3/4 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
6 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
5 tbsp olive oil (good quality extra virgin)
2 tbsp butter (unsalted, Kerrygold recommended)
6 garlic cloves (finely minced)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the cod dry with paper towels and set aside on a plate. In a small bowl, combine the flour, ground coriander, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring well to evenly distribute the spices. Freshly grind the coriander seeds just before mixing if possible for better aroma.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In another small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and slightly melted butter until well combined. Add the finely minced garlic to this mixture and stir well to create a flavorful basting sauce.
Step 3: Dip the dried cod into the lemon-garlic mixture, coating both sides evenly. Immediately dredge the fish in the flour-spice mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
Step 4: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the cod for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown, forming a flavorful crust.
Step 5: Pour the remaining lemon-garlic sauce over the seared cod. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
Step 6: Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the fish just before serving. Serve directly from the skillet or transfer to a serving platter, spooning pan juices over each portion for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

For an extra crisp crust, let the coated fish rest for 5 minutes before searing.
Swap cod for other firm white fish like haddock or halibut if preferred.
Use gluten-free flour to keep this recipe entirely gluten-free.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky depth.

Storage

Store any leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (around 300°F) to avoid drying out the fish, or warm carefully on the stovetop in a covered pan over low heat.

How to Serve

A piece of white fish fillet with a golden-brown crust is lifted by a silver fork, showing a juicy, flaky texture. The fish is covered with finely chopped green herbs and sprinkled with red spices, sitting in a clear glass baking dish filled with a light yellow oily sauce mixed with herbs. The dish is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture and some blurred green leaves in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

It’s best enjoyed freshly baked, but you can prep the spice coating and lemon sauce ahead of time. Store them separately and coat the fish just before cooking.

What side dishes pair well with this baked cod?

This dish goes well with steamed vegetables, a light salad, or Mediterranean-style roasted potatoes for a complete meal.