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Gluten-Free Mediterranean Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 113 reviews

This Gluten-Free Mediterranean Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dinner option perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring a delicious combination of lemon, garlic, and warm Mediterranean spices, it results in perfectly flaky cod fillets with a light, aromatic crust. Using simple pantry ingredients and an easy searing and baking method, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor that is beginner-friendly and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cod:

  • 1.5 lb cod (sustainably sourced if possible)

For the Coating:

  • 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

For the Lemon Sauce:

  • 6 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 5 tbsp olive oil (good quality extra virgin)
  • 2 tbsp butter (I like Kerrygold unsalted butter)
  • 6 garlic cloves (finely minced)

For Serving:

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Mise en Place and Season Mixture: Pat the cod dry thoroughly 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. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly. Freshly grind the coriander seeds just before mixing for the best aroma. Set the flour-spice mixture aside.
  2. Create the Lemon-Garlic Oil Base: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and slightly melted butter until smoothly combined. Finely mince the garlic cloves and stir them into the lemon mixture. This sauce will be used to baste and infuse the fish during baking.
  3. Coat and Sear the Fish: Dip the dried cod fillets into the lemon-garlic mixture, coating both sides evenly, then immediately dredge them in the flour-spice mixture, shaking off excess flour. 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 and sealing in moisture.
  4. Bake and Finish: Pour the remaining lemon-garlic sauce over the seared cod in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Just before serving, sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top to add brightness and a fresh herbaceous note. Serve directly from the skillet or transfer to a platter, spooning the pan juices over each portion.

Notes

  • Do not overcook the cod to avoid it becoming dry and rubbery; check for doneness around 8 minutes, especially if fillets vary in thickness.
  • Pat the fish completely dry before coating to ensure the flour mixture sticks well and creates a light crust.
  • Make sure the pan is hot before searing so the fish sears properly and does not stick or fall apart.
  • Drizzle the lemon-garlic sauce gradually rather than all at once to prevent sogginess under the coating.
  • Fresh coriander seeds for grinding enhance flavor but you may use pre-ground if needed.
  • For gluten-free coating, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or almond flour in equal amounts.
  • Frozen cod should be fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently to maintain texture.

Keywords: baked cod, Mediterranean fish recipe, gluten free fish recipe, lemon garlic cod, healthy cod recipe, weeknight dinner, quick baked fish, easy fish dinner

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/gluten-free-mediterranean-baked-cod-with-lemon-and-garlic-recipe/