Lemon Dill Baked Cod with Creamy Lemon-Dill Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This lemon dill baked cod recipe offers a light and flavorful way to enjoy tender white fish. With a zesty lemon-dill sauce and simple seasonings, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal any day.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (approximately 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for a creamier sauce)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Place cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using.
3. Step 3: Bake cod for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Adjust cooking time based on thickness of fillets.
4. Step 4: While cod bakes, combine Greek yogurt or sour cream, mayonnaise if using, chopped dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic if using, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir until smooth.
5. Step 5: After baking, remove cod from oven. Spoon a generous portion of lemon-dill sauce over each fillet. Garnish with lemon slices and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh dill for the best flavor, but dried dill works well in a pinch.
• For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cod before baking.
• Swap cod with other white fish like haddock or tilapia if you prefer.
• To make it dairy-free, omit the yogurt and mayonnaise and use a dairy-free substitute.

Storage

Store leftover baked cod and lemon-dill sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the cod gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Add fresh lemon-dill sauce after reheating to keep the flavors bright.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cod. Thaw the fillets completely and pat them dry before seasoning and baking to ensure even cooking.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt or sour cream?

You can substitute with mayonnaise alone or a combination of mayonnaise and a little milk or cream to achieve similar creaminess in the sauce.

Lemon Dill Baked Cod with Creamy Lemon-Dill Sauce Recipe

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A light and flavorful Lemon Dill Baked Cod recipe featuring tender cod fillets baked to perfection and topped with a creamy, tangy lemon-dill sauce. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or special occasion.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish

• 4 cod fillets (approximately 6 ounces each)

Base Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Garnish

• Lemon slices

Lemon-Dill Sauce

• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for a creamier sauce)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Cod Fillets: Place the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle them evenly with olive oil, then season both sides with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if you choose to use it. This seasoning adds subtle depth and a bit of smoky flavor.
3. Bake the Cod: Bake the cod fillets in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. The fish is done when it is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets.
4. Make the Lemon-Dill Sauce: While the cod is baking, combine the plain Greek yogurt or sour cream with mayonnaise (if using), finely chopped dill, freshly squeezed lemon juice, grated lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic (if used), salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Serve: Once the cod is baked, remove it from the oven. Spoon a generous portion of lemon-dill sauce over each fillet. Garnish with fresh lemon slices for added brightness and serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best.

Notes

• For a dairy-free option, substitute Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative or omit the mayonnaise and use extra yogurt.
• The optional paprika adds a mild smoky flavor but can be omitted for a more traditional taste.
• Adjust seasoning to your preference; some people enjoy a squeeze of extra lemon juice on top before serving.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, chill the lemon-dill sauce for 15-20 minutes before serving.
• This recipe works well for other white fish such as haddock or halibut.

Keywords: baked cod, lemon dill sauce, healthy seafood, easy fish recipe, low fat dinner, quick baked fish