Zesty Baked Cod with Lemon and Old Bay
This Zesty Baked Cod is a simple yet delicious recipe that packs a punch of flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's made by sealing fresh cod fillets in foil with bright lemon juice and the classic Old Bay seasoning, infusing the fish with a delightful zesty aroma as it bakes. Not only is it quick to prep—taking under an hour—but it also keeps the fish moist and tender, making it a favorite for seafood lovers. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cod fish fillets
4 (4-ounce fillets)
Lemon
1 (cut into 4 wedges)
Old Bay Seasoning
2 (teaspoons)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, lightly greased with cooking spray.
2
Cut 4 pieces of aluminum foil, large enough to wrap the cod fillets individually. Place a cod fillet in the center of each piece of foil.
3
Squeeze a lemon wedge over each fillet, allowing the juice to soak in, and season each piece generously with 1/2 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning.
4
Fold the sides of the foil over the cod, crimping to seal each packet tightly.
5
Place the foil-wrapped cod on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
6
Carefully unwrap the foil packets to avoid steam, and serve the cod hot, garnished with fresh lemon wedges if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Baked Cod?
Zesty Baked Cod is a simple seafood dish where fresh cod fillets are seasoned with Old Bay and lemon, then baked in individual foil packets to keep them moist.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients are four 4-ounce cod fish fillets, one lemon cut into wedges, and two teaspoons of Old Bay Seasoning.
How do I prepare the oven for baking the cod?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, lightly greased with cooking spray.
How much Old Bay seasoning should I use per fillet?
You should use 1/2 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning for each of the four cod fillets.
Why is the fish wrapped in aluminum foil?
Wrapping the fish in foil packets seals in the lemon juice and seasoning, infusing the fish with flavor while keeping it moist and tender.
How long does it take to bake the cod?
The cod should be baked for 30 to 40 minutes in a preheated oven.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod is done when the flesh is opaque and it flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?
Yes, but it is recommended to thaw them completely before seasoning and baking for the best texture and even cooking.
What size should the cod fillets be?
This recipe calls for four 4-ounce cod fillets.
How many lemons do I need for this recipe?
You will need one lemon, which should be cut into four wedges—one for each fillet.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, the recipe takes under an hour from preparation to serving, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
What should I serve with Zesty Baked Cod?
It pairs well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and healthy meal.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, this baked cod recipe is considered a healthy dinner option as it uses lean protein and minimal added fats.
What should I be careful of when opening the foil packets?
Carefully unwrap the foil packets to avoid being burned by the hot steam that has built up inside during baking.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
The recipe recommends lining a baking sheet with foil and lightly greasing it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Can I substitute Old Bay seasoning with something else?
If you do not have Old Bay, you can use a mix of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne, though the flavor profile will change.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes four individual servings, with one fillet per person.
Should I add the lemon juice before or after baking?
You should squeeze a lemon wedge over each fillet before sealing the foil and baking to allow the juice to soak into the fish.
Can I garnish the dish before serving?
Yes, you can serve the cod hot and garnished with additional fresh lemon wedges if desired.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Cod and lemons are naturally gluten-free; check your brand of Old Bay seasoning to ensure it meets your dietary requirements.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What kind of fish is best for this recipe?
Fresh cod fillets are the primary recommendation for this specific recipe.
How many foil packets should I make?
You should prepare four separate foil packets, one for each cod fillet.
How do I seal the foil packets?
Fold the sides of the foil over the cod and crimp the edges to seal each packet tightly.
Does this recipe require a lot of cleanup?
No, because the fish is cooked in foil packets, the cleanup is minimal.
Is the texture of the fish soft or crispy?
Because it is baked in foil, the texture remains moist, tender, and flaky rather than crispy.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Yes, you can substitute lime for a different citrus profile, though lemon is the traditional choice for this zesty recipe.
How much total Old Bay is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 2 teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning across the four fillets.
Is this recipe good for beginners?
Yes, this is an excellent recipe for beginners due to its short ingredient list and simple preparation steps.
How long does the prep take?
Prep takes only a few minutes to cut the foil, season the fish, and seal the packets before baking.