Lemon Dill Baked Cod with Creamy Lemon-Dill Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Lemon dill baked cod is a light and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender cod fillets are seasoned and baked to perfection, then topped with a tangy, creamy lemon-dill sauce that brightens every bite.

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 whenever possible for the brightest flavor, but dried dill works well in a pinch.
• Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream for a richer sauce or leave out mayonnaise to keep it lighter.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or rice to complete the meal.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

Storage

Store leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or in the microwave, taking care not to overcook the fish. Keep the lemon-dill sauce separate if possible and spoon it over fish just before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, this lemon dill sauce pairs well with other mild, flaky fish such as haddock, tilapia, or halibut. Adjust baking times based on the thickness of the fillets.

Is it necessary to use mayonnaise in the sauce?

No, mayonnaise is optional and adds extra creaminess. The sauce is delicious with just Greek yogurt or sour cream if you prefer a lighter option.

Lemon Dill Baked Cod with Creamy Lemon-Dill Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 115 reviews

This lemon dill baked cod recipe features tender, flaky cod fillets seasoned with garlic, paprika, and olive oil, then baked to perfection. Topped with a creamy, tangy lemon-dill sauce made from Greek yogurt, fresh dill, and lemon zest, this dish is a light, healthy, and flavorful dinner that’s simple to prepare and perfect for seafood lovers.

• Author: Nora
• 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 make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare Cod Fillets: Place the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle each fillet evenly with olive oil, then season both sides with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using, ensuring even flavor coverage.
3. Bake Cod: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. The fish is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Adjust the time slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
4. Make Lemon-Dill Sauce: While the cod is baking, combine Greek yogurt or sour cream, mayonnaise if using, chopped dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic if using in a small bowl. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Serve and Garnish: Remove the baked cod from the oven. Spoon a generous portion of the lemon-dill sauce over each fillet. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• You can substitute cod with other white fish like haddock or pollock if preferred.
• For a dairy-free version, omit Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, and replace with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
• The paprika adds a subtle smoky depth but can be omitted if you prefer a simpler flavor.
• Adjust the amount of lemon juice and dill in the sauce according to taste preferences.
• Ensure not to overcook the cod to keep it moist and flaky.

Keywords: lemon dill baked cod, baked cod recipe, healthy cod recipe, seafood dinner, lemon dill sauce, baked fish