Lemon Dill Baked Cod with Creamy Lemon-Dill Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
