Baked Cod with Cherry Tomatoes, Lemon, and Fresh Herbs Recipe
This baked cod recipe features tender, flaky cod fillets baked alongside a vibrant medley of cherry tomatoes, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. With simple seasoning and a touch of crushed red pepper flakes, the dish delivers a bright, flavorful, and healthy seafood dinner perfect for any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 cod fillets, about 1” thick
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 lemon, sliced, plus wedges for serving
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed, unpeeled
- 2 thyme sprigs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Other Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking of the fish and vegetables.
- Prepare Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then season all sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for balanced flavor.
- Prepare Baking Dish: In a 13″ x 9″ baking dish, combine the sliced lemon, smashed unpeeled garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, cherry tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toss these ingredients gently to coat everything evenly, then spread them out in an even layer so they roast uniformly.
- Arrange Cod: Nestle the seasoned cod fillets into the baking dish among the lemon, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, allowing the flavors to meld during cooking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, which should take about 25 to 30 minutes depending on fillet thickness. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) confirms doneness.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the cod for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the fillets with lemon wedges on the side, and spoon the flavorful pan juices over the fish for added moisture and taste.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable, but use about one-third the amount as dried is more potent.
- For a milder dish, omit or reduce the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfectly cooked fish every time.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to complete the meal.
Keywords: baked cod, cod fillets, easy fish recipe, healthy seafood, roasted tomatoes, lemon cod, dinner recipe
