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Baked Cod with Lemon Dill Sauce

baked cod with lemon dill sauce - featured image

Tender baked cod fillets topped with a creamy, tangy lemon dill sauce make for a quick, comforting, and healthy weeknight dinner. This easy fish recipe is light, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), fresh or thawed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Extra chopped dill (optional garnish)
  • Additional lemon slices or wedges (optional garnish)
  • Capers (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and place in a lightly oiled baking dish or parchment-lined sheet pan.
  3. Brush fillets with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Spoon about half of the sauce evenly over the cod fillets. Reserve the rest for serving.
  6. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature should reach 145°F). Thicker fillets may need a few extra minutes.
  7. Let cod rest for 2 minutes in the dish.
  8. Garnish with extra dill, lemon slices, or capers if desired.
  9. Serve each fillet with more sauce on top and your favorite sides.

Notes

Pat cod dry before seasoning to avoid steaming. Use fresh dill for best flavor; dried dill works in a pinch. Don’t overbake—check at 15 minutes for doneness. Sauce can be made ahead for deeper flavor. For a caramelized top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes. Cod can be swapped for haddock, tilapia, or halibut. Dairy-free and keto adaptations are easy.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked cod, lemon dill sauce, easy fish recipe, healthy dinner, weeknight meal, gluten-free, seafood, main course