Name: Gluten-Free Mediterranean Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1.5 lb cod (sustainably sourced if possible); 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free); 1 tsp ground coriander (freshly ground for best aroma); 3/4 tsp paprika; 3/4 tsp ground cumin; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 6 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 5 tbsp olive oil (good quality extra virgin); 2 tbsp butter (unsalted, preferably Kerrygold); 6 garlic cloves (finely minced); 1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)

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Introduction

This Gluten-Free Mediterranean Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is a bright, flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Tender cod fillets are coated in aromatic spices, seared to a golden crust, and baked in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce. It’s simple, fresh, and bursting with Mediterranean flair.

A clear glass baking dish holds four thick white fish fillets, each topped with a mix of finely chopped green herbs, red pepper flakes, and small bits of garlic. The fillets sit in a bright yellow, oily sauce that fills the bottom of the dish. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of crushed peppercorns and a white salt shaker nearby, along with some fresh green parsley sprigs scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 lb cod (sustainably sourced if possible)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground coriander (freshly ground for best aroma)
3/4 tsp paprika
3/4 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
6 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
5 tbsp olive oil (good quality extra virgin)
2 tbsp butter (I like Kerrygold unsalted butter)
6 garlic cloves (finely minced)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the cod dry with paper towels and set aside on a plate. In a small bowl, combine the flour, ground coriander, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring well to distribute the spices evenly. Set this flour-spice mixture aside.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and slightly melted butter until well combined. Add the finely minced garlic cloves to this mixture and stir well to create your lemon-garlic basting sauce.
Step 3: Dip each dried cod fillet into the lemon-garlic mixture, coating both sides evenly. Then dredge the fillets in the flour-spice mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
Step 4: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the cod for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown to create a flavorful crust.
Step 5: Pour the remaining lemon-garlic sauce from Step 2 over the seared cod fillets. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
Step 6: Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the fish just before serving. Serve directly from the skillet or transfer to a platter, spooning pan juices over each portion for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

Freshly grinding coriander seeds enhances the aroma and flavor significantly compared to pre-ground spices.
For a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
If you cannot find cod, other firm white fish like haddock or halibut work well in this recipe.

Storage

Store any leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be served cold over salad the next day.

How to Serve

In a clear glass baking dish, there are six rectangular white fish fillets arranged in two rows. Each fillet is topped with a golden-brown herb crust made of chopped green parsley, minced garlic, and red chili flakes. The fillets sit in a shallow pool of yellow, oily sauce that has visible herb bits mixed in. The background shows a bunch of fresh parsley and blurred white salt and pepper shakers, all on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the butter or substitute with a dairy-free margarine or extra olive oil to keep it dairy-free and still flavorful.

Is the flour necessary for a gluten-free version?

You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to maintain the coating and texture while keeping it gluten-free.