Lemon Herb Baked Cod With Rice

Name: Lemon Herb Baked Cod With Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups vegetable broth or water; 1 tablespoon butter; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Healthy Home Classics

I absolutely love this Lemon Herb Baked Cod With Rice. It combines tender, flaky cod with fragrant herbs and zesty lemon, all baked to perfection. The rice absorbs all the flavorful juices and makes for a delicious, comforting meal. I often serve this dish to guests because it’s not only easy to prepare but also looks stunning on the plate. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that feels fancy without the fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress at dinner!

Created by

Poppy Walsh

Last updated on 2026-03-05T09:49:54.540Z

When I first made this Lemon Herb Baked Cod, I was amazed at how simple and delicious it turned out. I love using fresh herbs like parsley and dill, as they enhance the cod's natural flavors. After experimenting with different marinades, I discovered that a splash of lemon juice not only brightens the dish but also helps to keep the fish moist while baking.

I remember the first time I served this to my family; they couldn't believe how flavorful and light it was. To ensure perfect results, I recommend using a digital thermometer to check the doneness of the fish, which should reach 145°F. Trust me, this dish is sure to become a favorite!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Zesty lemon flavor that brightens the dish
Tender, flaky cod filled with aromatic herbs
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners

The Key to Perfectly Baked Cod

The key to achieving perfectly baked cod lies in the marination process. By letting the cod fillets soak in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for at least 10 minutes, you not only infuse the fish with flavor but also help keep it moist during cooking. This step ensures that each bite bursts with zesty goodness and herbal notes that complement the delicately flaky texture of the fish. If you're pressed for time, a quick soak of just five minutes can still yield delicious results.

When baking cod, the ideal temperature is 400°F (200°C), which promotes even cooking while allowing for a slight caramelization on the edges. Keep an eye on your fish; it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork, typically around 15 to 20 minutes. If your fillets are thick, you may need to extend the cooking time slightly, so ensure to check for doneness with a fork at various spots along each fillet.

Flavorful Rice to Accompany Your Cod

The rice in this dish does more than act as a base; it absorbs all the wonderful juices from the baked cod, enhancing its flavor. For best results, use long-grain rice, which gives a fluffy texture and retains its shape well during cooking. The combination of vegetable broth and butter adds richness to the rice, making it a comforting companion to the lemon herb cod.

When cooking the rice, precise attention to the simmering step is crucial. After bringing it to a boil, cover and reduce the heat to low—this allows the rice to steam properly without absorbing too much liquid. If you find your rice turning out gummy, it may be due to too much heat during simmering or not letting it rest covered after cooking. Fluffing it gently with a fork afterward helps separate the grains for a more appealing presentation.

Ingredients

For the Cod

4 cod fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice

1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1 tablespoon butter
Salt to taste

Optional

Fresh lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Marinate the Cod

In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Place the cod fillets in the marinade for 10 minutes.

Prepare the Rice

In a saucepan, combine rice, broth or water, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

Bake the Cod

Place the marinated cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Serve

Serve the baked cod over the rice and garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, add thinly sliced lemons on top of the cod before baking. This enhances the visual appeal and infuses the fish with even more citrus aroma.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you find yourself without cod, there are great alternatives like haddock or tilapia that will still work beautifully with this marinade. Both fish varieties have a similar flaky texture and will soak up the lemon and herb flavors well. Additionally, if you're looking for a pescatarian option, shrimp can be a delightful substitute. Just be aware that shrimp cooks much faster than fish, so adjust your cooking time accordingly—about 8-10 minutes should be sufficient for medium-sized shrimp.

For a gluten-free version, be sure to use vegetable broth specifically labeled gluten-free, as some broths can contain hidden gluten. If you want to eliminate butter for a dairy-free option, you can swap it out for olive oil or a dairy-free margarine, which will still yield lovely, luscious rice.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This dish can be easy to make ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You can marinate the cod the night before and store it in the refrigerator, ensuring it’s ready for a quick bake when it's dinnertime. Just remember to bring the cod to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before baking to help it cook evenly.

Leftovers from this dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in the oven at a low temperature to prevent the fish from drying out. The rice can also be easily reheated in a microwave, but add a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating.

→ What can I serve with the cod?

This cod goes well with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or even a side of garlic bread.

→ How do I know when the cod is done cooking?

The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

→ Can I substitute the rice with another grain?

Definitely! Quinoa or couscous would work well as alternatives to rice in this dish.