30-Minute Baked Cod with Creamy Lemon Dill Sauce Delight

Name: 30-Minute Baked Cod with Creamy Lemon Dill Sauce Delight
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (6 oz each); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 lemon (juiced and zested); 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped); 1/4 cup Greek yogurt; 1 clove garlic (minced)

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You know those nights when you need something delicious, healthy, and on the table fast? That’s exactly why this baked cod with lemon dill sauce is my go-to. It’s one of those rare recipes that feels fancy but comes together in less than 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights when you’re tempted to just order takeout. The secret? A bright, creamy sauce that’s just tangy enough to make the cod sing. My husband still jokes that I “tricked” him into eating more fish when I first made this, but now he requests it weekly. Fresh dill and lemon zest are the stars here, turning simple ingredients into something special without any fuss. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple in our house!

Ingredients for Baked Cod with Lemon Dill Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need for this simple yet flavorful dish: 4 cod fillets (6 oz each), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 lemon (juiced and zested), 2 tbsp freshly chopped dill, 1/4 cup packed Greek yogurt, and 1 clove of garlic (minced). Fresh ingredients make all the difference here, so grab the best you can find!

How to Make Baked Cod with Lemon Dill Sauce

This dish comes together so effortlessly, you’ll wonder why you don’t make it more often. The key is prepping your ingredients first—trust me, it makes the process feel like a breeze.

Preparing the Cod

First things first: preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab those beautiful cod fillets and pat them dry—this helps the seasoning stick better. Drizzle them with olive oil (don’t be shy!), then sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper. I like to gently rub the seasoning in with my fingers—it’s oddly therapeutic!

Making the Lemon Dill Sauce

While the oven heats up, let’s whip up that gorgeous sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice (save that zest!), minced garlic, and freshly chopped dill. Pro tip: Taste as you go! Want more tang? Squeeze in extra lemon. Love garlic? Add another clove. This sauce is all about adjusting to your taste buds.

Baking and Serving

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper—saves so much cleanup later. Arrange the cod fillets with some space between them (we’re not making fish stew here!). Bake for 12-15 minutes until they’re opaque and flake easily with a fork. Spoon that vibrant sauce over the top right before serving, and for bonus points, garnish with extra dill and lemon slices. Voila—dinner’s ready!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Cod Recipe

This isn’t just another fish recipe—it’s a total game-changer for weeknight dinners. Here’s why it’s become my forever favorite:

Fast & foolproof: From fridge to table in 25 minutes flat (yes, I’ve timed it!)
Guilt-free delicious: Packed with 32g of protein per serving but only 220 calories
That sauce though: The lemon-dill combo is so bright and fresh, you’ll want to put it on everything
Minimal cleanup: One baking sheet and one mixing bowl—that’s it!
Always impressive: Looks fancy enough for company but easy enough for sleepy Tuesday nights

Seriously, this recipe checks every box. Even my picky eater goes back for seconds!

Ingredient Substitutions and Tips

No fresh dill? No problem! Here’s how to adapt this recipe when your pantry doesn’t cooperate. Swap Greek yogurt with an equal amount of sour cream (I’ve done this when I forgot to grocery shop—still delicious!). If fresh dill isn’t available, use 1 teaspoon dried dill, though I’ll warn you—the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant. For extra crispy edges, pat your cod fillets bone-dry with paper towels before oiling them—I learned this trick from a seafood chef, and it makes all the difference. And here’s my secret: if your sauce seems too thick, whisk in a teaspoon of cold water at a time until it’s perfectly spoonable. Cooking should be flexible—make it work for you!

Serving Suggestions for Baked Cod

This baked cod shines brightest when paired with simple sides that let its flavors pop. My go-to? A bed of fluffy quinoa soaking up that lemony sauce—heaven! Roasted asparagus or crispy green beans make perfect veggie partners. For hotter days, toss together a citrusy kale salad (that leftover sauce makes a killer dressing too—just thin it with a splash of water). And here’s a fun twist: serve extra sauce in tiny bowls for dipping crusty bread while you wait for the fish to come out of the oven. Trust me, your guests will fight over it!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (rare in my house!), here’s how to keep them tasting fresh. Store any extra cod in an airtight container in the fridge—it’ll stay good for about 2 days. When reheating, skip the microwave! Instead, pop it back in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes. This gentle heat keeps the fish from drying out. Pro tip: Add a splash of water or lemon juice before reheating to keep it moist. The sauce? It thickens when chilled—just stir in a teaspoon of water to bring it back to life!

Baked Cod with Lemon Dill Sauce FAQs

Over the years, I’ve gotten so many questions about this recipe—here are the answers to the ones that pop up most often! Can I use frozen cod? Absolutely! Just thaw it overnight in the fridge first (never at room temp—safety first!). Out of Greek yogurt? Try sour cream, or for a dairy-free twist, blend silken tofu with lemon juice. Skin-on fillets? I recommend removing the skin before baking—it helps everything cook evenly. And my favorite hack? Toss a teaspoon of capers into the sauce if you love that salty-briny punch. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know what you’re enjoying: each serving of this baked cod with lemon dill sauce packs about 220 calories, a whopping 32g of protein, and just 8g of fat. Of course, exact numbers might dance a bit depending on your specific ingredients—but isn’t it nice when something this tasty is actually good for you too?

Go on, give this baked cod with lemon dill sauce a whirl tonight—I promise it’ll become one of those recipes you scribble on the back of an envelope because you’ll want to make it again and again. Snap a pic of your beautiful creation (that golden fish! that vibrant green dill!) and tag us—we live for seeing your kitchen triumphs. Now off you go—your perfectly flaky, lemony masterpiece awaits!