4 cod fillets (firm white flesh, about 1-inch thick)
2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Lemon slices for garnish
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange cod fillets evenly on lined pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Gently flip each fillet to season underside with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using, then return to original position and season top. Press spices into surface.
Place baking sheet on middle oven rack. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, checking after 12 minutes. Fish is ready when opaque at thickest part and flakes easily with fork.
While fish bakes (around the 5-minute mark), mix Greek yogurt or sour cream, mayonnaise if using, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in small bowl. Add salt and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Gently lift cooked cod from pan using spatula. Place each fillet on plate. Top with generous spoonful of sauce and garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately.
Notes
Fresh dill has brighter flavor, but dried works too. Use 1 teaspoon dried for every tablespoon fresh.
Zest lemons before juicing for easiest prep and brightest sauce flavor.
Wild-caught cod bakes up firmer and flakes better if available.
These times are for 1-inch thick fillets. Thicker fillets may need 2-3 additional minutes.
Don’t overbake – check at 12 minutes to keep fish moist and tender.