Name: Gluten-Free Mediterranean Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
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)

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Introduction

This Gluten-Free Mediterranean Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the bright, fresh tastes of the Mediterranean right to your table. The cod is perfectly seasoned with aromatic spices, seared to a golden crust, and finished with a zesty lemon-garlic sauce. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

The image shows four pieces of white fish fillets in a clear rectangular glass dish filled with a yellow buttery sauce. Each fish piece is topped with finely chopped green herbs, small bits of garlic, and red chili flakes. The sauce around them is shiny and smooth, with some green herb pieces scattered in it. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, next to a white salt shaker and some green leafy herbs. A light blue cloth is partially visible on the left side. 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 (unsalted recommended)
6 garlic cloves (finely minced)
1/4 cup fresh parsley (finely chopped, for serving)
2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

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 mix evenly. Freshly grinding the coriander seeds before mixing will boost the aroma.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and slightly melted butter until smooth. Add the finely minced garlic and stir to create the lemon-garlic sauce that will baste the fish.
Step 3: Dip the dried cod into the lemon-garlic mixture, coating both sides, then dredge it immediately in the flour-spice mixture, shaking off excess. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the cod for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown to develop a flavorful crust.
Step 4: Pour the remaining lemon-garlic sauce over the seared cod. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for brightness.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly ground coriander seeds for the best flavor impact.
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to keep the dish gluten-free.
Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a subtle smoky note.
Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus.

Storage

Store leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a low oven or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the fish. Avoid microwaving as it can make the fish rubbery.

How to Serve

A glass baking dish contains four thick white fish fillets arranged in two rows, each piece topped with a mix of chopped garlic, red chili flakes, and finely chopped green herbs, all soaked in a bright yellow buttery sauce with visible herbs and spices scattered on top and in the sauce. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a white salt shaker in the top right corner and a green cloth partially visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, firm white fish like haddock, halibut, or sea bass can be used as a substitute. Adjust cooking time slightly based on thickness.

Is this recipe truly gluten-free?

To make this recipe fully gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Otherwise, the spices and other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.