There’s nothing quite like the simple elegance of Baked Cod Fish with Lemon and Capers. Light, flaky cod meets zesty lemon and briny capers for a dish that’s flavorful, healthy, and ready in under 30 minutes. With just 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes in the oven, this is the kind of recipe that proves seafood can be both effortless and impressive.
A Little Backstory
Growing up in a small fishing village in Newfoundland during the 80s, cod was everywhere—our main source of seafood protein. Cod showed up at nearly every meal, from Fisherman’s Brewis to crispy fried fillets cooked in pork fatback (scrunchions). Back then, lemon was never a part of the equation, but as my tastes evolved, I realized just how perfectly seafood and citrus pair together.
Now, instead of heavy batters or salty dried cod, I prefer to enjoy the fish itself—baked simply with fresh lemon and a touch of capers. This dish lets the natural sweetness of cod shine through, with bright, bold accents that lift it to something special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Fast & easy – Just 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of bake time.
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Light but flavorful – Lemon and capers enhance, not overpower, the cod.
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Healthy & wholesome – No heavy batter, just clean, fresh flavors.
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Weeknight-friendly – Simple enough for busy nights, elegant enough for guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Cod fillets – Fresh or thawed, mild and flaky.
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Fresh lemon – Adds brightness and balances the briny capers.
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Capers – A punch of salty, briny flavor.
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Olive oil or butter – For moisture and richness.
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Salt & pepper – To season simply and let the cod shine.
How to Make Baked Cod with Lemon and Capers
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Prep the cod. Pat fillets dry and place them in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil or dot with butter.
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Season generously. Add salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
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Add capers. Sprinkle briny capers over the top for a burst of flavor.
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Bake. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork.
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Serve. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
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Pair with roasted potatoes or steamed rice.
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Add a green vegetable side, like asparagus or green beans.
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Serve with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes—just thaw it completely before baking for the best texture.
What if I don’t have capers?
Try chopped green olives for a similar briny kick.
Can I make this with another fish?
Absolutely! Haddock, halibut, or tilapia all work beautifully with lemon and capers.
How do I know when the cod is done?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. A thermometer should read 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part.
Baked Cod with Lemon and Capers
Bright, citrusy, and effortlessly elegant—this baked cod with lemon and capers is a dish that proves weeknight dinners can feel special.
Ingredients
- 2 thick cod fillets (about 4 oz each)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (plus another for garnish)
- ¼ cup capers, drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Line a small baking dish with overlapping lemon slices to form a bed for the fish. Place each cod fillet directly on top of the lemons.
- Season both sides of the cod with salt and pepper. Scatter the capers evenly over the fish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, thyme, and oregano. Drizzle this mixture over each fillet.
- Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve warm with extra lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 329Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 99mgSodium 810mgCarbohydrates 6gFiber 2gSugar 1gProtein 42g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Cod Fish with Lemon and Capers is proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the best. With minimal prep and fresh, vibrant flavors, it’s a dish that highlights the natural goodness of cod while keeping dinner light and effortless. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or entertaining guests, this recipe is a reliable go-to that never disappoints.
