Detailed Baked Cod (ALDI Ingredients)🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
Fish
2–3 cod fillets (about 150–200g each, skinless if possible)
Seasoning base
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic (very finely minced or crushed into a paste)
1 whole lemon
1 tsp dried parsley (or mixed Italian herbs)
½ tsp paprika (smoked paprika works great if available)
¾ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
Optional for extra flavor
1 tbsp butter (cut into small cubes)
Pinch of chili flakes (for slight heat)
🔪 Step 1: Thawing & prepping the fish (VERY important)
If your cod is frozen (common from ALDI):
Place fillets in the fridge overnight OR
Quick method:
Keep fish in sealed packaging
Submerge in cold water for 20–30 minutes
👉 Once thawed:
Remove from packaging
Rinse lightly under cold water
Pat completely dry using paper towels
⚠️ Why drying matters:
If the fish is wet, it will steam instead of bake properly and the seasoning won’t stick.
🔥 Step 2: Preheat & prepare tray
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)
Use a baking dish or tray:
Lightly grease with oil OR
Line with baking paper
👉 Baking paper = easier cleanup + prevents sticking
🍋 Step 3: Lemon prep (do this properly)
Wash the lemon
Zest FIRST (before cutting):
Use a fine grater
Only take the yellow outer layer (avoid bitter white part)
Cut lemon in half:
One half for the marinade
One half for finishing
🧄 Step 4: Make a proper marinade
In a bowl, mix:
Olive oil
Garlic (make it almost paste-like for better flavor release)
Lemon zest
1–2 tbsp lemon juice
Paprika
Parsley
Salt
Pepper
(Optional chili flakes)
👉 Mix until it looks like a slightly thick, glossy dressing.
💡 Tip: Let it sit for 2–3 minutes so garlic infuses the oil.
🐟 Step 5: Seasoning the cod
Place fillets in the tray, spaced apart
Spoon marinade over each fillet
Use the back of a spoon or brush to:
Coat evenly
Press seasoning gently into the fish
👉 Flip once and coat both sides if you want stronger flavor
Add small butter cubes on top (optional but adds richness)
⏱️ Step 6: Optional marination time
Let fish sit for 10–15 minutes
Don’t exceed 20 minutes (lemon can start “cooking” the fish)
🔥 Step 7: Baking (key stage)
Place tray in middle rack of oven.
Cooking time:
Thin fillets: 10–12 minutes
Thick fillets: 12–15 minutes
👀 How to know it’s perfectly cooked
Check at 10 minutes:
Fish turns opaque white
Easily flakes when gently pressed with a fork
Internal temp ~ 63°C (145°F) if using thermometer
⚠️ Avoid overcooking
Overcooked cod becomes:
Dry
Rubbery
Falls apart too much
🍋 Step 8: Final finishing
Right after removing from oven:
Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top
Spoon some of the tray juices back over the fish
Optional: sprinkle extra herbs
🍽️ Step 9: Serving (full meal idea)Simple ALDI-style plate:
Cod fillet
Roasted potatoes (cut small, roast 25–30 min with oil + salt)
Steamed green beans or broccoli
Quick sauce idea (optional):
Mix:
2 tbsp yogurt
Pinch salt
Little garlic
Few drops lemon juice
💡 Pro Tips (makes a big difference)
Don’t overcrowd the tray → fish will steam
Always dry fish well → better texture
Use fresh lemon → bottled juice tastes weaker
Add butter last-minute if you want richer taste
🔄 Alternative cooking methods🍳 Pan-fry version
Heat oil in pan (medium heat)
Cook cod:
3–4 minutes per side
Add butter + garlic at the end and spoon over
🌬️ Air fryer version
180°C for 10–12 minutes
Lightly spray with oil first
