Save This
Morue au four citron et ail is my trusted answer when I want a nourishing dinner that feels elegant without fuss. The combination of flaky cod with bright lemon and velvety olive oil creates a delicious meal from simple pantry ingredients and is impressive enough for guests or a quick family weeknight.
My family always asks for this dish on Sunday evenings when we want to wind down with a meal that tastes like sunshine and takes hardly any effort.
Ingredients
- Fresh cod fillets: Look for bright white flesh without a fishy smell for the best texture
- Lemon: Brightens the dish and keeps the fish moist when baking
- Garlic: Choose plump cloves and mince just before using for most flavor
- Olive oil: A generous drizzle ensures juiciness and adds a silky finish
- Herbes such as parsley or thyme: Sprinkle on top before baking or use a blend like Herbs de Provence for an aromatic lift Fresh is best but dried works in a pinch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to moderate temperature. This keeps the cod tender and prevents overcooking while letting the flavors meld.
- Prepare the Aromatics:
- Zest and slice your lemon, reserving half for slices and squeezing the rest for juice. Peel and mince the garlic finely so it will melt into the fish during baking.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Pat the cod fillets dry and lay them in a lightly oiled baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then distribute the minced garlic, lemon zest, and a bit of juice over the fish. Arrange lemon slices atop each fillet and scatter your chosen herbs uniformly.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Slide the dish into the oven and let bake until the fillets are opaque and flake easily with a fork, usually just over ten minutes depending on thickness. Watch closely as cod cooks swiftly and you want it just done for moisture.
- Serve with Freshness:
- Let the dish rest three minutes to settle the juices. Before serving, crack over a bit of black pepper and maybe a final flourish of fresh herbs if desired.
Save This
Whenever I cook with fresh herbs I remember my mother clipping parsley from the garden and the way the kitchen would fill with lemon and garlic aroma. This is the ingredient that makes every bite feel alive.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. Refrigerate as soon as the fish cools down to maintain its freshness. Reheat gently on low to avoid drying out the cod.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use another white flaky fish like hake or haddock if cod is not available. If you are out of fresh herbs, a pinch of dried oregano or even chives brings a similar lift. For a richer flavor, swirling in a docile knob of butter before serving is never a bad idea.
Save This
Serving Suggestions
Pair your cod with steamed potatoes, a green salad, or seasonal roasted vegetables. The pan juices are fantastic mopped up with crusty bread or spooned over brown rice. For a true Mediterranean vibe, sprinkle with capers or a few sliced olives before baking.
Cultural Context
Baked cod with lemon and garlic is a classic dish along the Mediterranean coast prized for balancing nutrition and flavor effortlessly. French home cooks cherish this meal for its simplicity and versatility. Whether served for Lent or a summer al fresco dinner, morue au four always brings people together.
Common Questions
- → What type of cod should I use?
You can use fresh or thawed frozen cod fillets; both work well baked with lemon and garlic.
- → Can I add other herbs?
Yes, fresh parsley, dill, or thyme are excellent additions to enhance the dish's aroma and taste.
- → What sides go well with baked cod?
Steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad pair perfectly with baked cod.
- → How do I prevent the cod from drying out?
Drizzling olive oil over the fish and covering the baking dish lightly with foil helps keep the cod moist.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to two days and can be gently reheated for a quick meal.