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):

1. Place fillets in the fridge overnight OR
2. 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)

1. Wash the lemon
2. Zest FIRST (before cutting):
   • Use a fine grater
   • Only take the yellow outer layer (avoid bitter white part)
3. 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

1. Place fillets in the tray, spaced apart
2. Spoon marinade over each fillet
3. 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

4. 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