Keto Lemon Herb Baked Cod Recipe

Keto lemon herb baked cod is a light, clean-eating keto dinner that showcases flaky, tender white fish with a bright lemon and herb crust. Cod fillets are baked with butter, garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs for a meal that is elegantly simple yet impressively flavorful. With just 2g net carbs per serving and 27g of protein, this is one of the leanest and most protein-dense keto dinners you can make.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (about 150g each)
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Lemon slices for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Place in the prepared baking dish.
3. Mix melted butter, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, dill, and thyme in a small bowl.
4. Season cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
5. Pour the butter herb mixture evenly over the cod fillets.
6. Bake for 12-14 minutes until cod flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
7. Do not overbake; cod becomes tough and dry if cooked past flaking point.
8. Spoon the pan juices over the fish before serving.
9. Serve with lemon slices and additional fresh herbs.

Tips & Variations

• Pat cod very dry before adding the sauce; excess moisture prevents the butter from adhering properly.
• For a golden crust, broil for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking.
• Substitute cod with halibut, tilapia, or sea bass; adjust timing based on thickness (10 min per inch of fish).
• Add capers to the butter sauce for a briny, tangy variation.
• Serve alongside roasted asparagus, green beans, or a simple arugula salad to round out the keto meal.

Nutrition Breakdown

Calories: 238 kcal

Protein: 27.3g

Fat: 13g

Carbs: 2.5g

Net Carbs: 2g

Fiber: 0.4g

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