Southwest Lemon Baked Cod

Bright, buttery, and full of Southwest flavour, this golden cod comes together in one skillet for an easy weeknight dinner.

Imagine tender, flaky cod tucked beneath a lightly crisp, golden coating, then finished with a warm drizzle of lemon, garlic, olive oil, and butter. The fresh lemon cuts through the richness while the Southwest seasoning brings a little smoky, savoury personality to every bite.

It looks impressive enough for company—but it’s really a 30-minute dinner with very little fuss. Exactly the kind of meal that makes you look like you worked harder than you actually did. 😉

Did You Know?

Cod is a naturally lean source of protein and is also a source of vitamin B12, selenium and phosphorus. The combination of a lean fish with olive oil, fresh lemon and herbs makes this a simple example of building flavour around nutrient-dense whole foods.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Big flavour, simple ingredients — lemon, garlic, butter and Southwest seasoning do the heavy lifting.

  • Golden outside, tender inside — a quick skillet sear gives the coating colour before the fish finishes in the oven.

  • One-pan friendly — less cleanup is always a win.

  • Easy enough for a weeknight, but pretty enough to serve when friends are coming over.

  • Pair it with roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, rice, quinoa or your favourite slaw.

Food With Benefits

Cod provides high-quality protein without being a particularly fatty fish, making it a great foundation for a satisfying meal. Extra-virgin olive oil contributes predominantly monounsaturated fat, while lemon, garlic and parsley bring flavour along with a variety of naturally occurring plant compounds.

The beauty here is that the flavour doesn't have to come from a heavy sauce. A little butter and olive oil, plenty of garlic and fresh lemon create a sauce that coats the fish without overwhelming it.

PFF — Protein • Fiber • Fat

Each serving delivers approximately 31g of protein, 1g of fiber, and 18g of healthy fats.

This combination gives you a substantial serving of protein from the cod, a small amount of fiber from the herbs and coating, and nourishing fats from olive oil and butter—making it a satisfying, flavour-packed main dish.

Calories: approximately 350 per serving
Servings: 4

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