Easy Baked Cod Recipe

Baked cod is a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner with minimal effort. This recipe highlights the mild, flaky texture of cod with a buttery, garlicky herb topping and a hint of smoky paprika. The fish is baked to perfection, resulting in tender, moist fillets that practically melt in your mouth. Adding fresh lemon slices enhances the freshness and provides a lovely citrus aroma that complements the rich butter and herbs.

This dish requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, making it accessible even for novice cooks. It’s a fantastic option if you want a nutritious meal with minimal fuss and maximum taste. The herbs can be customized to your preference, allowing flexibility while maintaining a classic, elegant flavor profile. Whether served with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad, this baked cod is sure to satisfy and become a staple in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.

2. Healthy and Light

Low in calories and packed with protein and omega-3s.

3. Moist and Flaky

The butter and olive oil keep the cod tender and flavorful.

4. Customizable Herbs

Use your favorite fresh herbs to adjust the flavor profile.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for guests.

this …

Ingredients

• Cod filets
• Butter (softened)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, thyme, or preferred herbs)
• Paprika
• Lemon (thinly sliced)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
• Herb Swap: Try dill, basil, or tarragon instead of parsley and thyme.
• Garlic Butter Sauce: Drizzle melted garlic butter over the fish after baking.
• Crunchy Topping: Add panko breadcrumbs mixed with herbs for a crispy crust.
• Citrus Mix: Add orange or lime slices along with lemon for a zesty twist.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Prepare Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, mix softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Arrange Cod

Place the cod filets on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the butter mixture evenly over each filet.

Step 4: Add Lemon Slices

Top each filet with thin lemon slices to add flavor and moisture during baking.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.

Step 6: Serve

Remove from the oven and serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs or lemon wedges if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use fresh cod filets for the best texture and flavor.
• Do not overbake; cod cooks quickly and can dry out.
• Let the butter soften at room temperature to mix easily with herbs and garlic.
• Pat the fish dry before applying butter mixture to help it adhere better.
• Use fresh lemon slices for bright, natural citrus flavor.

How to Serve

• Serve alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
• Pair with rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
• Add a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to complement the richness.
• Garnish with extra fresh herbs or lemon zest for color and freshness.
• Drizzle with additional olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate cooked cod in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freezing

Cooked cod can be frozen, but texture may change. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at low temperature or microwave briefly to avoid drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cod fillets?

Yes, thaw completely and pat dry before baking for best results.

2. What can I substitute for butter?

You can use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.

3. How do I know when the cod is done?

The fish flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque throughout.

4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the butter mixture in advance but bake the fish fresh.

5. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work but use about one-third the amount, and add them earlier in cooking.

6. Can I bake the cod without lemon slices?

Yes, but lemon adds brightness and moisture to the dish.

7. How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the baking sheet?

Use parchment paper or grease the baking sheet well.

8. Can I cook this recipe on a grill?

Yes, use foil to hold the butter and herbs and grill over medium heat until cooked.

9. Is cod a good fish for baking?

Yes, cod holds up well to baking and has a mild flavor that pairs with many seasonings.

10. What sides go best with baked cod?

Steamed vegetables, rice, potatoes, or fresh salads complement the dish perfectly.

Conclusion

This Easy Baked Cod recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful seafood dinner. With a buttery garlic herb topping and the brightness of lemon slices, the cod turns out tender and full of flavor every time. Its quick preparation and versatile ingredients make it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. By following these straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your home cooking repertoire.

Print