Say goodbye to dry, flavorless fish forever. This easy Baked Cod Recipe is your new go-to for a healthy, quick, and incredibly delicious weeknight dinner. We’re talking tender, flaky cod fillets bathed in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce and baked to perfection in under 20 minutes. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can effortlessly create in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to cooking fish, this foolproof method guarantees a perfect result every single time.
Forget complicated techniques and long ingredient lists. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the quality of its components. A handful of fresh ingredients is all it takes to elevate the mild, sweet flavor of the cod, making it a meal the whole family will love. It’s light yet satisfying, and pairs beautifully with a huge variety of side dishes.
Why This is the Best Baked Cod Recipe
There are many ways to bake cod, but this recipe stands out for its simplicity and flavor. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick & Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and about 15 minutes in the oven, you can have a stunning dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Perfectly Flaky Texture: Our method ensures the cod steams gently in the lemon garlic butter sauce, resulting in an exceptionally moist and flaky texture.
- Healthy & Light: Cod is a fantastic source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. This recipe keeps it light and healthy without sacrificing flavor.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to create a vibrant, flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the fish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe is its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Cod Fillets: About 1.5 pounds of cod fillets, fresh or frozen (and thawed). Aim for fillets that are about 1-inch thick.
- Unsalted Butter: The base of our rich and savory sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
- Lemon: We’ll use both the juice and slices for a bright, citrusy kick.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a touch of freshness and color.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To season the fish and enhance all the flavors.
- Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Choosing the Right Cod: Fresh vs. Frozen
Both fresh and frozen cod work wonderfully for this Baked Cod Recipe. If using frozen, make sure to thaw it completely overnight in the refrigerator. Before cooking, pat the fillets completely dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial for getting a good texture and preventing the fish from becoming watery.
How to Make This Baked Cod Recipe
Follow these simple steps for a flawless fish dinner.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish that’s large enough to hold the cod fillets in a single layer without overlapping.
- Season the Cod: Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice.
- Pour & Top: Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the cod fillets. Top each fillet with a few lemon slices.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. The cod is done when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Perfectly Flaky Cod
- Don’t Overcook: The biggest mistake when cooking fish is overcooking it. Check for doneness at the 12-minute mark. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
- Pat It Dry: We can’t say it enough! Removing excess moisture from the fillets is key to preventing a soggy result.
- Use Thick Fillets: Whenever possible, choose center-cut cod fillets that are at least 1-inch thick. They are less likely to dry out during baking.
Flavor Variations to Try
While the lemon garlic butter sauce is classic, feel free to get creative!
- Add Herbs: Mix in other fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or oregano with the parsley.
- Spicy Kick: If you love the spicy kick of cowboy butter, you could adapt it for fish. A similar sauce from our Cowboy Butter Chicken would be a bold and delicious experiment.
- Mediterranean Flavors: Top the cod with cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers before baking.
What to Serve with Baked Cod
This versatile dish pairs well with almost anything. For a comforting meal, serve it alongside a bowl of Loaded Baked Potato Soup. For a lighter, healthier option, a simple green salad or roasted vegetables are perfect. It also goes beautifully with rice pilaf, quinoa, or roasted potatoes. For a truly hearty meal, consider pairing it with a simple pasta or a satisfying Lentil Vegetable Soup.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store any leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until just heated through, about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the fish rubbery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen cod. However, you must thaw it completely before cooking. Place it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw safely.
The two most important tips are to not overcook it and to use a sauce. The lemon garlic butter sauce in this recipe adds moisture and flavor, creating a barrier that helps keep the fish tender and juicy.
Baked cod is done when its internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Visually, the fish will be opaque and should flake easily when you gently press it with a fork.
It is best to bake cod uncovered. This allows the top to get a tiny bit of color and prevents the fish from getting a steamed, watery texture.
For tender and flaky results, the best temperature to bake cod is 400°F (200°C). This allows the fish to cook through quickly without drying out.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this simple and delicious recipe, be sure to check out some of our other dinner favorites!
Your Perfect Baked Cod Awaits
This Baked Cod Recipe proves that simple ingredients can create an elegant and deeply satisfying meal. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something healthy, fast, and delicious. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
Baked Cod Recipe
Baked Cod Recipe (Easy, Flaky & Delicious)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for the best texture. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper and place them in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice.
- Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the cod fillets. Arrange the lemon slices on top of the fillets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish. The cod is done when it is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork. The internal temperature should read 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use Thick Fillets: Opt for thicker, center-cut pieces of cod as they are more forgiving and stay juicier during baking.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
