Julie Clark
Posted:
Baked Cod Recipe
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Dinner was never easier with this 15 minute baked cod recipe. Perfectly seasoned with pantry staples and drilled with butter and lemon juice.
In an effort to start the year on a lighter note, Matt and I have been adding more seafood such as grilled salmon, chili lime tilapia and baked cod into our dinners. I want food that is good for me, but I don’t want to skimp on flavor.
This Baked Cod recipe is everything you need in an easy dinner recipe. It takes just 5 minutes prep and bakes up flaky and tender in about 10 minutes. The lemon and butter drizzled over the top make the cod filets melt in your mouth.
Add a side salad, cauliflower rice, baked asparagus or steamed broccoli alongside the fish fillets for a low carb dinner you’ll love!
Ingredients Needed
This is a pantry staple recipe, meaning the seasoning on the baked cod you most likely already have in your pantry.
- Cod filets come in all sizes. For oven baking, it’s best to choose thick cod filets that are even in thickness all the way through for even cooking. Thin filets may only take 5-6 minutes to bake, while thick filets may take 10 minutes.
- If you’re limiting butter in your diet, drizzle with olive oil instead.
- Fresh lemons are best for squeezing the juice on top and you can even add lemon zest, but in a pinch, use lemon juice concentrate.
✨ See the recipe card for full ingredients and amounts. ✨
Tips for Making Baked Cod
- Pat it Dry. Before seasoning, pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to help them brown nicely and prevent excess moisture from making them mushy.
- Use High Heat. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness. This ensures a tender, flaky texture without drying it out. Our fillets were about 1″ thick.
- Don’t Overcook. Cod is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking makes it tough and rubbery.
- Add Moisture. Brush with extra virgin olive oil or melted butter and bake with lemon juice to keep it moist and flavorful.
Should you cover cod when baking?
No, leaving the fish uncovered helps with the browning.
Can you use frozen cod?
If you have frozen cod, allow it to fully thaw before baking it to ensure even baking and safe internal temperatures.
Can I bake cod in foil?
Yes! Just like with salmon, you can season cod and wrap in foil to ensure the cod stays tender.
Can I freeze leftover cooked fish?
Yes, you can freeze cooked fish for up to 6 weeks. Allow the fish to cool to room temperature before sealing in an airtight container and freezing.
Next, try our paleo fried fish, lemon chicken sheet pan dinner and brown butter salmon. And another quick recipe to try is our hamburger gravy, ready in 20 minutes.
Easy Baked Cod Recipe
Dinner was never easier with this 15 minute baked cod recipe. Perfectly seasoned with pantry staples and drilled with butter and lemon juice.
Servings 6
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 cod fillets about 4 oz each
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 teaspoons minced garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick. 6 cod fillets
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, parsley, and onion powder. 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon dried parsley, ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Brush the fillets with melted butter and drizzle with lemon juice. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the fillets. 2 tablespoons melted butter, 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- Place the fillets in the baking dish and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F when done. The exact timing will depend on the thickness of the fillets. Thin fillets may cook in as little as 5-6 minutes.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges and fresh herbs such as parsley. lemon wedges
Notes
- For a crispier topping, sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs and shredded parmesan cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Refer to the article above for more tips and tricks.
Nutrition
Calories: 130kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 286mg | Potassium: 487mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 327IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg
