Looking for a home-run weeknight dinner? Try this incredible Baked Cod! This white fish is mild, tender, and buttery in flavor. Bake it up in a hot oven swimming in a zesty lemon garlic sauce, and you’ll want another bite before you’ve finished chewing the first! This baked fish is so simple and always a hit with our whole family! Want more with cod? Try 15 Cod Recipes Everyone Will Love.
What does cod taste like?
If you’re on the fence about cod, allow us to convince you. Cod has a mild, pure flavor without a “fishy” aftertaste. In fact, it’s even more mild than salmon. It’s a great starting point for people who think they don’t like fish. Cod has a firm texture, with large flakes, and is typically firmer than other white fish like tilapia or halibut. Best ways to eat cod? Cod is very versatile and works in many different types of preparations: like baked, pan fried, in fish tacos, and grilled.
How to buy a great fillet of cod
The most important part of making great baked cod? Start with a great piece of fish. We’ve been burned with a few bad pieces of cod, so here’s what to know:
Fresh fish tends to be best. Some frozen cod we’ve tried has been sub-par, with a fishy aftertaste and watery texture. If you can, nab a piece from your local fish counter. Buy wild caught. Fish that is wild caught in your country is usually a sustainable choice. There are also quality options in well-regulated farms; see this Seafood Watch Consumer Guide.
How to make baked cod
Baked cod is one of the simplest ways to prepare this delicately-flavored fish! It comes out tender and seasoned to perfection. There are just a few things to note (or jump to the recipe below):
Let your fish come to room temp before baking. You can do this while the oven preheats; just pull the fish out the fridge. Cooking it from room temperature helps to ensure even cooking. Season the fish with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the salt and pepper right onto the fish. Cover with seasoning. This recipe features a lemon garlic sauce made with olive oil, lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, shallot and dried oregano. Bake at 400°F. High heat bakes it to perfection. Bake 17 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 130°F. Cod is not nearly as touchy as salmon, so you can approximate without a thermometer. Cook until it is just flaky!
Cod seasoning variations
Want to mix it up a little? There are some great other seasoning variations to try! Skip the lemon garlic sauce and add these seasonings to the 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then paint it right on the fish:
Mexican-Style Cod: Add 2 tablespoons of this Fish Taco Seasoning before baking. Cajun Cod: Try it with 1 to 2 tablespoons of this spicy homemade Cajun seasoning. Blackened Cod: Sprinkle on 1 to 2 tablespoons Blackened seasoning, a more mild blend that still preserves the Cajun flavor.
Make it a meal! Sides to serve with baked cod
Impress your entire family with this baked cod to make an easy, healthy dinner! (Ours was seriously impressed…even our three year old!) The seasoning blend is pretty versatile, lending to lots of different side dish ideas. Here are some we’d recommend:
Try easy salads like arugula salad or kale salad. Make grains like seasoned quinoa, polenta, or jade rice. Whip up ultimate sauteed vegetables, sauteed peppers or sauteed peppers and onions on the stovetop Mix up super-quick sauteed cabbage or peas with lemon.
More easy seafood recipes
Some of our favorite fast and easy dinner recipes feature seafood! Here are some of our favorite fish and seafood recipes:
Make Quick Cod Fish Tacos or Fried Cod Go for tasty Baked Tilapia or Easy Baked Fish Try crispy Blackened Salmon or Cajun Salmon, or spring for fan favorite Creamy Shrimp Pasta or Pesto Salmon Have a Classic Shrimp Boil or Shrimp Scampi
This baked cod recipe is…
Gluten-free, pescatarian and dairy-free. 5 from 6 reviews
