Best Baked Cod: A Simple, Delicious Recipe for Any Night

Best Baked Cod: The Simple, Flavorful Meal Everyone Loves

Baked cod is a perfect weeknight meal: easy, healthy, and packed with bright flavors. With tender, flaky fish complemented by rich olive oil, zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and sweet cherry tomatoes, this recipe transforms a simple filet into an outstanding entrée. In less than 40 minutes, you can deliver restaurant-quality seafood at home—no special skills required!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless prep: Minimal hands-on work and easy-to-source fresh ingredients.
• Healthy and nutritious: Cod is low in fat yet packed with protein and vital nutrients.
• Vibrant flavors: The combo of lemon, garlic, and herbs makes every bite bright and satisfying.
• Versatile: Easily adapt this method with your favorite veggies or spices.
• Family-friendly: Mild fish flavor appeals to seafood lovers and skeptics alike.

What Is Cod?

Cod is a prized white fish known for its mild flavor and firm, flaky flesh. Found in both Atlantic and Pacific oceans, cod is a popular choice for many classic seafood dishes—from British fish and chips to Mediterranean stews. Its delicate texture makes it ideal for gentle baking, which preserves both moisture and flavor.

Key Ingredients

This baked cod recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that deliver big flavor:

• Cod fillets: Look for thick, fresh or thawed fillets about 1-inch thick for even cooking.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning the fish.
• Lemon: Sliced for roasting alongside the fish, adding brightness; wedges for serving.
• Garlic cloves (smashed, unpeeled): Infuses the dish with subtle, aromatic flavor.
• Fresh thyme sprigs: Brings an earthy, herbal note.
• Cherry tomatoes: Roasted in the pan, they become jammy and sweet.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Rich and flavorful, helps keep the fish moist during baking.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle heat to balance the richness.
• Finely chopped fresh parsley: Bright, herbal finish for serving.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat and Prep: Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 400°F (204°C). Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels—removing excess moisture is key for a perfect bake. Season both sides of the fish with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Arrange Aromatics: In a 13″x9″ baking dish, combine sliced lemon, smashed garlic cloves (leave skins on for milder flavor), fresh thyme sprigs, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil and sprinkle over 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Toss gently to coat all the vegetables and spread everything in an even layer.
3. Nestle the Cod: Arrange the seasoned cod fillets on top of the vegetable and lemon mixture, fitting them snugly but not overcrowding the dish. Optional: Drizzle a little more olive oil over the fillets for extra moisture.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of the fillets. Cod is done when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The juices from the tomatoes, lemon, and olive oil will blend together, creating a flavorful pan sauce.
5. Finish and Serve: Top the baked cod with finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges alongside. Spoon some of the roasted tomatoes, lemon, and pan sauce over each portion.

Tips for the Best Baked Cod

• Dry the fillets thoroughly before seasoning—this promotes better texture and browning.
• Choose even-thickness fillets for uniform cooking.
• Don’t overbake. Cod should be just opaque and flake easily; check with a fork after about 25 minutes.
• Let the fish rest 2-3 minutes before serving, allowing juices to redistribute.
• Customize the aromatics: Try adding capers, sliced onion, or fennel for new flavor dimensions.
• For a spicier touch, increase the red pepper flakes or add sliced fresh chili.

Serving Suggestions

This baked cod is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some fan-favorite accompaniments:

• Rice pilaf or herbed couscous
• Roasted seasonal vegetables (asparagus, green beans, carrots)
• Crusty bread to soak up the lemony pan sauce
• Simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta

Nutrition Information

The health benefits of baked cod are hard to overstate. Cod is rich in lean protein, modest in calories, and supplies essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, selenium, and phosphorus. Cooking it with olive oil and tomatoes adds heart-healthy fats and antioxidants.

*Values are approximate and can vary based on fillet size and adjustments to oil or vegetables.

Choosing the Best Cod

Selecting high-quality cod is vital for the best results. Ask your fishmonger for thick, center-cut fillets; avoid pieces that look thin or watery. If using frozen cod, thaw completely in the fridge and blot dry before cooking to remove excess moisture. For sustainability, consider cod certified by reputable organizations (such as the Marine Stewardship Council).

Substitutions & Variations

• Other white fish: Substitute haddock, pollock, halibut, or tilapia for cod.
• Different herbs: Use dill, basil, or oregano in place of thyme and parsley.
• Wine or broth: For a saucier version, add 1/4 cup dry white wine or low-sodium chicken broth.
• Crunchy topping: Add a dusting of seasoned breadcrumbs or panko mixed with olive oil for a crisp finish (sprinkle over fillets before baking).

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in a low oven (275-300°F) to retain moisture, or enjoy cold atop salads.
• Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of baked cod may become mushy after thawing. For best results, enjoy soon after baking.

Other Summer Favorites

• Sheet-Pan Shrimp Boil
• Summer Salmon Skillet
• Baked Catfish
• Pasta Salad Recipes
• Fresh Cherry Recipes
• Easy Summer Casseroles

FAQs: Baked Cod

Q: How do I know when cod is done baking?

A: Cod is perfectly baked when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C) at the thickest point.

Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the baking dish with the vegetables and arrange the cod up to a few hours ahead; cover and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best texture.

Q: Do I have to use cherry tomatoes?

A: No—feel free to substitute grape tomatoes, chopped Roma tomatoes, or even omit them for a simpler lemon-herb cod.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, as long as you do not add breadcrumb topping, this baked cod is naturally gluten-free.

Q: What should I do with leftovers?

A: Leftover baked cod is delicious flaked over a green salad, stuffed into a wrap, or warmed with steamed vegetables.

Chef’s Notes & Final Tips

• Don’t skip the resting period: Briefly let fish rest before serving for juicier fillets.
• Save the pan sauce: The juices at the bottom of the dish make a wonderful drizzle for rice or vegetables.
• Experiment: Use this method as a template for other mild fish and different aromatics.

Tried This Baked Cod?

We’d love to hear your feedback! Share your results and any creative tweaks in the comments below to inspire other home cooks. Enjoy your healthy, flavor-packed meal!

Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb