Easy Baked Cod Recipe (2024)

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This baked cod fillets recipe is white fish at its best. Using just one pan and a handful of ingredients, it makes for a healthy & filling dinner.

Love cod? This easy potato and cod recipe is another great sheet pan meal.

Easy Baked Cod Recipe (1)

Oftentimes, cod gets stereotyped as a boring fish. That’s such a shame because when cooked the right way it tastes like a 5-star meal. This easy baked cod recipe is the perfect example of what can happen when you let wholesome ingredients speak for themselves. Whether it’s a hectic weeknight or you’re hosting a dinner party, flaky fish and perfectly cooked veggies are always a crowd pleaser.

The Best Kind of Cod to Use

Cod fillets work best. While Pacific cod touts a thicker fillet than Atlantic, either will work just fine for this recipe. Fresh is always preferred, but if you need to use frozen make sure it’s completely thawed before you bake it. To do so, pop it in the fridge overnight.

Preparing this Easy Baked Cod

The first step to making this recipe is to trim down the cod into smaller pieces or keep it in whole fish fillets. It’s your choice!

  • Slice the Veggies: Next, slice the onion and bell peppers into small pieces.
  • Season the Veggies & Cod: Assemble the sliced veggies on the baking dish or a baking sheet with parchment paper, followed by the pieces of cod. Then, season liberally with garlic parsley salt and top the fish with pieces of butter.
  • Bake the Cod: Pop the pan in the oven and bake the cod at 400°F for about 15 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and green onions and serve alongside your favorite grain or potato dish. Enjoy!
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Easy Baked Cod Recipe (3)

3 Tips for Moist & Tender Baked Cod

Baked cod is hard to mess up, but a couple of tips will help you nail it.

  • Pat the fish dry of excess moisture. Before seasoning the cod, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the fish get a nice, lightly golden brown crust.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Take the guesswork out of checking the doneness of the cod by using an instant-read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
  • Experiment with different seasonings. Cod couldn’t be more versatile, so go ahead and add your favorite seasoning to suit your taste buds. Fresh lemon juice, fresh basil, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika are all great options and add an extra layer of flavor. Or, swap out the butter for olive oil if you’d like.
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Different Ways to Serve Baked Cod

This baked cod makes for the perfect light lunch or dinner. Serve it alongside creamy cauliflower rice or some quinoa for a well-rounded meal. Or, sandwich the fillets between two slices of bread with tartar sauce and serve the veggies as your side dish.

Storing Baked Cod

Cod is great for meal prep! To keep baked cod on hand for up to a 3 days, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will keep it from drying out or absorbing any lingering smells in your refrigerator.Avoid freezing the dish, as the veggies are prone to turning soggy upon thawing.

FAQ

How long does it take to bake cod?

Baked cod takes about 15 minutes at 400°F. This can vary a couple of minutes in either direction depending on the thickness of your fillets.

What makes baked cod tough?

Baked cod will turn tough if you overcook it. It’s a very delicate fish, so keep a close eye on it and check how it’s coming along about halfway through the cooking time.

How do you know cod is done?

It’s ready when its internal temperature reaches 145°F and the fish flakes easily with a fork.

How should you thaw frozen cod?

The best way to thaw frozen cod is in the refrigerator overnight. If you need to thaw it quickly, stick it in cold water (while still in a bag or airtight package) for 20-30 minutes.

Other Cod Fish Recipes:

  • Buttered Cod Recipe – Buttery, lemony cod
  • Baked Cod With Vegetables Recipe – Baked cod in tomato sauce and veggies
  • Crispy Air Fryer Cod (15 minutes) – No-guilt, crispy cod
  • Pan-Fried Cod Recipe (Tips for Cooking Cod) – Simple pan-fried cod

Recipe

Easy Baked Cod Recipe (5)

Easy Baked Cod Recipe

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Servings

6 servings

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin

This baked cod recipe is simple, healthy, and satisfying. The buttery fish and sweet roasted veggies make for the perfect light meal!

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs cod fillet
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 red bell pepper
  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper
  • 1 small onion
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
  • garlic parsley salt to taste
  • parsley garnish
  • green onion garnish

US UnitsMetric

Instructions

  • Slice the cod fillets into smaller pieces or keep them whole. Next, slice the onion and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.

  • Place all the vegetables in one layer on the baking sheet. Assemble the cod evenly throughout the pan. Season with garlic parsley salt and add chunks of butter on top of the cod.

  • Bake the cod at 400°F for about 15 minutes. It'll be ready once its internal temperature reaches 145°F.Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Easy Baked Cod Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 277Calories from Fat 144

% Daily Value*

Fat 16g25%

Saturated Fat 9g45%

Cholesterol 105mg35%

Sodium 220mg9%

Potassium 747mg21%

Carbohydrates 3g1%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 27g54%

Vitamin A 985IU20%

Vitamin C 39.4mg48%

Calcium 36mg4%

Iron 0.9mg5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Easy Baked Cod Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long does cod take in the oven at 400 degrees? ›

Bake in 400 degrees F heated oven for about 10 minutes or until the cod is cooked through. The fish is ready when it turns a beautiful white opaque and flakes easily when you take a fork to it. Garnish and serve! I love adding some parsley for a pop of green!

What is the best cooking technique for cod? ›

Try a gentle cooking method: Instead of adding fat, you can also try a gentle cooking method like steaming or cooking en papillote. Both of these methods help to preserve Pacific cod's high moisture content and produce incredibly tender results.

What temp is cod baked at? ›

Simple Cod Loins

Preheat an oven or grill to 400 degrees. Lightly spritz fish with olive oil, sprinkle with fresh cracked pepper and sea salt. Bake for approx 12 minutes, or to an internal temp of 145 degrees. Squeeze fresh lemon or lime over the fish and serve.

Is cod better in the oven or pan? ›

Pan-frying is a great option for cod fillet or loin as there is time to produce a lovely crispy skin without overcooking the delicate, flaky flesh. This is the way cod and similar white fish are often cooked in restaurant kitchens and is very simple to do at home.

How do you bake cod without it falling apart? ›

Fresh vs. frozen cod:

If you use this method, be sure to leave the fish in its plastic wrapping. If you place the fish directly in the water to thaw, it will become waterlogged and fall apart when baked.

Should you rinse cod before cooking? ›

No need to rinse frozen cod.

Some recipes may tell you to rinse your frozen cod before cooking it to get rid of ice crystals, but this step is unnecessary. If anything, it might leave your fish a bit waterlogged.

Can cod be a little undercooked? ›

Proper Cooking Techniques: Ensure that cod is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C). The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Use a Food Thermometer: Invest in a reliable food thermometer to accurately measure the internal temperature of cod and other seafood.

How do you not overcook cod fish? ›

Dunlap suggests cutting thick, 2-inch cod fillets crosswise into 1-inch-thick pieces and cook on the cut sides. If the fillet is an inch thick, just cut the fish into 2-inch squares. “It's better to undercook cod than to overcook it, so test the fish after cooking 2 minutes on each side.

Why is my cod rubbery in the oven? ›

When you overcook fish, it can become dry, tough, and lack flavor. Overcooked fish loses its natural moisture, which can result in a dry and chewy texture. The proteins in the fish also begin to tighten, which can make the fish tough and rubbery.

What makes cod taste good? ›

Its meaty flesh is firm, moist, and flaky, making it perfect for various cooking methods. The flavor of cod is not too fishy, which is why it is a favorite among those not keen on the strong taste of seafood. When cooked, it has a subtle sweetness that is enhanced by the natural briny flavor of the sea.

Why do you salt cod before cooking? ›

Salting fish, like sea bass fillets, before cooking helps to firm up the flesh and improves the texture. If you've travelled much in Spain or Portugal you will no doubt of seen salt cod, or bacalao on the menu – this is where the fish is covered in salt for days to remove all the moisture.

Should cod be room temperature before cooking? ›

Take your fish out of the refrigerator 5 to 10 minutes before grilling to let it come to room temperature. You will want to leave your fish on the grill for 8 to 10 minutes per inch of thickness. Make sure to preheat your grill to 400°F to 450°F and always grill with the lid down.

How long does cod take to cook at 350 degrees? ›

Preheat oven to 350°. Loosely cover and bake until fish flakes easily with a fork, 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle with lemon-pepper. If desired, serve with lemon slices and dill sprigs.

How long should fish be cooked at 400? ›

Breaded and coated fish usually is cooked without being covered, but fillets and whole fish are covered for tender results. How long to cook fish in the oven at 400 degrees? About 8-12 minutes depending on the size of the fish.

How long to cook frozen cod at 400? ›

There isn't much to baking frozen cod; all you have to adjust is the cooking time. Whereas fresh cod might take 15 minutes, frozen will take around 20 to 25 minutes.

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