Cod Fish Recipe

This cod fish recipe is quick, easy and so flavorful! It takes only 15 minutes from start to finish. The fish is moist, juicy and flaky. This healthy baked cod recipe is great for family dinners, holidays, weeknights, and more. It is the best cod fish recipe ever!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This cod fish recipe is easy and approachable.
• Other than the fish, only pantry staple ingredients required.
• Only 15 minutes total.
• The fish comes out flaky and moist. So does this Halibut recipe!
• The cod butter sauce is so flavorful.
• No need for a grill or skillet.
• This cod is low in carbohydrates and high in protein.
• This recipe is Whole30 friendly, Paleo, gluten free, Keto, low carb, and sugar free.
• Check out this Trout Recipe or this Baked Cod Recipe for another easy dinner.

Ingredients & Substitutions

These are the main ingredients and substitutions for easy cod fish recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredients list and instructions.

Use fresh cod fish fillets if available. If not, completely thaw cod.

Melted butter goes so well with fish. Feel free to use melted ghee in its place. For dairy free, use only 1 tablespoon olive oil. Diary free butter works fine too. This makes up the sauce for cod fish.

Garlic powder adds a slight garlicky flavor. Feel free to use minced garlic. In addition, increase garlic powder for a more intense flavor.

Paprika adds a slight hint of heat. Only half a teaspoon needed. For a spicier result, use more.

Both black pepper and sea salt add a subtle flavor.

Top baked cod with a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh parsley. Both add a great freshness and brightness.

What is Cod?

Cod is a white fish found in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Atlantic cod is found in the cooler Atlantic waters. Pacific cod is found in warmer climates of the Pacific Ocean.

These are the two most popular species.

Cod is a common seafood option. It is known for its subtle flavor and white flesh. Consuming cod liver oil has become more and more popular for its many health benefits.

The very popular fish and chips dish is typically made with cod. In addition, haddock is also typically used.

Cod is high in protein and low in carbs.

This fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin B-12.

You will love this easy recipe for cod fish!

Taste & Texture

This cod fish recipe tastes mostly like the seasonings and butter. A little squeeze of lemon juice adds some freshness. This fish is not overly fishy tasting.

The texture is flaky and moist. It is not bland or dry. Cod fish is relatively flat and thin compared to other fish.

How to Make

Step 1

First, preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a pan with nonstick spray.

Step 2

In a bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, pepper and salt.

Step 3

Then, prepare cod fish fillet. Pat fish dry. Place in the greased pan.

Step 4

Then, pour melted butter mixture all over fish.

Step 5

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until fish is flaky and opaque.

Step 6

Finally, remove garlic butter cod from oven. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh herbs on top. Or, spoon garlic butter on top of fish before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For best results, use fresh cod fish fillets. If you only have frozen, thaw completely.

Pat fish dry with paper towels. This allows the seasonings to really stick to the fish.

Adjust seasonings to suit your taste. Feel free to add more or less of each seasoning.

This recipe is not overly spicy. It is relatively mild. Therefore, feel free to make it more spicy.

Bake this cod fish recipe until opaque and flaky.

To test doneness, insert fork into fish. Twist. If fish easily flakes, remove from oven.

Top with lemon juice and fresh parsley. Lemon pairs well with cod fish fillets.

This fish is also delicious served with the garlic butter on top. Simply spoon the sauce over the cod. This is a really simple sauce for cod fish.

Pan Sear Method

To make the best pan-seared cod recipe, follow these simple steps.

1. Season the cod on both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat butter or oil in a skillet.
3. Place the seasoned cod into the melted butter or hot oil. Cook for 4 minutes on each side.
4. If desired, add some minced garlic to the pan.
5. Serve the pan-seared cod with fresh herbs, additional butter, and garlic.

How to Serve & Store

Serve this cod fish recipe hot from the oven. Serve alongside French fries, mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice or rice.

For another mild fish, try this Swordfish Recipe or this Yellowfin Tuna! This Steelhead Trout is also mild and delicious.

Cod fish is a blank canvas for sauces and condiments. It especially pairs well with garlic butter, herb butter or another buttery sauce.

Consider serving as fish tacos or on top of a salad.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

There are several ways to switch up this easy cod fish recipe.

Use Cajun seasoning on the fish.

For a zesty flavor, replace lemon with lime.

For a spicy flavor, add some cayenne powder to the seasoning mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Our Place Always Pan: This is my favorite pan for stovetop cooking!

Check out all of my kitchen favorites!

You May Also Like

• Baked Tilapia Recipe
• Royal Red Shrimp Recipe
• Baked Halibut Recipe
• Fried Lobster Tails
• Blackened Mahi Mahi

If you make this simple cod fish recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow along!  Join my exclusive Facebook Group for a behind the scenes look. For more ideas, check out these Dinner Recipes.

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