This baked cod recipe is easy, healthy, and delicious! If you are looking for a tasty and healthy dinner idea, this recipe is perfect for you. Not only is it easy to make, but it is also packed with flavor and nutrition. It takes under 15 minutes. In this blog post, we will explore why you will love this recipe, the ingredients you need, the health benefits of cod, taste and texture, flavor variations, and how to serve and store it.

Baked cod recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • There are so many reasons why you will love this baked cod recipe.
  • Firstly, it is easy to make.
  • You do not need to be a chef to prepare this delicious dinner.
  • Secondly, it is healthy. For another healthy dinner, make this Halibut recipe.
  • Cod is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for our health.
  • The combination of the tender and flaky cod with the savory and flavorful seasoning makes it a perfect dinner option.
  • This recipe takes less than 15 minutes.
  • It is Whole30 compliant, Paleo, Keto, low carb, sugar free, gluten free, nut free, egg free, and healthy.
  • Check out this Cod Fish Recipe or this Swordfish for another similar dinner favorite!

Ingredients & Substitutions

These are the main ingredients and substitutions for this baked cod recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card below for full ingredients list and instructions.

Use fresh cod if possible. Most cod is bought frozen however. Fully thaw cod before making this recipe.

Season with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. This adds some flavor without overpowering the fish.

Minced garlic adds a garlicky flavor that pairs so well with butter and fish. If needed, use garlic powder.

Melted butter helps this fish remain tender and juicy. Feel free to use dairy free butter or ghee.

Sliced lemon adds freshness and more moisture. Lemon and fish are commonly served together.

Lastly, garnish with some fresh parsley. This adds freshness, color and flavor.

Ingredients for baked cod recipe.

What is Cod?

Cod is a type of fish found in the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Atlantic cod lives in the North Atlantic colder waters. On the other hand, Pacific Cod are found in warmer climates of the Pacific Ocean.

Cod has a mild flavor. The meat is dense and flaky. Cod liver oil is a popular dietary supplement due to its high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A and Vitamin D.

This white fish is a popular dish around the world. It is sometimes used in fish and chips.

Health Benefits of Cod

Cod is a healthy fish packed with nutrition.

It is a great source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles.

Cod is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for our heart health and brain function.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels.

Cod is also low in calories and fat, making it an excellent option for those who are watching their weight.

This oven baked cod recipe is Whole30, Paleo, Keto, gluten free, sugar free and low carb. It is high in protein and low in carbs and low in calories.

Taste & Texture

Cod has a mild and slightly sweet taste that is not overpowering. This baked cod recipe tastes most of garlic and butter.

The texture of the fish is tender and flaky, making it perfect for oven baking.

The flavor of the fish can be enhanced by adding different seasonings and herbs. Overall, this baked cod recipe is very flavorful.

How to Make

Step 1

First, preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2

Pat cod fillet dry. Season fish on both sides with salt, pepper and minced garlic.

Seasoned cod fillet.

Step 3

Pour melted butter all over cod.

Fish with butter and garlic.

Step 4

Place cod in a baking pan. Top with sliced lemon.

Seafood in pan with butter.

Step 5

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes depending on the thickness.

Baked cod in pan.

Step 6

Finally, remove baked cod from oven. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Use fresh cod for best results. Or, fully thaw frozen cod.

Depending on size of fish, you may need slightly more or less cooking time.

Double or triple this recipe as needed.

Fish is done when it easily flakes when fork is inserted.

Do not skimp on the butter. It adds the best flavor to this baked cod recipe!

Flavor Variations

The great thing about this baked cod recipe is that you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are some flavor variations that you can try.

Lemon and Herb: Instead of using garlic, season the cod with fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Add lemon slices on top of the fish before baking.

Cajun: Use Cajun seasoning instead of garlic powder.

Mediterranean: Use Mediterranean seasoning such as dried oregano, basil, and thyme.

Parmesan crusted: sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top before baking.

Breaded: dip in gluten free or regular breadcrumbs before baking.

Fish with garlic butter sauce.

How to Serve & Store

This baked cod recipe is perfect for a healthy and delicious dinner.

Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad. Or, serve like fish and chips with someone homemade French fries.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the fish in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should cod be cooked at?

Cod should be cooked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven.

How long do you cook cod in the oven at 400 degrees?

Cod only takes 8 to 10 minutes in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

What does it taste like?

Cod is very mild. This recipe tastes mostly like garlic and butter. The fresh parsley adds flavor too.

Can I add breading?

Sure! Feel free to dredge in breadcrumbs before baking. This will create a beautiful golden crust. Be sure to use gluten free breadcrumbs if needed.

Can I use frozen cod?

Fully thaw cod before making this oven baked cod recipe.

How do you know when the fish is done?

Insert fork into the fish and twist. If it easily flakes, fish is done.

Flaky cod fish.

Equipment Needed

Spatula: Remove fish from pan with a spatula.

Staub Baking Dishes: These are great baking dishes for both sweet and savory recipes.

You May Also Like

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

Baked cod recipe.

Get the Recipe: Baked Cod Recipe

This baked cod recipe is quick, easy, healthy and so flavorful! The fish is tender, juicy, moist and flaky. This quick and easy oven baked recipe is great for any occasion. Simple enough for busy weeknights but gourmet enough for special occasions!
5 from 48 votes

Ingredients

  • 1 cod fillet, about ⅓ pounds
  • pinch sea salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp melted butter, or ghee
  • sliced lemon
  • fresh parsley, optional garnish

Instructions 

  • First, preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Pat cod fillet dry. Season on both sides with salt, pepper and minced garlic.
  • Pour melted butter all over cod.
  • Place cod in a baking pan. Top with sliced lemon.
  • Bake for 8 to 10 minutes depending on the thickness. To test doneness, insert fork into fish. Twist. If the fish easily flakes, it is done.
  • Finally, remove from oven. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh cod or fully thawed cod.
  • Mine was about ⅓ pounds in size.  If yours is larger, it may need slightly longer cooking time.
  • Feel free to double or triple this recipe as needed.
  • For a little more spice, add some cayenne powder or paprika to the fish before baking.
  • Fish is done when it easily flakes.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Calories: 256kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 161g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 402mg, Sodium: 532mg, Potassium: 3737mg, Fiber: 0.2g, Sugar: 0.03g, Vitamin A: 538IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 153mg, Iron: 4mg

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