This easy baked cod recipe is a quick oven-baked fish dinner made with flaky cod fillet, garlic butter, fresh lemon, parsley, and paprika. It bakes in just 10 minutes for a simple, light, and flavorful meal.
Why You'll Love Easy Baked Cod
- Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish.
- The cod turns out tender and flaky every time.
- Made with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
- Perfect for a quick weeknight seafood dinner.
There was a fish market not far from where my family used to shop in Spain, and the fish counter was always the busiest part. Fresh cod was a regular sight, especially on Fridays, and it was often prepared in the simplest ways. A little olive oil, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs were usually all that was needed. This recipe reminds me of those simple meals because it proves that good fish does not need complicated ingredients to taste great.
These days, this baked cod recipe is one of my favorite dinners when I need something quick and reliable. The garlic butter melts into the fish while it bakes, the lemon keeps everything fresh, and the paprika adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the cod. What I like most is that the entire dish comes together with very little effort, yet it feels like a meal you would happily serve to guests. If you enjoy seafood dinners, you might also like my Oven Baked Trout, Pan Fried Red Snapper, or Salmon Florentine.
Key Ingredients in Baked Cod
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at key ingredients and why I use them.
- Cod Fillet: I always reach for thick, fresh fillets; they stay juicy in the oven and hold their shape beautifully while soaking up all the flavor from the butter.
- Lemon & Seasoning: I like using a whole lemon cut into wedges under the cod fillet to keep it moist while it bakes, and a simple mix of salt, pepper, and paprika gives just the right balance of warmth and brightness.
- Garlic Butter: For the topping, I mix soft butter with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and juice, paprika, and fresh parsley; it melts into the cod and turns into the most flavorful finish.
- Fresh Parsley: I always save a little to sprinkle on top right before serving; it adds a fresh pop of color and rounds out the flavor perfectly.
How to Bake Cod in the Oven
You can find the complete printable baked cod recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Season the Cod: Slice the cod fillet and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Mix the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine butter, extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, and paprika.
3. Assemble the Dish: Cut the lemon into four pieces, place them in the baking dish, and sit the cod over the lemon. Top each seasoned cod fillet with a tablespoon of garlic butter.
4. Bake Until Flaky: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F / 200°C (350°F convection / 180°C fan) for 10 minutes. Cooking time may vary with the fillet thickness.
Helpful Ingredient Swaps
- Use haddock or hake instead of cod.
- Replace parsley with fresh dill.
- Use lime juice instead of lemon juice.
- Swap regular paprika for smoked paprika.
Tips for Perfect Flaky Cod Every Time
Bring the Fish Out Early: I take the cod out of the fridge about 15 minutes before baking, so it cooks more evenly.
Give the Pieces Space: When the baking dish is too crowded, I find the fish can steam instead of bake. A little space helps the cod cook better.
Use Fresh Garlic: I prefer fresh minced garlic here because it gives the butter a brighter, better flavor than garlic powder.
Serve It Right Away: For the best texture, I serve baked cod as soon as it comes out of the oven, while the fish is still juicy and the garlic butter is warm.
Storage
Store leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently until warmed through.
What to Serve with Baked Cod
This baked cod is simple and so juicy, and that buttery lemon sauce is the best part, so I always spoon it over the fish before it hits the table. I love serving it with a tomato burrata salad or a simple cucumber salad, plus roasted potatoes or rice if I want something more filling. And a warm piece of crusty ciabatta or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of that garlic butter.
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Recipe
Easy Baked Cod Recipe
Ingredients
- 500 g cod fillet
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 lemon
For Garlic Butter
- 60 g unsalted butter - softened
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic - minced
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley - chopped
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F / 200°C (350°F convection / 180°C fan).
- Cut the 1 pound (500 g) cod fillet into portions and season with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon paprika.
- Cut 1 lemon into quarters and place the pieces in a baking dish. Arrange the cod portions on top of the lemon pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup (60 g) softened butter, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, ½ tablespoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, and ½ teaspoon paprika until well combined.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the garlic butter mixture over each piece of cod.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
This baked cod recipe was a hit! The lemon and herbs added so much flavor. I served it with roasted vegetables and it was a complete meal