Looking for a quick, no-fuss dinner? This baked cod recipe is ready in just over 15 minutes and is a favorite for a reason! The fish turns out tender, flaky, and bursting with flavor, thanks to bold Mediterranean spices and a buttery garlic herb topping that melts right in as it bakes. Simple to make and perfect with your favorite sides, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
If you’re craving a quick, healthy, and delicious way to cook cod, you’re in the perfect place! Cod is one of my absolute favorite fish, it’s mild, tender, and goes so well with all kinds of flavors. It’s perfect for those busy days when you need something easy but still want it to taste amazing.
Since fish is such a staple in the Mediterranean diet, I make it a point to cook it at least twice a week. There are so many ways to enjoy cod, but this lemon-baked cod recipe is one of my favorites.
Baked cod recipe is such a winner, it’s hearty enough to hold its shape in dishes like this garlic herb baked cod while still being perfectly flaky and tender. And the best part? It’s incredibly simple to make!
All you have to do is mix up a buttery garlic herb spread, slather it on the cod, and let the oven do its magic. In under 15 minutes, you’ll have a healthy, flavorful dinner that’s sure to impress.
What really takes this dish to the next level is the lemon butter topping. It’s so good! Plus, the quick bake time keeps the fish moist and tender every single time.
If you haven’t tried baked cod yet, this is your sign to start, it’s easy, healthy, and guaranteed to be a hit!
Jump to:
⭐Why You'll Love This Baked Cod
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is super simple and cooks in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious meal with little effort.
- Flavorful Garlic Butter Sauce: The garlic butter sauce is rich, savory, and has a hint of lemon and paprika, giving the cod an amazing flavor without being too heavy.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasonings to your liking, add more garlic, or try different herbs like thyme or dill for variety.
- Impressive Yet Simple: It’s easy to make but looks and tastes like a gourmet meal. The fresh parsley and lemon slices make it look beautiful, too!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This baked cod is light enough for a healthy dinner but flavorful enough for a special occasion. It works for any meal!
🧾Baked Cod Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this baked cod recipe:
- Cod Fillet: I love using fresh cod for its flaky, tender texture and mild flavor. It’s light, healthy, and works beautifully with so many seasonings—perfect for this dish.
- Seasonings: A simple mix of salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika does wonders. Salt brings out the natural flavor of the cod, black pepper adds a gentle heat, and paprika adds a smoky kick and gorgeous color without being too spicy.
Garlic Butter:
- Butter & Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Butter makes the sauce rich and creamy, while olive oil keeps it light and prevents the butter from browning too fast. It’s the perfect balance of indulgent and healthy.
- Lemon Zest & Juice: Lemon zest gives a fresh, citrusy aroma, and the juice adds brightness, cutting through the richness of the butter.
- Garlic & Parsley: Garlic brings savory depth, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that ties everything together.
- Paprika: A touch of paprika in the butter gives a warm, smoky note and makes the sauce extra inviting.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Baked Cod
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1. Slice the cod fillet and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. In a small bowl, combine butter, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, and paprika.
3. 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 in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 10 minutes. Cooking time may vary with the fillet thickness.
📖Variations
- Lemon Herb Cod: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley, dill, or thyme and a squeeze of lemon for a bright, zesty touch.
- Mediterranean Style: Toss in cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, and a drizzle of olive oil for a flavorful, savory twist.
- Spicy Cajun Cod: Use Cajun or blackened seasoning for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Creamy Cod Bake: Bake the cod in a creamy sauce with spinach and mushrooms for a cozy, hearty meal.
🍽 What to Serve with Baked Cod
This Baked Cod is super easy and so juicy! The buttery lemon sauce is key, so don’t forget to spoon it over the fish.
Pair it with warm ciabatta or garlic bread to soak up all that flavor. For something fresh, try an avocado pear salad or marinated tomatoes.
And of course, finish off with a sweet dessert like crema catalana or lemon posset!
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Pick Fresh Cod: Go for fresh, firm fillets for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen cod, make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry.
Pat Dry: Use paper towels to remove extra moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better and keeps the fish from getting soggy.
Season Well: Don’t be shy with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Garlic, paprika, and a touch of lemon zest are amazing with cod.
Bake Just Right: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Overbaking will dry it out.
Store Leftovers: Keep extra cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep it moist and delicious!
🍛More Seafood Recipes to Try!
If you're loving this baked cod, you'll also adore these tasty seafood recipes:
🍛More Dinner Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dinner recipes! Try these:
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my Newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest updates.
📖 Recipe
Baked Cod
Ingredients
- 500 g Cod Fillet
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Paprika
- 1 Lemon
For Garlic Butter:
- 60 g Butter
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ tablespoon Lemon Zest
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Parsley
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
Instructions
- Cut the cod fillet.
- Season the cod evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Cut a lemon into 4 pieces and place them in the baking dish.
- Sit the cod over the lemon.
- In a small bowl, mix together the butter, extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, parsley, and paprika.
- Add a tablespoon of garlic butter mixture on top of each seasoned cod fillet.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) with a fan for 10 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillet.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve warm with fresh salad.
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