This delicious Baked Cod Recipe is easy to make and ready in 15 minutes. This oven baked cod is a simple baked cod fillet smothered in flavorful Cajun Butter Sauce and baked until perfectly tender and flaky.
If you love easy baked meals, you might want to check the best Baked Pork Chops, juicy Baked Chicken Breast and this Baked Salmon Recipe.
The Best Baked Cod Fish Recipe
Baked Cod is a simple and healthy fish recipe that is easy to throw together and can be on your table in 15 minutes! Yes, cooking cod in the oven is really that quick, which makes this the perfect recipe for a weeknight meal!
I know that some people are not into eating fish or have kids that won’t eat any seafood. This baked cod recipe is the best way to get everyone to eat fish. Cod is a lean, mild white fish that is meaty, flaky and most important, it doesn’t have a strong fishy flavor. This fish has the most delicate flaky texture.
Recipes for cod like this one soak up the flavors of the seasonings very well. Cod can be cooked in many different ways; grilled, sautéed, pan seared and, my favorite method, oven baked.
What Type Of Cod Fish To Buy
Buying good quality fish is of most importance. If you can find a wild variety, even better. You can purchase individually portioned cod fillets or a large fish fillet and cut it yourself. Markets often sell cod with the skin on. The skin protects the fish from drying while it bakes so I recommend you remove it after the cod is baked. The skin is so much easier to remove after baking and comes off without much effort.
Fresh Fish Vs Frozen
I tend to buy frozen fish more often than not. Frozen fish is caught and processed quickly and then sold, while fresh fish sold at the market has usually been thawed out before being put out for sale. Fresh caught or the catch of the day is usually very pricey and that is if you are lucky enough to have access to it.
Ingredients for Baked Cod Fish with Cajun Butter Sauce
- Cod Fillet: You can purchase cod with the skin on or off. The skin protects the fish from drying and its easy to remove after baking. Fish skin is edible and delicious! I used Alaskan cod to make this recipe.
- Butter: Salted or unsalted butter can be used.
- Garlic: I use fresh garlic.
- Cajun Seasoning: Homemade Cajun seasoning or store bought can be used. Check the saltiness of the spice mix. Some are very salty so you may have to adjust the amount used in this recipe.
- Salt and Pepper
- Garnish: Lemon slices and chopped parsley (optional)
How To Bake Cod Fish
If you are wondering how to cook cod in the oven, I am here to tell you that baking fish is very easy and the results are tender, moist and flaky fish with very little effort. For detailed instructions, check the printable recipe card below.
- Prepare the Cod: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pat dry the fish and lay it in a baking dish.
- Season the fish on both sides with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Make Cajun Butter: Combine the butter, garlic and Cajun seasoning in a small bowl.
- Top each fillet with about a spoonful of the butter mixture.
- Bake the Fish: Bake until the fish is flaky and cooked though.
- Serve immediately.
Yes! Thaw the fish fillets in the refrigerator overnight. When thawed, pat dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Absolutely! Instead of Cajun seasoning, you can flavor the butter with other spice mixes like Old Bay and lemon pepper. You can make a flavored butter with orange zest, garlic and tarragon.
What Temperature Should Cod Be Cooked At?
According to the FDA, cod fish should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit before consumption. Check the temperature of the center part of the fish fillet with an instant read thermometer for accuracy.
How To Know When Baked Cod Is Done
Besides checking the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer, you know the fish is done when it becomes opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
Is Baked Cod Healthy?
One of the great things about eating fish is that fish is a very lean protein with many nutrients. Cod is loaded with vitamins and its said to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve brain function. Cod is also low in mercury.
Is It Better To Bake Fish Covered Or Uncovered?
It’s not necessary to cover fish while baking it.
Why Is My Baked Cod Tough?
Tough fish is a sign of overcooked fish. As the fish bakes it becomes firm. When overcooked, the flesh firms up and shrinks due to moisture loss. This causes the fish to get chewy, dry and tough in texture.
How To Store Baked Cod
It’s best to eat fish within 1 to 2 days after cooking it. I usually only eat white fish within a day but that is just a personal preference. To store, place the leftover baked cod in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I Freeze Baked Cod?
Yes, this baked cod recipe can be frozen for up to 1 month. To freeze, cool the baked cod completely, then store in a freezer-safe container.
What Can I Serve With This Oven Baked Fish Recipe?
This easy cod recipe can be served with salads, blanched green beans, roasted fingerling potatoes, corn pudding, mashed potatoes, Mexican street corn salad or Southwest couscous salad.
Baked Cod Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcook the fish.
- Check the saltiness of your Cajun seasoning. Some store bought Cajun mixes are very salty. If this is the case, reduce the amount you add to the flavored butter.
Take A Look At These Other Seafood Recipes:
- Maryland Crab Cakes
- Blackened Fish Tacos
- Grilled Mahi Mahi with Mango Sauce
- Cajun Shrimp and Grits Recipe
- Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo
- New England Clam Chowder
- Lobster Bisque
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Recipe for Baked Cod with Cajun Butter
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets about 6 ounces each
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 5 tablespoons butter softened
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning if your Cajun seasoning is salty, omit the salt listed above
- Chopped Parsley and lemon wedges or slices to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pat dry the fish and lay it in a baking dish (2.5 or 3 Qt depending on size of fish).
- Season the fish on both sides with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine the butter, minced garlic and Cajun seasoning in a small bowl.
- Top each fillet with about a spoonful of the butter mixture.
- Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. Exact times will vary depending on the thickness of the fish. The fish is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
 Serve immediately with lemon wedges or slices garnished with chopped parsley.
Nutrition
Joanna Atelburg says
First time EVER making fish. This recipe is perfect. The Cajun butter was awesome. Very easy. Thank you. I can officially cook fish.
Kathy says
So glad to hear that the fish turned out great! Thank you.