This Baked Cod recipe is a delicious meal made with 5 simple ingredients and ready in 15 minutes! Cod fillets are topped with the most flavorful Cajun garlic butter and baked until tender and flaky! This tasty and healthy fish recipe is an easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
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Baked Cod Fillets
This is one of the best baked cod fish fillets recipes we have ever had! If you are not a big fan of fish or prefer the types of fish that have a more mild flavor, white fish like these cod filets are perfect for you.
Baked cod takes on any seasoning very well and doesn’t have a very strong fishy flavor or aroma. Besides its delicious flavor, cod is a lean and tender fish that has a delicate, flaky texture when it is baked properly. If you are not sure about how to bake cod, don’t worry, we got you covered!
Why This Recipe Works
- Healthy: Cod fish is a healthy protein that is low carb and has many health benefits. This fish recipe is also gluten free.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep, this healthy dinner recipe is made with a handful of simple ingredients in 15 minutes! The perfect meal for a weeknight dinner.
- Easy Clean Up: Baking cod in the oven requires one baking dish (or sheet pan) making clean up a breeze.
- Budget Friendly: Cod fish is an affordable white fish especially if compared to halibut or sea bass.
Baked Cod Fillets Recipe Ingredients
Be sure to check the printable recipe card below for the complete ingredient’s list and their exact quantities.
- Cod Fillet: You can purchase cod loins or fillets 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: Minced garlic. Although I prefer fresh garlic when making flavored butters, garlic powder can be used in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if fresh is not available.
- Cajun Seasoning: Homemade Cajun seasoning or store-bought can be used. Some store-bought varieties are very salty so you may need to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning that you add to the recipe.
- Salt and Pepper: I use sea salt or Kosher salt.
- Garnish (optional): Lemon wedges or slices and chopped fresh parsley. Other fresh herbs such as basil can be used.
How To Bake Cod?
For detailed instructions, check the printable recipe card below.
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Season Fish: Pat the fish dry with a paper towel. Place cod fillets it in a baking dish, casserole dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Season the fish on both sides with salt and ground black pepper.
- Make Cajun Butter: Combine the butter, garlic and Cajun seasoning in a small bowl.
- Bake the Fish: Top each cod fillet with about a spoonful of the butter mixture, then bake uncovered until the fish is flaky and cooked through. Serve immediately.
What Type Of Cod Fish To Buy
Check your grocery store for the best quality fish available. Ask if their fresh fish (at the fish counter) has been previously frozen. If it has, you should not freeze it again. More about fresh vs frozen fish below.
You can purchase a large cod fillet and cut it into individual portions or individually portioned fillets. You can buy skin-on or skinless cod fillets. If you buy skin-on fish, remove it after it has been cooked. The skin acts as a barrier protecting the tender meat from drying while in the oven. Removing the skin after the fish is cooked is super easy also. It comes right off without much effort.
Fresh Cod vs Frozen Cod
I usually buy frozen fish more often than not. Frozen fish is caught, immediately processed and then sold. Fresh fish is usually previously frozen fish, thawed out before put out for sale.
If you are in an area with a reputable source that sells “catch of the day” or fresh caught fish – right off the boat, by all means get it as it will be most certainly the tastiest fish.
You have questions? We have answers!
Can I Use Frozen Fish For This Recipe?
Yes! Thaw the fish fillets in the refrigerator overnight. When thawed, pat the filets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Could I Use Different Seasonings To Make Baked Cod?
Absolutely! Instead of Cajun seasoning, you can flavor the butter with other spice mixes like Old Bay or lemon pepper. You can also make a flavored butter with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest and garlic or orange zest, garlic and tarragon.
What Temperature Should Cod Be Cooked At In The Oven?
I bake this cod recipe uncovered at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure your oven is pre-heated.
How To Bake Cod FAQs
Cooked Cod Safe Internal Temperature
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. You can remove the fish from the oven when it reaches 135 to 140 degrees. The temperature will continue to rise a few degrees after it is removed from the oven.
How Long Do You Bake Cod Fish?
Bake cod fillets for about 10 to 12 minutes. Exact times vary depending on the thickness of the fish. The fish is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
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 Fish Healthy?
White 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.
Do You Bake Fish Covered or Uncovered?
For this recipe, the fish is baked uncovered. For most fish recipes, it’s really not necessary to cover fish while it bakes.
Why Is My Baked Cod Tough/Rubbery?
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.
Can I Freeze Baked/Cooked Cod?
Yes, this cooked cod recipe freezes well. Baked cod can be frozen for up to 1 month if stored properly. To freeze, cool the fish completely, then store in a freezer-safe container or in a freezer safe resealable bag.
Storing and Reheating
Storing Leftovers: It’s best to eat fish within 1 to 2 days after cooking it. Store leftover baked cod in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat cod without drying it out, place it on a baking rack over a baking sheet or in a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat it in a preheated 275 degree Fahrenheit oven until warm through. Timing will depend on the thickness of the fish. A 1-inch fillet may take about 10-12 minutes.
What To Serve With Baked Cod
This easy and delicious cod recipe pairs well with so many side dishes. For a light and healthy meal, we like to serve it with blanched green beans or a simple salad. Roasted fingerling potatoes, corn pudding, mashed potatoes, Mexican street corn salad and Southwest couscous salad are also great options.
Baking Cod Fillets Tips
- Don’t overcook the fish. Overcooked fish is rubbery and dry.
- Some store-bought Cajun seasoning mixes are very salty. If that is the case, you may need to reduce the amount of seasoning mix you add to the flavored butter.
- We always have a batch of homemade Cajun Seasoning mix in the pantry. Homemade seasonings are more affordable and you can customize it to your taste.
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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Baked Cod Recipe 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 using store-bought seasoning, check the salt level. If it's 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.
- 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.
Chef’s Tips
- Don’t overcook the fish.
- Some store-bought Cajun seasoning mixes are very salty. If that is the case, you may need to reduce the amount of seasoning mix you add to the flavored butter.
- We always have a batch of homemade Cajun Seasoning mix in the pantry. Homemade seasonings are more affordable and you can customize it to your taste.
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.