Easy Oven Baked Cod Recipe (Lemon Butter and Herb)
Feb 01, 2024, Updated Aug 13, 2024
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A simple and delicious oven-baked cod recipe with lemon, butter, olive oil, and garlic herb seasoning. This cod recipe is moist, flavorful, and juicy in less than 20 minutes!
Get ideas for what to serve with cod.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This quick and easy recipe will become a go-to for busy weeknights. The top of the cod is drenched in a lemon butter sauce to create a flaky fish packed with fresh flavors! It’s a meal the whole family will love.
Cod is a lean and protein-rich fish, making it a healthy choice and a well-balanced dish. You will also love our popular Panko Baked Cod Recipe, Grilled Octopus, Fish en Papillote, and Mediterranean Baked Cod. Search for more seafood recipes.
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
An easy-baked cod recipe with basic ingredients to create wonderful flavor!
- Cod Fillets:
- The main protein source, cod, is a mild white fish that provides a flaky texture when baked. Choose fresh fish fillets for the best flavor.
- Olive Oil:
- Adds a rich and fruity flavor to the dish while helping to keep the cod moist during baking.
- Butter:
- Contributes a creamy and indulgent taste, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
- Garlic:
- Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor, adding depth to the herb-infused mixture.
- Dried Oregano:
- A Mediterranean herb that brings a warm, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor to the dish.
- Dried Thyme:
- Adds a subtle herbaceous and slightly sweet taste, complementing the overall herb mixture.
- Dried Rosemary:
- Infuses a distinct pine-like and peppery flavor, adding complexity to the herb blend.
- Salt:
- Enhances the natural flavors of the cod and other ingredients.
- Black Pepper:
- Adds a touch of warmth and spice, balancing the overall flavor profile.
- Lemon:
- Provides a bright and citrusy element, both in the herb mixture and as slices for garnish. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or lemon zest for a pop of flavor.
- Fresh Parsley (optional):
- Used as a garnish, fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a mild, fresh flavor to the finished dish.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Oven Baked Cod (step-by-step photos)
With minimal preparation time, this recipe allows you to have a delicious and wholesome meal on the table without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them in a large baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
This creates a flavorful herb-infused mixture.
Pour the herb mixture over the cod fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated on both sides.
Place one lemon slice on top of each cod fillet.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until the cod is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired.
Serve the baked cod with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a salad. This recipe is easy to prepare and brings out the cod’s natural flavors with a hint of lemon, butter, and aromatic herbs. Enjoy!
Overall, this recipe balances ease of preparation, healthiness, and deliciousness, making it one of the best ways for a satisfying and flavorful baked cod dish.
Substitutions
If you want to substitute cod in this recipe, use other mild and flaky white fish with similar texture and thickness. Here are some alternative fish options:
- Haddock: Haddock is a mild-flavored white fish with a texture similar to cod. It works well in baked dishes and can be easily substituted in this recipe.
- Pollock: Pollock is another mild white fish often used as a substitute for cod. It has a slightly more robust flavor than cod but is still a good option for baking.
- Halibut: Halibut is a firm, meaty fish with a mild flavor. It’s a bit more expensive than cod but can be a delicious and satisfying substitute.
- Flounder: Flounder has a delicate texture and a mild taste. It’s a thinner fish, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Tilapia: Tilapia is a readily available and affordable white fish with a mild flavor. Remember that it’s not as thick as cod, so the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
- Mahi Mahi is another excellent option.
Variations
Here are a few variations you can try to add different flavors to your oven-baked fish. All options are a great way to serve cod!
- Mediterranean Style:
- Replace the dried herbs with a Mediterranean blend containing ingredients like dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
- Add sliced cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese on top of the fish before baking.
- Spicy Cajun Flavors:
- Replace the dried herbs with a Cajun spice blend for a kick of heat.
- Squeeze some lime juice over the fish before adding the spice blend.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro after baking for a burst of freshness.
- Replace the dried herbs with a combination of ground ginger, garlic powder, and a splash of soy sauce.
- Add thinly sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.
- Serve with a side of steamed bok choy or stir-fried vegetables.
- Pesto Genovese Parmesan Delight:
- Instead of the herb mixture, spread a layer of pesto sauce over the cod fillets.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or other fresh herbs after baking for a burst of color and flavor.
How to Store
To store leftover baked fish, allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the fish in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring proper wrapping to prevent freezer burn. Thaw frozen fish in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain its texture and flavor.
Reheating Tips: If reheating, do so gently to avoid drying out the fish. Add a bit of moisture, like a splash of broth, and cover when reheating in the oven or microwave.
Top tips
- Freshness Matters: Start with fresh fish for the best flavor and texture. Look for fillets that are firm, moist, and have a clean, ocean-like smell.
- Even Coating: Ensure an even coating of the herb and oil mixture on the fish for consistent flavor. This can be achieved by brushing the mixture evenly or marinating the fish for a short time.
- Proper Temperature: Preheat your oven to the specified temperature (425°F or 220°C) before baking to ensure even cooking and a nicely browned exterior.
- Watch Cooking Time: Keep a close eye on the cooking time, as fish can dry out quickly if overcooked. The fillets are ready when they easily flake with a fork.
- Use a Thermometer: For precision, use a meat thermometer or instant read thermometer. The fish will flake when done, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen cod, but it’s recommended to thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking for more even results.
The baking time for cod at 425°F (220°C) depends on the thickness of the fillets. As a general guideline:
For fillets that are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick: Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes.
For thicker fillets or if the cod is frozen: You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time. It’s essential to check for doneness by using a fork to see if the fish flakes easily and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
The cod is done when it easily flakes with a fork. Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
More Recipes
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What to serve with baked cod?
Here is a post that has lots of sides for cod recipes.
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Easy Oven Baked Cod
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A simple and delicious oven-baked cod recipe with lemon, butter, olive oil, and garlic herb seasoning. This cod recipe is moist, flavorful, and juicy in 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them in a large baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. This creates a flavorful herb-infused mixture.
- Pour the herb mixture over the cod fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated on both sides.
- Place one lemon slice on top of each cod fillet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes or until the cod is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired.
Serve the baked cod with your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or a salad. This recipe is easy to prepare and brings out the cod’s natural flavors with a hint of lemon, butter, and aromatic herbs. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Savory
- Method: Italian
- Cuisine: Italian
What about using salt cod (Baccala)? Obviously it’s going to have to be soaked in water (numerous times?) to get the salt out.
Any ideas on this? We have a lot of it in our freezer.
I haven’t tested it with that so I can’t say for sure!