Easy Oven Baked Cod Recipe (Lemon Butter and Herb)
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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 inless than 20 minutes!
Serve with Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes or a Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad. Get more ideas for What to Serve with Cod.
Quick Look: Easy Oven Baked Cod Recipe (Lemon Butter and Herb)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
- Dietary: Gluten-free
- Method: Oven-baked
- Technique: Pat cod dry, place in baking dish, pour over lemon butter herb mixture, top with lemon slices, and bake until flaky and opaque
- Flavor and Texture: Light, buttery, and lemony with tender, flaky fish and a fresh herb finish
Why This Recipe Belongs on Your Table
This quick and easy recipe will become a go-to for busy weeknights. The cod is baked in a rich lemon butter sauce, creating a perfectly flaky texture with bright, fresh flavor in every bite. It’s simple, reliable, and comes together with minimal effort.
With its light yet satisfying taste, this dish pairs well with just about anything, from roasted vegetables to a simple salad or rice. It’s a wholesome, family-friendly meal that feels a little elevated while still being easy enough for any night of the week.
You will also love our popular Panko Baked Cod Recipe, Grilled Octopus, Fish en Papillote, and Mediterranean Baked Cod. Search for more Seafood Recipes.
Made With Amore,
“Really good and super quick to make.”
– Cathrin
Table of Contents
- Quick Look: Easy Oven Baked Cod Recipe (Lemon Butter and Herb)
- Why This Recipe Belongs on Your Table
- Simple Ingredients
- Variations & Substitutions
- How to Make Easy Oven Baked Cod Recipe (Lemon Butter and Herb)
- Easy Oven Baked Cod FAQs
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Tips
- More Seafood Recipes
- Oven Baked Cod Recipe
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 & Butter: Adds a rich and fruity flavor to the dish while helping to keep the cod moist during baking. Contributes a creamy and indulgent taste, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
- Garlic & Lemon: Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor, adding depth to the herb-infused mixture. 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.
- Spices (Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary, Paprika, Cayenne, Salt & Pepper): A Mediterranean herb blend that brings warm, earthy, slightly sweet, and peppery flavors, enhanced with subtle heat and balanced seasoning.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Used as a garnish, fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a mild, fresh flavor to the finished dish.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations & Substitutions
- Mediterranean Style: Swap in a Mediterranean herb blend and top with cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and feta before baking. You’ll like my Baked Mediterranean Cod with Roasted Tomatoes.
- Spicy Cajun Flavors: Use Cajun seasoning, add a squeeze of lime, and finish with fresh cilantro for heat and brightness. Try my Baked Blackened Cod next.
- Pesto Genovese Parmesan: Spread pesto over the cod, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake until golden and flavorful.
- Fish Substitutions: Try haddock, pollock, halibut, flounder, tilapia, or mahi mahi for similar mild, flaky results.
How to Make Easy Oven Baked Cod Recipe (Lemon Butter and Herb)
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. Follow the step-by step photos and see the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the cod fillets dry and place them in a large baking dish. In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, melted butter, garlic, oregano, thyme, 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 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.
Easy Oven Baked Cod 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).
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. 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.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this oven baked cod with simple, fresh sides that let the flavors shine. Pair it with Easy Oven Roasted Zucchini and Yellow Squash, Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts, or Creamy Parmesan Rice for an easy, balanced meal. For something a little heartier, try it alongside Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Sauce (Creamy) or Angel Hair Pasta with Garlic and Herbs. If you’re building out a full menu, finish with a dessert like Heavenly Angel Food Cake (Strawberries and Cream).
My Pro Tips
Recipe 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).
More Seafood Recipes
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Oven Baked Cod
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ 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!
Notes
- 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).
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Really good and super quick to make. Prefer with paprika, not cayenne pepper. Served with roasted broccoli\.
YUMMMM! Sounds perfect!
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!