Baked Cod is a delightful dish that promises to bring a taste of the ocean right to your dining table. Just imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly flaky, tender piece of cod, kissed by a hint of lemon and fresh herbs, as it melts in your mouth. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone wondering what culinary magic you’ve conjured up.
This fantastic Baked Cod recipe isn’t just about great flavor; it also carries the nostalgia of family dinners when my grandma would serve it with her famous garlic butter sauce. It’s perfect for cozy weeknights or elegant dinner parties, ensuring you create lasting memories over a plate that looks as good as it tastes.
Why You'll Love This Baked Cod
- This incredible Baked Cod transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly
Every time I prepare this Baked Cod, my family can’t help but rave about it – there’s something magical about how quickly they devour it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Cod Fillets: Opt for wild-caught if possible for the best flavor and sustainability.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the cod’s natural flavors wonderfully.
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Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for richness and depth in flavor.
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds an aromatic punch; feel free to use more if you love garlic!
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Dried Oregano: A sprinkle of dried oregano brings a lovely Mediterranean flair to the dish.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors beautifully.
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Paprika: A dash of smoked paprika adds a subtle warmth and color; trust me, it’s worth it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Baked Cod
Prepare Your Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks during baking.
Season the Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika on both sides.
Create Flavorful Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and oregano until well combined. This marinade will infuse the fish with vibrant flavors.
Add Marinade to Cod: Place the seasoned cod fillets in the greased baking dish. Pour the marinade evenly over each fillet so every bite is packed with flavor goodness.
Bake to Perfection: Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque. The aroma should be heavenly!
Serve and Enjoy!: Remove from the oven and let it rest briefly. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing!
With these simple steps, you’ll create a stunning dish that not only satisfies but also impresses anyone lucky enough to join you at dinner!
You Must Know About Baked Cod
- This showstopping Baked Cod delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For the best results, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while preparing the cod. Start by seasoning the fish, then place it in a baking dish. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until flaky and tender. While the cod bakes, you can whip up a quick side salad or some roasted veggies to accompany this dish, making your meal truly delightful.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Baked Cod with different herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor. You can also experiment with toppings such as breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese for a crunchy texture. Swapping out lemon for lime can give a zesty twist that surprises your taste buds and keeps things fresh!
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover Baked Cod, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to two days. When reheating, place the fish on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, which helps retain its moisture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Baked Cod
- This professional-quality Baked Cod relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly
I remember one evening when I served this Baked Cod to my friends during our monthly dinner party. Their delighted reactions made all my kitchen efforts worthwhile!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure you thaw it properly before cooking. Thawing overnight in the fridge is best; however, if you’re short on time, you can run cold water over it until fully thawed.
What should I serve with Baked Cod?
Baked Cod pairs beautifully with various sides like roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or garlic mashed potatoes. For something lighter, consider a fresh salad drizzled with vinaigrette—your guests will appreciate these tasty options!
How do I know when my cod is done?
Your cod is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Overcooking can lead to dry fish, so keep an eye on it towards the end of baking!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything in advance—season your cod and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just remember that if it’s chilled, you might need an extra few minutes in the oven.
Conclusion for Baked Cod
Baked Cod is not just easy to make but delivers impressive flavors and textures that will wow your guests! With tips on customization and efficient cooking methods, you’ll be able to create this delicious dish effortlessly. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly so you can enjoy them later; they taste just as good reheated! Trust me; once you’ve mastered this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen repertoire!
Baked Cod
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the ocean’s bounty with this exquisite Baked Cod recipe. Tender, flaky cod fillets are marinated in a zesty blend of lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, then baked to perfection. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also fills your kitchen with an enticing aroma that will have everyone eagerly awaiting dinner. Whether for a cozy weeknight meal or an elegant dinner party, this Baked Cod is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz) fresh cod fillets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Pat cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and oregano.
- Place seasoned cod in the baking dish and pour marinade over the fillets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (170g)
- Calories: 232
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 79mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
