If you’re looking for a quick and delightful dinner option, my easy baked cod recipe is just what you need! Seriously, it’s a game changer. With tender, flaky fish infused with zesty lemon and garlic, it’s both simple and satisfying. What I love most about this recipe is how fast it comes together—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s healthy and light, making it a guilt-free indulgence that you can feel good about serving to your family or friends. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation!
Ingredients List
- 4 cod fillets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for the best flavor)
- 1 lemon, juiced (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (feel free to add more if you love garlic!)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet, depending on your preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste (season generously!)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (chopped, for that pop of color and freshness)
How to Prepare the Easy Baked Cod Recipe
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your cod cooks evenly and comes out perfectly flaky.
- While the oven is heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely blended. This mixture is going to elevate your cod to a whole new level!
- Now, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This not only makes cleanup a breeze but also helps prevent sticking.
- Place your beautiful cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Don’t crowd them; give them some space to breathe!
- Using a brush (or even a spoon if you’re feeling wild), generously coat each fillet with your olive oil mixture. Make sure every inch is covered for maximum flavor!
- Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it—overcooking can lead to dryness!
- Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley for that finishing touch and serve it up hot!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Cod Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish is ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and paprika creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
- Healthy Option: Low in fat and high in protein, this cod recipe fits perfectly into a healthy eating plan.
- Minimal Cleanup: With just one baking sheet and a mixing bowl, you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal.
- Versatile Pairings: It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides like steamed veggies or fluffy rice, allowing for endless possibilities!
Tips for Success
To ensure your easy baked cod turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your cod fillets are completely thawed if you’re using frozen ones; this helps them cook evenly. Don’t skip the seasoning! The olive oil mixture is where all the flavor comes from, so be generous when brushing it on. If you find your cod is drying out, you can cover it loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking to keep it moist.
Also, keep an eye on the cooking time; every oven is a bit different, so check your fish a minute or two early. Lastly, let it rest for a minute before serving; this lets the juices redistribute and makes every bite tender and juicy. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious dish that impresses everyone!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my easy baked cod recipe. Each fillet contains approximately 200 calories, with 10g of fat and 22g of protein, making it a fantastic choice for a healthy meal. You’ll also get 0g of carbohydrates and minimal sugar, which is great if you’re watching your intake. This recipe is low in sodium at around 250mg, so it fits nicely into a balanced diet. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the cod completely before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents any rubbery texture.
What can I serve with baked cod?
This easy baked cod recipe pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, a light salad, or fluffy rice. You can even add a side of roasted potatoes for a heartier meal!
How do I know when the cod is done?
The cod is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. Aim for a nice, opaque color throughout. If you’re unsure, a quick poke with a fork can help you check!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh out of the oven, you can prepare the olive oil mixture and season the cod a few hours in advance. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Is this baked cod recipe healthy?
Yes! It’s low in fat and loaded with protein, making it a healthy choice for dinner. Plus, it’s easy to pair with nutritious sides to round out your meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious easy baked cod, you might have some leftovers—lucky you! To store them, simply place the cooled cod fillets in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 2 days. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to savor those tasty bites for as long as possible!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven to maintain that lovely flaky texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cod on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out, and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful—microwaving can sometimes make the fish a bit rubbery. Just heat it in short bursts, checking frequently. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time!
Serving Suggestions
To make your easy baked cod recipe even more delightful, consider pairing it with some delicious sides! I love serving it alongside a vibrant medley of steamed vegetables, like broccoli and carrots, which add a lovely crunch and color to the plate. A light, fluffy rice pilaf is another fantastic option, soaking up all the zesty flavors from the cod. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette to brighten up the meal. You could even add a dollop of creamy tartar sauce or a squeeze of extra lemon for that perfect finishing touch. Enjoy!
For more healthy recipes, check out this healthy chicken recipe or this vegetable medley recipe.
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Easy Baked Cod Recipe: 25-Minute Flavor Explosion
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and delicious baked cod recipe that is quick to prepare.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place cod fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the fillets with the olive oil mixture.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or rice.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: easy baked cod recipe
