Easy Baked Cod Recipe
You’ll crave the light, fresh flavors of this easy Baked Cod Recipe. With its simple prep, perfect texture, and zingy flavor, it’s sure to become a regular in your menu rotation.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted + more for prepping baking dish
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian Herb mix
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons capers drained
- 4 cod filets about 6 oz each 1 inch thick
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Lightly rub the baking dish with unsalted butter.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, Italian herb mix and red pepper flakes. Stir in the capers.
- Place the cod filets in the baking dish. Pour the butter mixture on top. Use a brush if needed to evenly distribute the thick sauce on top of the filets. Sprinkle them with paprika.
- Bake, uncovered, until the fish is fully cooked, opaque, and flakes easily with a fork. Depending on the thickness of your fish filets and your oven, this should take about 15 minutes.
Notes
- Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fish fillets and your oven, but it should take about 15 minutes. You can also use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Fish is done at about 145ºF.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether. For a spicier dish, try sprinkling in some minced jalapeno.
- Fresh Herbs: For an even more vibrant, fresh flavor, you can’t go wrong with fresh herbs. Try adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, basil, or dill before serving.
- Storing and Reheating: If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, gently warm the fillets in the oven at 350ºF, or heat it in a covered skillet over low heat. Don’t overcook it though, or the fish will be tough.
- Freezing: To freeze, let the cooked cod fillets cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Mark with the date, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and then reheat it gently as directed above.