Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Moist Oven Baked Cod is an easy, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light, elegant meal. The cod fillets come out tender and juicy, with a simple seasoning of lemon, cayenne pepper, and olive oil that enhances the natural flavors of the fish without overpowering them. It’s quick to prepare, taking only 15 minutes from start to finish, and it’s packed with protein and healthy fats, making it both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
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1 lb (500g) cod fillets (or cod loins), rinsed and pat dry
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1/4 tsp salt
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1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
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3 dashes cayenne pepper
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1 ½ tbsp olive oil (or extra virgin olive oil)
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1 tbsp chopped parsley
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). -
Prepare Cod:
Arrange the cod fillets in a baking tray. Drizzle the olive oil over the fish, followed by the lemon juice, salt, and cayenne pepper. Make sure the fillets are evenly coated. -
Bake:
Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake the cod for 10–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork. -
Garnish & Serve:
Once cooked, garnish the cod with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 2
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Herb Variation: Add some fresh thyme, dill, or rosemary for an herbal twist.
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Spicy Version: Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chili flakes for extra heat.
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Topping: Top the cod with a light drizzle of melted butter, or serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon for added zest.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftover cod can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets. Be sure to thaw them completely before cooking and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork. It should be opaque and no longer translucent in the center.
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, you can substitute cod with other white fish like haddock, tilapia, or halibut. Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of the fish.
Can I add more flavor to the cod?
For more flavor, you can add a sprinkle of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to the seasoning mix.
What should I serve with oven-baked cod?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, a side salad, or roasted potatoes. You could also serve it with a grain like quinoa or couscous for a complete meal.
Can I make this cod recipe ahead of time?
While this recipe is best served fresh, you can prepare the fish with the seasoning and refrigerate it for up to an hour before baking to save time.
Conclusion
Moist Oven Baked Cod is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare and full of natural goodness. The seasoning is minimal but effective, letting the cod shine while keeping it tender and juicy. It’s a great option for a healthy, light dinner, and can be paired with a variety of sides for a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a small group, this recipe will become a go-to for delicious, fuss-free fish!
Print
Oven Baked Cod
A simple and flavorful oven-baked cod recipe, seasoned with lemon, cayenne pepper, and olive oil, and baked to tender perfection for a quick and healthy meal.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
- For the Cod:
- 1 lb (500g) cod fillets (or cod loins), rinsed and pat dry
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 dashes cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil (or extra virgin olive oil)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Prepare Cod: Arrange the cod fillets in a baking tray. Drizzle olive oil over the fish, followed by lemon juice, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Bake: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the cod.
- Garnish & Serve: Once cooked, garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
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- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg