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Perfectly baked cod in 15 minutes! This easy recipe with lemon, olive oil, salt, and cayenne pepper is one of the best oven-baked cod recipes you’ll find. In just 5 minutes of prep time, I’ll show you all the tips and tricks to make healthy cod recipe that is moist, juicy and tender—every time!
Table of Contents
- The Best Baked Cod Recipe: Moist, Tender and Juicy
- Real Reviews From Happy Cooks
- Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Baked Cod Ingredients
- Popular Variations
- Other Ingredients You Can Add
- Fresh Versus Frozen Cod
- How To Bake Cod
- Pro Tip: Secrets To A Good Cod
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What To Serve With Baked Cod
- Other Recipes You Might Like
- Baked Cod (The Best Recipe!)
The Best Baked Cod Recipe: Moist, Tender and Juicy
Looking for an easy, healthy, and low-carb way to cook cod? You’re in the right place! Cod is one of my favorite types of fish to work with, along with swai fish and tilapia. I enjoy its mild, non-fishy, delicate flavor and it pairs well with all kinds of seasonings and sauces. For this recipe, I am baking cod with just lemon, olive oil and cayenne pepper to bring out the natural flavor of the cod.
When I am not making baked salmon, this oven baked cod is one of the easiest fish recipes I can make in under 20 minutes. It calls for only six (6) simple ingredients with very little prep work—only two steps—making it ideal for those days when you’re short on time or energy to cook.
This recipe has over 1,000 glowing reviews and a fantastic 4.6-star rating, and I can see why—it’s been tried and loved by home cooks all over the world. It’s simple, delicious, and easy to follow. Before you get started, take a minute to watch the recipe video. It’s super helpful and walks you through every step for perfect results!
Real Reviews From Happy Cooks
“I never leave reviews. But I was so thrilled with how juicy and delicious the cod turned out, I couldn’t keep it to myself. This is by far the best recipe to get delicious fish that is not overcooked. I have a convection oven, so I opted for the lower end of the scale and it was perfect. Thank you so much!”
– ANNE
“Simply one of the best fish recipes ever. Cod came out extremely juicy and tasty. I was definitely pleased with the outcome.”
– Reginald
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- You only need four key ingredients to cook this tender, flaky, and tasty baked cod in the oven. It’s simple yet delicious. When it comes to fish, less is more, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.
- My cod was impeccably seasoned, perfectly baked, with a delicate texture and no fishy taste.
- Prep time takes as little as 5 minutes, and the fish is ready to serve in just 10 minutes. This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights, especially after a long day at work.
- Cod is a lean protein source that is low in calories and high in essential nutrients. It’s healthy and nutritious.
Baked Cod Ingredients
- cod – use fresh cod fillets for the best texture and flavor. If you can only find frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before baking.
- olive oil – coats the fish to help retain moisture while baking. It also imparts a subtle earthy flavor to the dish.
- lemon juice – freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a hint of acidity that brightens up the flavor of the fish.
- cayenne pepper – adds a little kick of heat. You may use smoked paprika if you do not have cayenne pepper.
Please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for full details on each ingredient.
Recipe Note: This healthy cod dinner recipe is both gluten-free and keto-friendly. Its simple ingredients are all naturally gluten-free and low in carbs, making it suitable for a keto diet.
Popular Variations
The best cooking method for cod fish is baking, shallow poaching or pan-frying. Here are a few variations in the home kitchen.
- Shallow Poaching. Season the fish per the recipe card, starts on the stovetop and finishes in the oven. Shallow poaching is the standard technique used in restaurants. It combines both moist and dry heat cooking and cooked in one pan.
- Pan-frying. Pan-fry with some melted unsalted butter, make sure both sides of the fish are evenly cooked. Top with your favorite sauce such as lemon-butter or tomato-basil.
- Steaming. Apply traditional Chinese steaming cooking method by steaming fish in a steamer. The light flavor of cod fish shines through with this simple technique. All it needs is a splash of soy sauce on top of the fish, plus some chopped scallions.
- Stir-frying. Check out my ginger scallion fish recipe and substitute the Basa fish with cod fish!
Looking for a Japanese twist on this baked cod recipe? Try one of my easy cod recipes, Miso Black Cod.
Other Ingredients You Can Add
To infuse Mediterranean flavors into your dish, consider adding the following ingredients:
- Capers. Tiny and tangy capers bring a burst of acidity and tanginess to elevate the flavors of cod fish.
- Garlic. Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth.
- Kalamata olives. Sliced olives complements the fish with its briny flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes. These add sweetness, juiciness, and a vibrant pop of color to the dish.
Fresh Versus Frozen Cod
If this is your first time making fish, this is probably one of the most basic questions you’ll have. The simple answer is: both fresh and frozen cod work for this baked cod recipe.
In the United States, most cod is frozen shortly after being caught. Fresh Atlantic cod straight from the ocean can sometimes be found at local fish markets near the coast or specialty seafood stores; however, this option is not accessible for most people.
If you live in New England or a coastal area, check with your local fishmongers for the availability of fresh (never frozen) fish.
Where To Buy Cod Fish
Shopping Guide: I used Frozen Kirkland Signature Atlantic Wild Caught Cod Loins (2 lbs bag) from Costco, as shown in the picture above. Please take note that sablefish, commonly marketed as black cod or Alaska cod is not actually a member of the cod family. Costco is a major supermarket in the US and the UK.
How To Bake Cod
Baking cod is a simple and foolproof way to achieve perfectly cooked fish every time. The baking process seals in the moisture and creates a firm yet flaky texture that makes it enjoyable to eat.
If using frozen fish fillets, thaw them completely before baking. Do not use frozen fish straight out of the freezer as the texture will be dry, tough, and rubbery.
After thawing, I always pat dry the fillets with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This simple step ensures that there will be no cloudy “fish water” seeping out of the fish while baking.
Let’s get started.
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Place the cod fillets on a baking tray and drizzle them with some olive oil—I like to use extra virgin olive oil for its slightly fruity and earthy taste. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the top, then sprinkle on some salt and a touch of cayenne pepper for a nice little kick.
Next, pop the cod in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, depending on how thick the fillets are. Once it’s done, sprinkle some parsley on top and serve right away! Easy, right?
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Pin ItPro Tip: Secrets To A Good Cod
From my personal experience as a home cook over the past 25 years, the best baked fish should be just cooked through, retaining its juicy, tender, and moist texture. I’ve noticed far too many instances of overcooked, rubbery, dry, tasteless, and leathery fish at restaurants—and even at friends’ homes during dinner.You want the fish to shine, retaining its natural taste as much as possible, with minimal seasonings that enhance—rather than overpower—its delicate flavor.
Here are my cooking tips for making the perfect baked cod, based on my experience.
- I prefer light seasonings and spices over heavy ones. Lemon juice adds acidity to cut through the fishy taste, olive oil brings a subtle, nutty nuance to the mild flavor of cod, and a touch of cayenne pepper adds a distinct heat to the overall dish.
- I recommend using a glass baking tray as it retains heat better and helps food cook evenly.
- I always cover the baking tray with a piece of aluminum foil before baking to keep the fish moist, tender, and juicy. This trick works for all kinds of fish.
- To prevent dryness, drizzle and rub both sides of the cod fillets with a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil. Let them sit for 5 minutes before adding other seasonings. This method produces moist, tender, and juicy fish every time! If you don’t have extra virgin olive oil, simply use a bit more regular olive oil.
How Long To Cook Cod In The Oven
The exact cooking time for baked cod depends on the thickness of the fillets. Generally, it takes about 10 to 12 minutes to cook a regular fillet at 400°F or 205°C. If you have thicker cod loin, extend the baking time by a maximum of 1 – 2 minutes.
The fish is perfectly cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. It should be plump and fleshy without any cracks on the surface.
Sidenote: DO NOT overbake the fish fillets, or they will turn rubbery and dry. If your cod fish breaks apart with a crack after baking, it means you have overcooked it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cod belongs to the category of low-activity, saltwater fish. Due to its limited movement, its flesh is thick, light in color, and boasts a very mild flavor. Additionally, cod has lower oil content compared to other fish. As a result, it doesn’t have a strong fishy taste
Yes, you can substitute olive oil with other healthy oils such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or ghee (clarified butter).
Yes, baked cod is a healthy dish as cod is very low in fat and high in lean protein. It contains vitamins and minerals such as B12, B6, and B3 (niacin). Compared to other types of fish, it contains low levels of mercury.
The optimal cooking temperature for cod fish is 400°F or 205°C, typically for 10 to 12 minutes. However, the exact cooking time may vary based on the thickness of the fillets. Given its delicate nature, baking cod at a higher temperature for a shorter duration helps maintain its tenderness and moisture.
Before baking, rub the cod fillets with a good amount of extra virgin olive oil. Let them sit for 5 minutes to prevent them from drying out in the oven. If you’re in a rush, drizzle olive oil generously over the fish. Another trick is to cover the baking tray with a sheet of aluminum foil to keep the steam inside. Adding a bit of lemon juice or even white wine before baking can also add a lot of moisture and flavor.
This fish is done when the flesh turns opaque in color and it easily flakes with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Do not over cook or over bake!
Absolutely! Baking cod in foil is a popular method that helps lock in moisture and flavor. Simply season the cod with the spices, herb and a drizzle of olive oil, then wrap it securely in foil before baking.
Yes, and that’s a great idea! You can bake cod with tomatoes for a simple yet tasty dish. Just layer cod fillets with cherry tomatoes, sliced tomatoes, add seasonings, melted butter, then bake at 400°F or 205°C for 10 minutes.
Haddock, pollock, and flounder are great substitutes. Similar in texture and flavor, these fish are popular alternatives and often used interchangeably in recipes.
Yep, you can totally freeze it! Just let the fish cool down completely, then wrap it up tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and pop it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it and reheat.
This baked cod recipe is only 286 calories.
What To Serve With Baked Cod
Serve these delicious lemon cod fillets with side dishes such as boiled potatoes, roasted vegetables, or fresh salad. For a complete and healthy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes:
I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for new updates.
Other Recipes You Might Like
If you are a seafood and fish lover like me, you will love these recipes.
- Honey Garlic Salmon
- Soy Glazed Salmon
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Kebabs
- Salmon Patties
- Seafood Boil
- Garlic Butter Scallops with Lemon Sauce
- Steamed Fish
- Thai Fish Curry
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Sweet Chili Salmon
- Garlic Herb Roasted Salmon
Moist Oven Baked Cod
Ingredients
- 1 lb. (500g) cod fillets, or cod loins, rinsed and pat dry
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 3 dashes cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, or extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Arrange the cod fillets in a baking tray. Drizzle olive oil onto the fish, followed by lemon juice, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Bake the cod in the oven for 10 – 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the cod. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- If using frozen fish fillets, thaw them completely before baking. Pat dry the fillets with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- You may use skin-on cod fish, they work the same.
- Use a glass baking tray as it retains heat better and helps food cook evenly.
- Cover the baking tray with a piece of aluminum foil before baking.
- To prevent dryness, drizzle and rub both sides of the cod fillets with a good amount of extra virgin olive oil. Let them sit for 5 minutes before adding other seasonings to the fish. This step is optional as my recipe ensures moist and juicy cod.
- To add Mediterranean flavor to your dish, you may incorporate minced garlic, sliced Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes and/or capers to brighten up the dish.
- Watch the cooking video for a step-by-step guide.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Is it really okay to thaw fish at room temperature? I know you can’t safely do it with other meats.
(I’m a rookie cook)
Sure I never have any problems with it.
Den, you are right. That isn’t advised. Put it in cold water on a counter to defrost. That will speed up the process and also keep it cooler than room temp.
In the article accompanying the recipe you say, “Thaw the frozen cod fillet at room temperature before cooking.” The packages of frozen cod I buy specifically say to not do this. I recommend you update your statement to read, “Thaw the frozen cot fillet according to package directions.”
Thanks for your information.
Giver her a break people! Asked and answered more than once. Great recipe! Thank you
Cod is delicious. Very tasty. Easy to bake. Minimum prep time.
Thanks for trying my recipe.
It’s NOT necessary to thaw cod fillets before baking.
For many years, I’ve been baking them straight from the freezer. My recipe is almost identical to yours (glass pan, lemon juice, etc) except that I usually put a pat of butter on each fillet before putting the dish into the 400 degree oven for one hour. In addition, I always cover the dish tightly with foil which assures you of moist, flaky fish.
Cynthia, if you don’t thaw the cod, the texture will be compromised after baking, the fish will be “tougher.”
That has not been my experience. It comes out of the oven tender and flaky every time.
How long do you bake it for, Cynthia?
As I stated in my original post, ONE HOUR.
The only cod recipe I use
Yay!
Awesome thanks
I’m trying this recipe today… I pray that my husband likes or loves it!
I have Fibromyalgia so I need recipes that are quick and easy especially when California is having a Heatwave.
We have made this recipe four times and it’s been a big hit every time. So easy and healthy. I usually go heavy on the cayenne because we like it spicy.
Ms. Rase Malaysia I just like say the Bake Cod was a hit in my household my son said he love it and was a very quick meal and very delicious.
Thank you for this delicious recipe. In the past, my cod has turned out dry and the reason being that I overcooked. Tasty recipe, as well as quick and easy.
Awesome please try more recipes on my site: https://rasamalaysia.com/recipe-index-gallery/