Looking for a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious dinner option? Look no further than this incredibly easy baked cod recipe! This recipe transforms simple cod fillets into a flavorful and flaky masterpiece, perfect for busy weeknights or elegant weekend meals. Baking cod is one of the simplest and most effective ways to cook this delicate fish, preserving its natural moisture and allowing it to soak up all the wonderful flavors you add. Say goodbye to dry, tasteless fish and hello to a perfectly cooked, mouthwatering meal that the whole family will love. This baked cod recipe is highly adaptable, so you can easily customize it to your taste preferences with different herbs, spices, and vegetables. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a complete beginner, this recipe is designed to be foolproof, guiding you through each step with clear and concise instructions. We’ll cover everything from selecting the freshest cod to achieving the perfect bake time. You will never want another Baked Cod recipe. This is truly the best Baked Cod Recipe.
Imagine biting into tender, flaky cod, infused with the bright zest of lemon, the aromatic warmth of garlic, and the herbaceous freshness of parsley. The subtle flavors of the cod are enhanced by a simple yet elegant blend of seasonings, creating a symphony of taste that will tantalize your taste buds. Baked Cod is a fantastic source of lean protein and essential nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence that supports a healthy lifestyle. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will elevate your weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary. This baked cod recipe is not just about cooking; it’s about creating a memorable dining experience that you’ll want to repeat again and again. Baking Cod in the oven is a truly great experience.
Recipe Overview
Before we dive into the details, let’s take a quick look at the key details of this baked cod recipe.
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Nutritional Information (per serving – estimated)
Here’s a general idea of the nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious baked cod. Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 5-10g
- Carbohydrates: 2-5g
Ingredients for Perfect Baked Cod
Now, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients for our baked cod recipe. Make sure to have everything measured and ready to go before you start cooking. This will make the process much smoother and more enjoyable.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cod Fillets | 4 (6-8 ounces each) | Fresh or frozen (thawed) |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons | Extra virgin is best |
| Lemon | 1 (juiced and zested) | Use organic if possible |
| Garlic | 2 cloves (minced) | Freshly minced for best flavor |
| Fresh Parsley | 2 tablespoons (chopped) | Other herbs like dill or thyme work well too |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Black Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon | Freshly ground for best flavor |
| Paprika (optional) | 1/4 teaspoon | Adds a touch of color and smokiness |
Cooking Instructions
Let’s get started on the step-by-step instructions for making this delicious baked cod recipe. Follow these simple instructions carefully for the best results. Prepare to be amazed at how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen! This recipe for Baked Cod is absolutely amazing.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to cook the cod evenly and quickly.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This will prevent the cod from sticking to the dish.
- Prepare the Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps to remove excess moisture and allows the seasonings to adhere better.
- Season the Cod: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).
- Marinate the Cod: Pour the mixture over the cod fillets, ensuring that they are evenly coated. You can also gently rub the mixture into the fillets with your fingers.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the seasoned cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, making sure they are not overlapping.
- Bake the Cod: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Check for Doneness: To check if the cod is done, gently insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. If it flakes easily and is no longer translucent, it’s ready.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the cod is cooked, remove it from the oven and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a lemon wedge. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This baked cod recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions to complete your meal:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are excellent choices.
- Quinoa or Rice: A simple side of quinoa or brown rice adds a healthy and satisfying touch.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the cod.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for baked fish.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve with extra lemon wedges for an added burst of citrus flavor.
Tips and Notes for Perfect Baked Cod
- Use Fresh Cod: Whenever possible, use fresh cod fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- Thaw Frozen Cod Properly: If using frozen cod, thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Be careful not to overcook the cod, as it can become dry and rubbery.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more garlic or herbs for a more intense flavor.
- Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, or onions to the baking dish along with the cod for a complete one-pan meal.
- Broil for extra color: For a beautiful golden brown crust, broil the cod for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs perfectly with baked cod.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture for a touch of heat.
Enjoy your delicious and easy baked cod! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Remember, this Baked Cod recipe is completely foolproof. This is also a great healthy option when you are cooking for yourself or a family.
Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature baked cod dish. The possibilities are endless! Once you master the basic technique, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Baking Cod is truly an art. With this guide, you can easily make a delicious meal of Baked Cod.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and start cooking! This baked cod recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. And don’t forget to share your culinary creations with friends and family. They’ll be impressed by your cooking skills! This Baked Cod recipe is truly a show stopper.
This baked cod recipe is a winner! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this recipe is simple enough to follow and delicious enough to impress. So, go ahead and give it a try. You won’t be disappointed! The main reason people love Baked Cod is because of the tender, flaky texture. You will never cook cod any other way after using this recipe for Baked Cod. Baking Cod is truly magical. Be sure to try this recipe soon.
