Best Baked Cod Recipe For Two

If you are looking for the best and easiest recipe for perfectly cooked, flaky fish you are going to love this Baked Cod recipe. It is a foolproof recipe that requires only 7 basic ingredients and takes only 5 minutes to prepare!

A simple buttery garlic sauce transforms the fish fillets into a delicious, light, and healthy dinner in under 20 minutes! It is the perfect meal to make on a busy weeknight and on Fridays during the Lenten season.

Even if you are not a huge lover of fish, this is a great recipe to try. That is because cod is a very mild tasting white fish that will take on the flavor of whatever you season it with.

And in this case the sauce that is poured on top is a garlicky butter sauce with a hint of lemon. Then a sprinkle in a few red pepper flakes and top the fish with paprika which to provide the perfect balance of flavors.

However, because there are only a few ingredients, it is important that you pick out the best pieces of cod that you can. When purchasing fish, whether it’s in the form of fresh or frozen fillets, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get a high-quality product.

What To Know Before Buying Cod

Appearance: Look for cod with a clean, shiny appearance. The flesh should be firm and translucent, not discolored or dull looking.

Smell: Fresh cod should have a very mild smell. Avoid purchasing cod fillets with a strong or unpleasant fishy odor.

Texture: The flesh should be firm to the touch and bounce back when pressed. Avoid cod that feels mushy or slimy.

Color: Cod typically has a white to off-white color. Avoid making baked cod from fillets that have discoloration, dark spots, or signs of browning.

Sustainability: It is best to purchase cod that is certified by sustainable seafood organizations, such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for wild caught fish and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) for farm raised fish. This ensures that the fish is sourced responsibly.

Frozen vs. Fresh: If you’re not near a coast, frozen cod can be a good option. Frozen cod is often flash-frozen shortly after catching, preserving its freshness.

Size: Look for cod that is approximately 1 inch in thickness.

Baked Cod Ingredients

Butter: It is best to use unsalted butter so you can adjust the level of salt to your taste preference.

Lemon: Lemon juice is used to lighten up the flavor of the sauce. Be sure to slice a half of a lemon for serving as well.

Garlic: Fresh garlic is preferred for the most robust flavor, but you can also use jarred minced garlic or garlic powder if necessary.  

Salt: A little salt will go a long way in the sauce. However, you can add more salt when you serve the cod if you prefer.

Red Pepper Flakes: Balance out the flavor of the sauce and add a few red pepper flakes. If you like a lot of heat feel free to add more, and if you can’t tolerate any heat at all, add ground black pepper instead.

Cod: It goes without saying, but you will need cod for this recipe. However, in all reality, you can use any mild white fish to make this recipe. Halibut, pollock, and haddock are all great varieties of white fish.

Paprika: Sprinkle paprika on top of the fish before it goes in the oven for added flavor and visual appeal.

Steps To Make Baked Cod

Although you could cook cod in a skillet, if you want an easier, hands off method, baking is the way to go! In addition, you will get consistent results that will lead to perfectly cooked, light and flaky fish every time.

1. Preheat The Oven: You want a high heat when baking cod. Therefore preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare a Baking Dish: Spray a baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Or line the dish with parchment paper for easy clean up.

3. Make The Sauce: Combine the butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt and red pepper flakes and whisk to combine.

4. Pour The Sauce Over The Fish: Pour the sauce over the cod fillets. Then use a brush to get the sauce into any nooks and crannies on the top surface of the fish.

5. Bake The Fish: Put the fish in the oven and bake for 13-15 minutes or until the fish flakes with a fork.

6. Serve: Serve the baked cod immediately with your favorite sides.

What To Serve With Baked Cod

Steamed Vegetables: Keep things healthy and make steamed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for your side dish.

Garden Salad: A light and refreshing mixed salad with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a simple vinaigrette dressing can balance the richness of the baked cod.

Garlic Smashed Potatoes: Keep with the garlic theme and make Garlic Smashed Potatoes. The flavors blend perfectly with the fish and this meal will keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes always pair well with baked cod.

Quinoa or Brown Rice: Serve the fillets on a bed of quinoa or brown rice for a healthy and filling option that compliments the mild flavor of the fish.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Storing: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Or store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Place the fish on a microwave safe plate with a few drops of water. Then reheat in the microwave 30 seconds increments until the fish is warmed through. *It is best to cut the fish into bite size pieces for faster and even reheating.

Baked Cod Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1⁄2 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 1⁄2 tablespoon fresh garlic minced
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt, more to taste
• 1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 cod fillets (6 ounces each)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon paprika

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

In a small bowl, add the melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes and whisk to combine.

Place the cod fillets in the baking dish. Pour the butter mixture on top. Use a brush to evenly distribute the thick sauce on top of the fillets being sure to brush some in any open cracks of the fish. Sprinkle the top of the cod with paprika.

Place the baking dish, uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes or until the fish is opaque in color and flakes easily with a fork.

Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy! Mary

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