Baked Cod Recipe

Baked Cod Recipe

4 servings
This moist and tender baked cod is topped with a lemony, buttery topping that doesn't overpower the delicate fish.

Ingredients

  • Nonstick spray

    for the pan

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

    melted

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

    freshly squeezed

  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic

    minced

  • 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons capers

    drained

  • 4 cod fillets

    6 ounces each, 1 inch thick, fresh or frozen

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick spray.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl, whisk the butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the capers.

  3. 3

    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. Sprinkle them with paprika.

  4. 4

    Bake uncovered until the fish is fully cooked, opaque, and flakes easily with a fork. Depending on the thickness of your cod fillets and your oven, this should take about 15 minutes (25 minutes if using frozen fish). Serve immediately.

Baked Cod Recipe

Baked Cod Recipe

25 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Searching for a simple yet elegant way to prepare fish that’s bursting with fresh flavor? This baked cod recipe delivers a moist, tender fillet every time, ready to impress with minimal effort.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balanced, bright topping. A delicate blend of melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic minced garlic creates a vibrant base, perfectly seasoned with kosher salt and a hint of red pepper flakes. The briny capers add a delightful pop, complementing the subtle flavor of the cod without overpowering it.

You can expect a beautifully flaky and incredibly moist baked cod. Each forkful offers a delicate texture, generously infused with the zesty lemon-butter sauce. The mild heat from the red pepper flakes and the savory kick from the garlic and capers provide a complex yet harmonious flavor profile that’s both comforting and sophisticated. This dish is designed to be approachable for any home cook, delivering restaurant-quality results in a short amount of time.

Feel free to experiment with this versatile baked cod. While cod is the star, other flaky white fish like halibut or haddock would work wonderfully. For a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. If you're out of fresh lemons, a quality bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, though fresh is always recommended for that bright zest. Consider adding fresh chopped parsley or dill for an extra layer of herbaceous freshness.

This quick and elegant baked cod is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal with friends. Serve it alongside roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a light rice pilaf for a complete and satisfying dish.

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