Cod has a gentle, mellow flavor that makes it easy to pair with just about anything you have on hand. I tend to reach for it on evenings when I want dinner to feel light and unfussy. The whole process moves quickly, so you’re never standing over the stove for long. Once the fish comes out of the oven with its flaky texture and a touch of lemon, it feels like a meal that took far more effort than it actually did.
I first made cod like this on a weeknight when the day felt long and all I wanted was something steady and nourishing. It was one of those quiet dinners that felt grounding. Now it has become one of my reliable go-to recipes — the kind you can pull together without thinking too hard.
Why This Recipe Works Well
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Finished from start to table in about 20 minutes
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Light, flaky texture that never feels heavy
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Seasoning is warm and balanced, not overpowering
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Very little cleanup or effort involved
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Works beautifully with either fresh or previously frozen cod
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Adjustable spice levels to match whoever is eating
Cod almost cooks itself. Once you get a feel for the timing, you’ll find that it fits into your routine easily. The quick bake keeps the moisture locked in and gives you that soft, delicate bite that cod is known for.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Cod fillets
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Lemon (both juice and slices if you like a bit of brightness on top)
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Avocado oil or olive oil
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Paprika
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Cayenne pepper (optional, just for a little kick)
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Lemon pepper seasoning
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Salt and black pepper
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Honey (just a touch to balance the acidity)
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Fresh parsley
These ingredients work together to create a slight warmth and tang without hiding the fish’s natural flavor.
Preparing the Fish
Step 1: Rinse and Pat Dry
Rinse the fillets with cool water and a splash of lemon juice. Pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel. Moisture on the surface will keep the fish from taking on flavor and can also cause steaming instead of baking.
Step 2: Season
In a small bowl, combine the oil with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, lemon pepper, salt, and black pepper. Brush the mixture over the cod evenly. Coating the fish helps it stay tender while baking.
Step 3: Bake
Place the seasoned fillets in a lightly oiled baking dish. Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes.
The fish is ready when it flakes gently with a fork. It should look opaque and moist, never dry.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Right as it comes out of the oven, squeeze lemon juice over the fillets. Add a small drizzle of honey to round out the flavors, then finish with chopped fresh parsley.
This final step makes the fish taste bright and balanced without needing anything complicated.
Helpful Kitchen Notes
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Cod can dry out quickly if left in the oven too long. It’s better to check a minute or two early.
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If the fillets vary in thickness, move the thinner piece toward the edge of the dish where it gets a little less direct heat.
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If using frozen cod, thaw fully in the refrigerator and pat dry well so the seasoning sticks.
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A baking sheet lined with parchment helps with cleanup and prevents sticking.
Serving Suggestions
This cod pairs well with nearly anything. Some simple sides:
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Steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach
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A bowl of herbed rice or couscous
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Roasted small potatoes
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A green salad with olive oil and lemon
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Warm bread for soaking up the juices
For a heartier plate, add a spoonful of grains. For a lighter meal, pair it with greens and fresh vegetables.
Storage and Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat or in a covered pan so the fish stays tender. If reheated too aggressively, the texture can become firm, so slow warming works best.
FAQs
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of baking?
Yes. A lightly oiled skillet over medium heat works well. Cook the fillets a few minutes on each side.
Can I substitute another fish?
Haddock, halibut, mahi mahi, or tilapia all cook nicely with this same seasoning method.
Is cod a good protein source?
Yes. Cod is lean and provides a clean-tasting source of protein along with useful vitamins and minerals.
Do I have to use honey?
Not at all. It simply balances the lemon. Leave it out if you prefer a sharper flavor.
Fresh Cod Fish
Light, bright, and full of flavor, this baked cod comes together in minutes.
Ingredients
- 2.34 lbs fresh cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- lemon juice and extra parsley, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Rinse the cod with a splash of lemon juice and water, then pat it very dry so it bakes nicely.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment and lay the cod fillets on top.
- Stir together the lemon pepper, paprika, cayenne, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning blend all over the fish, then drizzle the avocado oil on top and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley before serving.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple garden salad.
Notes
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the fish.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 201Total Fat 2gSaturated Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 99mgSodium 319mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 1gSugar 0gProtein 41g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This recipe has a quiet confidence about it. Nothing complicated, nothing heavy — just clean flavors layered in a way that makes dinner feel soothing and familiar. Once you make it a few times, you’ll likely find yourself turning to it on evenings when you want something simple and good, without spending much time at all.
