Name: Baked Cod
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 fillets cod fillets (6 ounces each); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped); 1 lemon lemon (thinly sliced)

When you need a reliably simple weeknight dinner, this Easy Baked Cod with fresh lemon and garlic hits the spot. It bakes in a hot oven, emerging with tender, flaky flesh ready in about 20 minutes. A generous squeeze of bright lemon juice over the top just before serving creates a quick, light sauce that brings everything together beautifully for a truly fuss-free family meal.

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Let’s Make This Easy Baked Cod Together

Effortless Prep – It comes together in minutes with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.

Flaky Perfection – The oven-roasted cod with lemon turns out tender and moist every time.
Weeknight Hero – From prep to plate in under 25 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for a busy night.

Everything You’ll Need for Your Baked Cod

For the cod

Cod Fillets – Look for thick, fresh fillets with firm flesh for the best results.

Lemon Slices – Thinly sliced so they soften and infuse the fish with bright flavor.

For the butter sauce

Unsalted Butter – Melted to create a rich, silky base for the sauce.
Fresh Lemon Juice – Bottled just won’t give you the same zesty punch.

Garlic Powder – Trust me, it blends better than fresh garlic here.
Smoked Paprika – Adds a subtle depth you’ll love.
Kosher Salt – The flaky texture distributes seasoning perfectly.
Black Pepper – Freshly cracked is always the move.

For garnish

Fresh Parsley – Finely chopped for a pop of color and freshness.

Ready in a Flash, Perfect for a Weeknight

I love how this healthy Baked Cod rewards you with so much flavor for so little effort. You’ll spend just about 10 minutes getting everything ready, and then the oven does the heavy lifting for another 15 minutes.

In under 25 minutes total, you can have a beautiful, wholesome dinner on the table. It’s the kind of easy weeknight fish dinner that feels like a gift on a busy evening. If you’re looking for another quick seafood option, our air fryer salmon is just as speedy.

Gentle Tips for Special Diets

I often hear from friends who are sugar conscious or managing their blood sugar, and I always remind them that simple meals like this are a wonderful foundation. This recipe is naturally a great choice, but here are a few gentle tweaks to make it even more diabetic-friendly.

First, be mindful of any store-bought seasoning blends, as they can have hidden sugars. Secondly, serving this flaky fish with a hefty portion of non-starchy vegetables, like roasted asparagus or a simple green salad, is a lovely way to support glycemic control.

My Favorite Baked Cod Tricks for the Best Results

After making this crispy Panko cod and other fish dinners countless times, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that make all the difference.

For a flavor swap, try swapping smoked paprika for a touch of Old Bay seasoning for a classic coastal vibe.
If you’re watching your fat intake, a great diet tweak is to use a light brushing of olive oil instead of melted butter for the sauce.
The most important prep tip is to pat your cod fillets completely dry with paper towels; this is the secret to getting that lovely, buttery baked cod fillets texture instead of a steamed one.

For storage, any leftovers will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to two days. Gently reheat in a low oven to maintain moisture. For another great make-ahead fish dish, explore our salmon patties.

Nourishing Your Body with Simple Ingredients

This recipe is a wonderful source of lean protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. Cod is also naturally low in fat and packed with nutrients.

To understand more about the benefits of a balanced diet that includes lean fish, you can explore this guide to baking cod to perfection. For another light and healthy option from our kitchen, try this salmon farro bowl.

A Lighter Take on a Classic

If you’re looking to lighten things up even further, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable. You can easily reduce the butter by half and add a splash of vegetable broth to keep the fish moist.

For a dairy-free version, a good olive oil works beautifully in place of butter. And if you love this healthy Baked Cod, you might also enjoy our green curry fish or salmon with salsa for other vibrant, healthy options.

Gathering Around the Table with Baked Cod

This dish always brings me back to Sunday dinners at my grandma’s house, where a simple, well-cooked piece of fish was the centerpiece of a comforting meal. I love serving these paprika seasoned baked fish fillets with sides that soak up the lovely pan juices.

For a complete meal, try it with fluffy quinoa or rice and some roasted broccoli. The simple, bright flavors pair wonderfully. For another elegant but easy pairing idea, check out our gratin de poisson.

Simple Mistakes to Avoid for Perfect Fish

Even the simplest recipes can have little pitfalls. Here’s how to ensure your moist lemon parsley cod turns out perfectly every time.

Overcooking is the biggest mistake. The fish is done as soon as it becomes opaque and flakes easily. An instant-read thermometer should read 145°F.

Not drying the fillets. Skipping the pat-dry step will cause the fish to steam instead of roast, preventing a nice texture.
Using a cold baking dish. Placing fish on a cold pan can lead to uneven cooking. I always make sure my dish is preheated with the oven.

For more detailed guidance on technique, this resource on classic baked cod preparation is very helpful. And if you love cod, our cod and potatoes in rosemary cream sauce is a wonderfully cozy variation.

Keeping Your Leftovers Tasty

I’m a big believer in making extra for easy lunches, and this fish stores beautifully. Once cooled, transfer any leftover baked cod fillets to an airtight container—they’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to two days.

To reheat, I gently warm it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, which helps it stay flaky instead of rubbery. It’s also delicious flaked cold over a salad the next day. For another fantastic fish recipe that reheats well, try our miso-glazed salmon or soy salmon.

I Hope You’ll Give This Simple Baked Cod a Try

This recipe is one of my go-to comforts, a reminder that the best meals don’t have to be complicated. I hope it brings a little warmth and simplicity to your table, too.

If you enjoy this, you might also love exploring our other seafood favorites like baked salmon, salmon bowl, smoked trout, or honey sesame salmon.

More Cozy Seafood Dinners You’ll Adore

If you loved the simplicity of this baked cod, here are a few more heartwarming seafood recipes to try.

Air Fryer Salmon – Incredibly quick and crispy, perfect for a hassle-free weeknight.
Baked Salmon – A classic, elegant preparation that never fails to impress.
Salmon Patties – A delightful and budget-friendly twist on a timeless favorite.
Green Curry Fish – A vibrant and aromatic dish that brings Thai flavors to your table.

Your Baked Cod Questions, Answered

How long does cod take in the oven at 400 degrees?

At 400°F, your cod will typically bake perfectly in 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

How do you cook cod in the oven?

It’s wonderfully simple! Pat the fillets dry, season them, and bake in a preheated 400°F oven. For a flavorful and easy method, try the recipe above which uses a simple herb and garlic topping for a classic baked cod preparation.

What spices are best for baked cod?

I love using a simple blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These spices complement the mild flavor of cod beautifully without overpowering it.

What temperature does cod cook at?

The ideal internal temperature for cooked cod is 145°F. Using an instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure it’s perfectly done and not overooked.

Let’s Make This Easy Baked Cod Together