This baked cod is my foolproof recipe for perfectly flaky white fish—in under 30 minutes! A simple buttery garlic herb topping transforms cod filets into a delicious, light, and healthy weeknight dinner.
Why I Love This Baked Cod Recipe
When people ask me for my go-to white fish recipe, this is the one I always recommend. The flavor is light, bright, and versatile (which means it pairs with a variety of sides), it’s super easy to make, and the texture is incredibly tender and flaky. In other words, it’s a winner all around! So while my baked salmon tends to get a lot of attention, this baked cod truly deserves a spot in your weekly rotation. It practically melts under that delicious lemon garlic herb butter topping—and who can resist that? Here’s why I make it on repeat in my house:
- So darn easy. It’s one of my favorite go-to 30-minute dinners.
- Completely foolproof. This recipe has never failed me.
- Perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner with the family or a more elevated dinner party situation, it always hits the spot.
Baked Cod Ingredients
- Cod: I’m using wild-caught Alaskan cod from my local fishmonger. But you can also use frozen packets of cod from the supermarket (hello, weeknight convenience). Just remember to thaw them before cooking. And if cod is not available, halibut, mahi mahi, or another firm, flaky white fish works beautifully.
- Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter, so I can then season it with kosher salt to my preference.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives you the best flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
- Parsley: Chopped parsley adds herby freshness and a beautiful pop of green. If you don’t have parsley, you could swap in chives, thyme, or another fresh, tender herb. Just stick with fresh herbs over dried for that bright, garden-fresh flavor.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon adds a clean, citrusy zing that keeps everything feeling light.
- Paprika: Just a touch adds warmth and depth.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How To Bake Cod Perfectly
While pan searing is one way to achieve a beautiful crust (I do this with my pan seared scallops), I find that baking cod in the oven is hands down the most foolproof method. Here’s how I make it:
First, I always pat the fillets dry. This helps the butter stick and prevents excess moisture in the pan. Then, stir together the garlic herb butter compound mixture.
Next, I’ll spread that mixture generously over the cod fillets. Then, add fresh lemon slices on top and beneath each fillet. This will gently infuse the lemon flavor as it bakes!
Lastly, bake the fish at 400°F (200°C) for 13 to 15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork. That’s it! How easy was that?
Switch Up The Seasonings
To keep your weeknight meals feeling fresh, you can tweak the seasoning in the garlic butter.
- French: Swap parsley for thyme and add chopped capers. You could even drizzle beurre blanc sauce on top, or make this orange beurre blanc baked cod for a citrusy twist.
- Cajun: Replace the paprika with Cajun seasoning and add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Italian: Use fresh basil and oregano instead of the parsley.
- Spanish: Swap sweet paprika for smoked paprika.
- Mexican: Use chopped cilantro instead of parsley, ground cumin instead of paprika, and lime instead of lemon.
What To Serve With Cod
Because this baked cod has bright garlic herb flavors, I love pairing it with simple sides that let the fish shine. Roasted vegetables like roasted asparagus, broccolini, green beans, or zucchini are always an easy win, especially with just a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
If I’m craving something a little heartier, I’ll add roasted potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes. And if I’m serving this for guests, I’ll usually round things out with a fresh arugula salad or cucumber salad!
Storage & Reheating Tips
Leftovers store surprisingly well in the fridge for 2 to 3 days, which makes this recipe even more weeknight-friendly.
I also freeze any extras for up to 3 months, though I personally prefer it fresh since fish can dry out a bit after freezing. After thawing, I’ll warm it gently either in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a low oven (about 300°F) just until heated through. The key is not to overcook it the second time around!
More Easy Seafood Recipes
- Shrimp Scampi: A simple yet impressive dinner.
- Miso Salmon: That umami flavor is everything.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Best summertime grilling recipe.
- Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl: The perfect light and fresh meal.
- Salmon Patties: These are also great for meal prep.
If you try this baked cod recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re looking for more healthy food inspiration, join my free newsletter here or follow me on Pinterest!
Description
Equipment
- Casserole Pan You can fit several cod fillets on this pan!
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) cod filets
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chives, thyme or other herbs, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place the cod. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cod in a baking dish.
- Stir the compound butter. In a small bowl, mix together the butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread it on the cod. Spread the compound butter mixture on top of each filet.
- Add the lemon. Lay the lemon slices both on top and under the cod filets.
- Bake the cod. Bake in the oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Before serving, spoon the juices from the baking dish over the cod.
Lisa’s Tips
- Make sure to pat the fish very dry! This helps the butter stick and prevents excess moisture in the pan.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a 300°F oven until just warmed through. You can freeze for up to 3 months, though the texture is best when enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
This recipe was originally published September 2020, but updated to include new photos and information for your benefit!
Made this last night for my parents. Quick, easy, super-flavorful. Will definitely add to regular rotation.
Happy to hear this baked cod recipe was a success Michelle!
Hi- I follow you on YouTube! I was wondering how you thaw out your frozen cod? When I thaw out my cod, it always turns out dry after cooking. I am wondering if there is a truck to it.
Thank you,
Rinzi
Hi Rinzi – I will normally just let it come to room temperature before cooking.
Delicious and easy to follow.
Glad you enjoyed this baked cod!
what temperature should you bake the fish? Did I miss that or did you? Thnks
Hi Frances – you can find the oven temperature in the very first step in the recipe card, which says 400F/200C.
This is absolutely the best Cod I have ever eaten.
Its resteraunt quality !
Happy to hear you loved this cod recipe!
All-star recipe. Easy to prepare with convenient on-hand seasoning mix. I’m a very reluctant cook, and so happy that this recipe is fool-proof. And absolutely delicious.
Glad this recipes comes in handy for an easy and reliable dinner :)
Hi
Thank you for your recipe. Just going to make this but don’t have fresh herbs. Can I use dried instead?
Yep, that’s fine
Delicious and easy. I prepped the fish and made some broccoli while the fish was baking.
Wonderful! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe, Nancy!
Do I cover with foil or leave uncovered
No need for foil in this recipe.
I had fresh wild cod and found this recipe. So glad I did! It was easy and quick and so delicious! I used smoked paprika, dill and chives. The flavors were incredible. Will make this again and again. Could use this for any white fish I’m sure.
Happy to hear you enjoyed this baked cod recipe!
I’m not a big fish eater because I’m very picky about fish. My family loves it (out at restaurants). Someone gave me a bag of frozen Wild Caught Alaskan Cod. I’ve made fresh fish in the past & my family would use a small jar of tartar sauce with the fish to choke it down. I said I was making fish tonite & I saw some panicked looks. Before I pulled it out of the oven I announced there was no tartar sauce & I didn’t have pickles to make my own. I saw men going to their unhappy place! I followed the recipe EXCEPT I used New Orleans seasoning & I had no lemons so first I put garlic & lemon spice on the fish. It came out PERFECT even though I couldn’t follow it exactly. They each ate 2 big pieces. I didn’t even get to try it! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
So glad everyone enjoyed this baked cod recipe, even if there was no tartar sauce!
Easy, delicious, makes lots of sauce!
Glad this was easy to follow along to :)
I just made this tonight, turned out great & easy, served with steamed broccoli & rice!
Glad this came out perfectly John!
Well that was tremendous just made this for
My other half. Served with asparagus and Parmesan with sautéed pots!!! Will be doing again
Happy to hear this was a success Harriet!
Wonderful! Glad you enjoyed this cod recipe :)
I read a lot of recipes and cook quite a bit. I appreciate your simple, flexible recipe. It is well-thought-out and detailed without talking down to novice cooks, nor assuming expert knowledge. You have seamlessly covered types of fish, alternate forms of your recipe, and straightforward directions.
I’m encouraged to explore other recipes you have to offer after this random encounter.
Glad to hear my recipes are easy to follow along to John! Excited to see what you make next.
I never made fish well until today! This is a simple and delicious recipe. Will definitely try more recipes. Thanks for helping me finally enjoy my own cooking!
Glad this turned our perfectly! I think you’ll have to try my baked salmon next :)
This was very easy and tasted restaurant quality. On my list to make it again.
Glad you enjoyed this recipe Sheri!
This recipe was delicious and so easy! Didn’t need to go to the store for anything (I already had the cod).
I forgot the stars! 5-star hands down!
So glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Best Cod recipe, hands down!
Glad you love this one! :)
Love the ease of prep – followed the French version – great recipe. Thenkyou.
Glad you loved this one Candace!
Dinner tonight with our wild Alaskan cod . Very thick took about 25 min. Appreciated the temp guide, these were perfectly flaky and moist. Learned that parsley is not a flavor we like, so will try different seasoning as suggested. Loved the lemon. Thanks for helping this fish novice. I must say there a difference between grocery store and these more premium pieces, thanks for helping us make them in a perfect way.
Glad you enjoyed this recipe along with the few tips I had :)
Had this tonight – Amazing and delicious. Hubs and I loved it! Thank you. Easy, too
Can’t beat this easy yet delicious baked cod!
Can you use avocado oil instead of olive oil? Su
Yep, that’s fine!
My cod dinner turned out delicious! Love the lemons on the bottom and the top! I highly recommend making this! A healthy, scrumptious dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Glad you enjoyed this recipe Effie!
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I made this with long green beans inside the same dish with just two fillets instead of 4. I also made jasmine rice on the side. Delicious!!! I will definitely make this yummy recipe again. Thanx again. :-)
The perfect meal! Glad you enjoyed this recipe :)
Oh my Gosh! Finally my cod fish looked so good and tasted so good like from a great restaurant. I am so happy to find your blog and youtube channel.
Amazing! Happy to hear your baked cod turned out perfectly :)
Perfect and delicious!
Happy to hear you enjoyed this one Caron!
Fantastic recipe. Quick and delicious. Thank you for publishing a great recipe
Glad you enjoyed this delicious baked cod Alicia!
Please clarify if the wild caught frozen alaskan cod filets you recommend need to be thawed prior to baking or can you bake them frozen? If thawing is required then for how long?
It’s best to thaw the fish before baking. You can thaw them in the fridge overnight, or in a bowl of cold water (in the package) if you’re a few hours away from dinner time.
Perfectly cooked, delicious!
Glad you loved this recipe Linda!
Hi Lisa! Recipe looks delicious, will definitely be trying this one. Quick question, how much salt and pepper did you use? I’m actually a measurer :-) and wanted to have a base to start. Thx!
Hi Elaine- I would say about 1/2 a teaspoon of each! But normally, I just sprinkle a bit on each cod.
What a great fast dish! We had it with asparagus and rice. Perfect for a after work ,school day dinner!
Glad you enjoyed this baked cod recipe Cindi! :)
Actually, when baking cod in Italian recipes such as baccala, you would still use chopped parsley (not fresh basil). However as a second choice, basil is used especially if you’re using a few fresh tomatoes. For a light sauce. Italians tend to use parsley with seafood, more than basil.
What a delish meal! Super easy to make and my family enjoyed. Served with roasted broccoli. Will definitely make again as we’re trying to eat more fish.
This the perfect recipe to incorporate more fish into your routine :)
What can I use instead of butter? Thanks
Hi Susan – you can use ghee as well.
This dish was absolutely delicious. Lisa i would like to take this chance to express my gratitude. Ur recipes have been a total blessing for me. I have a chronic indigestion issue so i have to be so careful with what i eat which lowers the qulity of my life. Then i found ur recipes with all the alternatives and everything which brought back so many dishes i used to enjoy before i had this medical issue. I cannot thank u enough. It’s been an absolute blessing seriously. Thank u soooo much
Thanks so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled to hear that I’m able to make a positive impact on this community and hope you continue to enjoy all the content I create :)
I loved this cod paired with roasted veggies: green beans with almonds, quartered Yukon potatoes with slices of red onion. I used melted butter, olive oil, lemon, and garlic powder over the veggies while they baked! Easy and delicious. In the spirit of “use what you have” and “make it easy” I used the cod in place of tuna in a casserole the next day. Such a nice flavor. Thanks for another winner, Lisa!
Wonderful! So glad you loved this baked cod recipe Kate :) Great way of utilizing leftovers too.
Tried this tonight with Haddock and was absolutely lovely! Can you share where the beautiful casserole dish is from please?
Glad you loved this one Kelley! The casserole dish is actually not available anymore. But I will be sure to find one similar before the holidays hit!
I made this recipe yesterday and it was a success! I don’t eat fish as much as I would like, mostly because I never really took the time to find recipes that would be to my taste, but this one is definitely a keeper! The fish was perfectly cooked, and the butter combined with the lemon juice was… just perfect! Oh, and I served this fish with some steamed broccoli.. and your honey glazed carrots :) ! Thanks so much for all your amazing work and for providing us with such easy, tasty and healthy recipes!
Glad you found a fish recipe you can enjoy! Loved how you made this with broccoli and the honey glazed carrots. Perfect dinner spread :)
This recipe makes me fall in love with cod! Normally not my favorite fish, but this dish is just sooooo yummy. And so easy to make. I combined it with steamed broccoli and spooned the butter-garlic sauce over the veggies. So delicious. Also big thumbs up from the kids ;-).
Amazing! Glad to hear even the kids enjoyed this one :)
Sure is The Best Baked Cod!! This recipe was easy to prep and make. Tasted DELISH!! Not only did I finally find a recipe that has me eating more fish but my kids too!
Wonderful! I’m so happy both you and your kids loved the recipe, Xiomara! It’s definitely one to have on regular rotation. :)
I will be using this recipe again. I had two pieces of cod sitting in my freezer that I wanted to get rid of. I whipped this up and in no time I had a delicious dinner!
Wonderful! I’m happy you loved the recipe, Nina!
Made this cod recipe with the green bean and shallot side dish tonight, it was excellent. Here in New England one can still purchase fresh wild caught cod so that makes a huge difference in flavor over frozen. I used cod loin.
That sounds amazing! Love that combo. And lucky for you that you have delicious fresh cod readily available.
Such a great recipe and so delicious and easy! My kind of cooking! Will definitely try with the other herbs!
Happy to hear you loved this baked cod recipe Suzanne!
Delicious! Quick & easy to make.
Happy to hear this turned out perfectly!
I am in love with this recipe. Will try it soon. Thanks
That flaky baked cod is making my mouth water. I am bookmarking to try this recipe in the coming weekend. Thanks so much for sharing.
The perfect weekend recipe :)
Wow, this looks absolutely delicious! I need to incorporate more fish into my diet, so I’ll definitely be trying this one out!
Awesome, hope you enjoy this one!
I love this cod. The fresh herbs and lemon makes it like restaurant food without the price tag. This is the perfect healthy dinner recipe … totally hassle-free. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Definitely one easy and delicious fish recipe to keep on hand!
We are totally loving the lemon buttery flavors! My kids had it with classic mashed potatoes, me and my husband we had simple steamed vegetables and it was amazing. Thank you for sharing :)
Loving that dinner spread idea with mashed potatoes and veggies :)
Hi Lisa!
I made this recipe tonight and while it tasted beautiful.. the fish was super rubbery! Any idea why?? Did I just buy some bad fish (frozen from the grocery store) or was my oven too hot or was 15 min too long?
We loved the flavor just aren’t familiar enough with fish to know what would make it rubbery.
Thanks so much!
Liz
Hi Liz – rubbery fish usually means it’s overcooked. As all oven cooked slightly different, I’d recommend cooking for less time on your next try! :)
Rubbery fish is often that the fish wasn’t patted dry, especially when you only cooked at 400 for 15 m. Unless your fish was super thin.