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In today’s post, let’s talk about a dish that’s both effortlessly elegant and delightfully simple: Baked Cod. This recipe is perfect for a quick, nutritious meal and highlights the mild, flaky texture of cod. Seasoned with herbs and spices, complemented by cherry tomatoes, and finished with a touch of butter, it’s a dish that truly showcases the natural flavors of its ingredients. Baking cod is a quick process, taking just 15-17 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a speedy yet sophisticated dinner.
Among the best cod recipes, this baked cod stands out for its versatility in pairing with sides. Serve it with a crisp cucumber salad, and select either fluffy white rice or wholesome brown rice. Enhance the meal with tender sautéed green beans or flavorful roasted cabbage. For an indulgent twist, lay it over luxurious buttered noodles, and finish with a slice of fresh, crusty French bread.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Cod Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe is a breeze to prepare, taking the stress out of cooking. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Healthy Choice: Cod is not only delicious but also packed with lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious choice for maintaining a healthy diet.
- Flavorful Seasoning: The combination of garlic powder, tarragon, salt, and pepper creates a savory, aromatic seasoning that perfectly complements the mild flavor of the cod.
- Flexibility in Serving: This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from light salads to hearty grains, allowing you to tailor it to your taste and dietary preferences.
- Simple Yet Gourmet: With minimal ingredients that are easily available, this recipe brings a touch of gourmet to your everyday dining.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this easy baked cod recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Cod: A lean, white fish known for its mild flavor and flaky texture. Haddock, hake or tilapia can be used as substitutes. If you’ve got a little extra cod leftover, consider using it in Cioppino.
- Butter: Adds richness. For a healthier option, use olive oil.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle, aromatic flavor. Fresh minced garlic can be used for more intensity.
- Dried Tarragon: This herb imparts a unique, slightly bittersweet flavor that adds both freshness and a touch of sophistication to recipes. If you prefer fresh tarragon, use 1/4 teaspoon. As alternatives, dried oregano, basil, or dill are suitable substitutes, each bringing their own distinct flavor profile to the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: Crucial for seasoning, these can be adjusted according to your preference. In this baked cod recipe, I prefer using Diamond Crystal kosher salt for its quick-dissolving nature and its ability to enhance flavors subtly without being overpowering.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Add a sweet and tangy element. Grape tomatoes are a suitable replacement. Extra tomatoes can be used in Sheet Pan Greek Chicken, Pasta Primavera, or in a Chicken Caprese Salad.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Used for greasing the dish and adding flavor.
Recipe Variations
Customize this cod recipe to suit your palate:
- Mediterranean Cod: Top your cod with a mix of chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Spicy Cod: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some chili flakes or cayenne pepper into the seasoning mix.
- Baked Cod With Panko: After applying the softened butter mixture to the cod, press panko breadcrumbs into the butter for a crispy outer layer. Bake as usual for a delightful contrast of crunchy texture and tender fish.
- Pesto Topped Cod: Before baking, spread a generous layer of pesto sauce over the cod fillet. The herby and nutty flavors of the pesto create a delightful contrast with the mild taste of the cod.
- Creamy Dijon Cod: Mix a tablespoon of Dijon mustard with a little cream and spread it over the cod before baking. This adds a tangy, creamy twist to the dish, enriching the cod’s flavor profile.
- Citrus Cod: Replace lemon with orange or lime for a different citrus note.
- Creole Seasoned Cod: For a flavorful kick, mix Creole seasoning into the butter instead of the original spices. This change infuses the cod with a bold, Southern-inspired zest, ideal for those who love dynamic and spicy flavors in their meals.
- Baked Cod with a Mexican Twist: Enhance the baked cod with a Mexican flair by substituting the listed spices with taco seasoning. This simple swap infuses the dish with the warm, vibrant flavors typical of Mexican cuisine, offering a delightful and unique taste experience.
- Garam Masala Cod: For an Indian-inspired variation, replace the original seasonings with Garam Masala. This aromatic blend of spices will impart a rich, warm flavor to the cod, creating a unique fusion of traditional Indian tastes with this classic dish.
How To Bake Cod Perfectly
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make a single serving of baked cod. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Preheat Oven: Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Cod: Place the cod fillet in a lightly greased 5×7 inch baking dish. Surround the fish with cherry tomatoes, which will enhance the dish with their juicy, tangy flavor, complementing the mild taste of the cod.
- Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, blend the softened butter, garlic powder, dried tarragon, salt, and pepper together.
- Apply the Seasoning: Spread the butter mixture evenly over the top of the cod. Place two slices of lemon on the buttered fish for a fresh, citrusy accent. Then, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the tomatoes to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Baking the Cod: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes. The cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork, indicating perfect doneness.
Expert Tips
- Read and Prepare: Before starting, read through the entire recipe and gather all your ingredients. This dish comes together swiftly, so understanding the steps and having everything ready is crucial for a smooth cooking process.
- Perfect Baking: Ensure your oven is preheated for even cooking.
- Right Fish Cut: Opt for thick, center-cut cod fillets. Their uniform thickness promotes even cooking and helps keep the fish moist and succulent inside.
- Alternative Fish Options: If cod isn’t available, great substitutes are haddock, halibut, hake, white sea bass, or striped bass. These fish have a similar texture and flavor to cod, making them excellent alternatives for the recipe.
- Monitoring Doneness: Cod is perfectly cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking to maintain its tender texture. Keep a close eye on the oven, especially after the 15-minute mark, as the cooking time may vary slightly based on the thickness of the fillet.
How To Store Baked Cod
Given that this recipe is for a single cod fillet, leftovers might not be an issue. However, the recipe is easily doubled if you’re cooking for two or want an extra serving for another day. In such cases, use a larger baking dish, and these storage tips will come in handy:
- Storing Leftovers: After enjoying your meal, if you do have a leftover portion, allow it to cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: For longer-term storage, the baked cod can be frozen. Wrap it securely in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date, and keep it frozen for up to a month.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your stored cod:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the cod on a baking sheet and cover it lightly with foil. Reheat for 10-15 minutes, until just warmed through, to avoid drying it out.
- Microwave Method: For a quicker option, place the cod on a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking for even heating.
- Caution: Take care not to overheat when reheating, as this can dry out the fish. It’s generally best to reheat it only once.
Whether you’re enjoying a single serving or preparing enough for another meal, these tips ensure your baked cod remains as delectable as when first prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry with a paper towel before use.
It should flake easily with a fork and be opaque.
Absolutely! A toaster oven can be used as an excellent alternative to a conventional oven for this recipe. Simply bake the cod at the same temperature of 400°F (200°C) for the same duration of 15-17 minutes.
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Yes, you certainly can double the recipe. Just make sure to use a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra portion.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
For more information on the cooking and baking dishes I use in our “recipes for one”, please visit our FAQ page.
For examples of the dishes used at One Dish Kitchen, please visit our Store page.
If you’ve tried this single serve baked cod recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Baked Cod For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (6 ounce) cod fillet
- 9 cherry or grape tomatoes (about ½ cup)
- 1 tablespoon salted butter , at room temperature
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon dried tarragon
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt (I use Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt)
- 2 lemon slices
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by heating the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Cod: Place the cod fillet in a lightly greased 5×7 inch baking dish. Surround the fish with cherry tomatoes.
- Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, blend the softened butter, garlic powder, dried tarragon, salt, and pepper together.
- Apply the Seasoning: Spread the butter mixture evenly over the top of the cod. Place two slices of lemon on the buttered fish for a fresh, citrusy accent. Then, drizzle a bit of olive oil over the tomatoes to bring out their natural sweetness and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Baking the Cod: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes. The cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork, indicating perfect doneness.
Notes
- Read and Prepare: Before starting, read through the entire recipe and gather all your ingredients. This dish comes together swiftly, so understanding the steps and having everything ready is crucial for a smooth cooking process.
- Perfect Baking: Ensure your oven is preheated for even cooking.
- Right Fish Cut: Opt for thick, center-cut cod fillets. Their uniform thickness promotes even cooking and helps keep the fish moist and succulent inside.
- Alternative Fish Options: If cod isn’t available, great substitutes are haddock, halibut, hake, white sea bass, or striped bass. These fish have a similar texture and flavor to cod, making them excellent alternatives for the recipe.
- Monitoring Doneness: Cod is perfectly cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking to maintain its tender texture. Keep a close eye on the oven, especially after the 15-minute mark, as the cooking time may vary slightly based on the thickness of the fillet.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I haven’t made this but I do have a question. Can this be made with less or no salt and if so what would you recommend as a substitute for salt?
Yes, you can definitely make this without salt. To enhance the flavor, you might try adding extra herbs like parsley, thyme, or an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Garlic and black pepper can also bring a lot of flavor. If you use a salt substitute, just check the package to see how it compares in quantity.
Very tasty and easy to cook! Used Garam Masala instead of Tarragon. Added a nice flavour to the cod.
This recipe also works for lake perch. It’s got to be lake perch and not ocean perch. The taste between lake perch and ocean perch is like the difference between day and night. Lake Perch will always have the word lake in front of it. If it just says perch, then it’s always ocean perch.
Like a restaurant in my own home! I am anxious to also try some of the variants (if not all!). Thanks for this great recipe. So easy too.
Any tips on how to choose Cod? We don’t have access to any Fresh Fish without an hour’s drive each way, so I used to purchase Frozen Cod. However, it seems no matter what Grocer I go to, the Cod after thawing is “chewy” and very unpleasant. Thanks for this recipe idea.
Hi Joe, choosing frozen cod is a great option. I often buy frozen cod too. A helpful tip is to let it thaw slowly in the fridge overnight. When cooking, bake it at a high temperature for a short duration like we’ve done in this recipe; this helps to avoid a rubbery texture. Also, avoid overcooking, as this can make the fish chewy. I hope this tip helps!
Great recipe.
Thank you!