I’ve always loved the simplicity of a well-made seafood dish, and this Baked Cod is one of my favorites.

With a buttery, lemony sauce and a hint of garlic, this recipe is packed with flavor yet incredibly easy to prepare.

Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a healthy dinner option, this recipe will not disappoint.

This Baked Cod recipe features tender, flaky fish seasoned with a lightly spiced flour coating, finished in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce.

Ready in less than 30 minutes, it’s perfect for weeknight meals or an elegant dinner without the fuss.

Baked Cod Recipe
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Baked Cod Recipe

Recipe by JoanneCourse: MainDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

250

kcal

Ingredients

  • For the Sauce:

  • 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

  • 3 tablespoons melted butter (or ghee)

  • 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 5 garlic cloves, minced

  • For the Fish

  • 4 cod fillets (5–6 ounces each, fresh or thawed if frozen)

  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)

Directions

  • Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
  • In a small bowl, combine fresh lemon juice, melted butter, olive oil, and minced garlic. Set aside.
  • Step 3: Season and Coat the Fish
  • In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
  • Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Dip each fillet into the lemon butter mixture, then dredge lightly in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.
  • Step 4: Sear the Fish
  • Heat a large oven-safe skillet (such as a cast iron skillet) over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
  • Once the oil is hot, add the fish fillets. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden but not fully cooked.
  • Step 5: Bake the Fish
  • Turn off the heat and pour the remaining lemon butter sauce over the fish in the skillet.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  • Step 6: Serve
  • Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Spoon the sauce over the fish before serving.
  • Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Recipe Video

Notes

  • If cod is unavailable, other white fish like haddock or halibut are excellent substitutes.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour.
  • Flash-frozen fish is a great alternative to fresh fish. Be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
  • Adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill as a garnish enhances the dish’s presentation and flavor.

Storage and Warming

Storage: Store any leftover fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or stock to keep the fish moist. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it may dry out the fish.