Okay, so let’s talk about really easy dinners, shall we? Because sometimes, after a long day, the last thing you want is a complicated mess in the kitchen. That’s where this simple baked cod recipe comes in, and trust me, it’s one of my go-to’s when I need something *fast* and *delicious*. It’s proof that amazing cod recipes don’t need a million fancy ingredients or hours of your time. This one is all about fresh lemon, a hint of parsley, and letting the fish shine. I remember making this for the first time when I was trying to eat healthier but didn’t want to sacrifice flavor, and it was a total game-changer! It’s honestly one of those dishes that just makes you feel good inside and out.
Why You’ll Love These Simple Cod Recipes
Okay, so you’re probably wondering what makes this recipe so special, right? Well, let me tell you, it’s a total lifesaver! Seriously:
- It’s ridiculously fast – we’re talking under 20 minutes from start to finish, easy peasy.
- The prep? Barely there! You can literally toss this together while your oven heats up.
- It’s so healthy! Lean fish loaded with good-for-you stuff, perfect for a lighter meal.
- The flavor! That simple combo of lemon and herbs just makes the cod taste out-of-this-world good.
- And the cleanup? Oh my goodness, just one baking dish! It’s a dream for busy nights.
- It’s super versatile, too. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even a light weekend lunch.
Gather Your Ingredients for This Cod Recipe
Alright, let’s get down to business! To make this ridiculously easy and tasty baked cod, you’re going to need just a few things. Seriously, the ingredient list is as simple as the recipe itself! You’ll want two nice cod fillets – I usually grab ones that are about 6 ounces each. Then, grab a tablespoon of good extra virgin olive oil, because, well, flavor, right? A fresh lemon is key, just slice it up nice and thin. And for that lovely fresh pop, get a couple of sprigs of parsley and chop them up as fine as you can. Of course, don’t forget your salt and some freshly ground black pepper – season it just how you like it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Baked Cod Recipes
Alright, let’s get this delicious fish in the oven! It really is as simple as it sounds, and I promise, you’ll be amazed at how little effort it takes to get such incredible flavor. Follow along with me, and you’ll have a perfect baked cod dish in no time. Remember, the key is good ingredients and not overcomplicating things! If you’re looking for other easy fish ideas, check out my fish tacos – another super simple winner!
Preheating and Preparing the Baking Dish
First things first: get that oven roaring! Crank it up to 400°F (200°C). I like to use a nice, shallow baking dish – nothing too fancy, just something that fits the fillets comfortably. It’s important to get that oven to the right temperature before the fish goes in so it cooks evenly from the start.
Arranging the Cod and Flavorings
Now, pop those beautiful cod fillets into the baking dish. Don’t crowd them; give them a little breathing room. Drizzle that lovely olive oil all over the top of the fish. Then, artfully arrange those thin lemon slices right on top – they’ll bake down and infuse everything with a bright, fresh flavor. Sprinkle generously with your chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Doesn’t it already look gorgeous?
Baking Your Cod Recipe to Perfection
Into the hot oven they go for about 12 to 15 minutes. The exact time can vary a bit depending on the thickness of your cod, so keep an eye on it. You’re looking for the fish to be opaque all the way through and to flake apart easily when you gently poke it with a fork. Seriously, don’t overcook it – dry cod is just… sad. You want it moist and tender, and this time frame usually hits that sweet spot perfectly.
Tips for Success with These Cod Recipes
You know, I get asked a lot about how to make sure cod turns out *just right*, and honestly, it’s all about a few little tricks. First off, picking your cod is important! Look for fillets that are nice and bright white, and if you can, try to get ones that are roughly the same thickness so they cook evenly. Don’t be afraid of a little sprinkle of herbs – while parsley is my fave, dried or fresh dill, thyme, or even a pinch of marjoram is fantastic. If you want a little more pizzazz, try brushing with olive oil and then giving it a quick sear in a hot pan *before* baking – just a minute or two per side! It adds a lovely little crust. For more inspiration, check out my Mediterranean herb baked fish recipe; it’s got a similar vibe but with a little extra Mediterranean flair.
Serving Suggestions for Your Baked Cod
This simple baked cod is so versatile, it basically goes with *everything*! For a really light and healthy meal during the week, I love pairing it with my perfectly cooked green beans. They’re so crisp and fresh! If you’re looking for something a bit more hearty, or maybe for a weekend dinner, my parmesan roasted potatoes are a winner every single time. Rice pilaf is also a great option, or even some fluffy quinoa. Honestly, whatever you serve it with, the flavors just meld beautifully!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Cod Recipes
Okay, so even though this recipe is super simple, you can totally play around with it! For the herbs, parsley is great, but if you have fresh dill or thyme lying around, go for it! Dried herbs work in a pinch, just use a little less, maybe about a teaspoon. Instead of olive oil, a light vegetable oil or even melted butter can be used if you’re in a pinch. And about the fish – this works like a dream with other mild white fish too! Think haddock, tilapia, or even a nice piece of halibut. Just adjust the baking time if your fish is much thicker or thinner.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover baked cod is still pretty darn good, but you want to store it right to keep it tasting its best. Pop any leftovers into an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 2 days. When you’re ready to reheat, try not to blast it with heat, or it’ll get dry. Gently warming it in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10 minutes, or even giving it a quick sizzle in a non-stick pan, works wonders!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cod Recipes
Got more questions about making cod the star of your dinner table? I totally get it! It’s always good to know the details. Here are a few things people often ask me:
Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?
You absolutely can! If you’re using frozen cod, just make sure to thaw it completely before you start the recipe. The best way is to let it thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Pat it really dry with paper towels before you add the olive oil and seasonings; this helps get rid of any extra ice crystals and ensures you get that nice flaky texture. You might need to bake it for a minute or two longer than fresh, so just keep an eye on it!
What other herbs work well with cod?
Oh, cod is so versatile with herbs! While parsley is my classic choice, don’t be afraid to experiment. Fresh dill is fantastic, especially if you’re serving it with creamy sides. Thyme is also lovely and holds up well to the heat. Even a little sprinkle of Mediterranean herbs like oregano or a pinch of rosemary can be delicious, though use rosemary sparingly as it’s quite potent! Honestly, almost any fresh herb you like will give this simple recipe a nice twist.
How long does baked cod last in the refrigerator?
For the best quality and safety, I always recommend eating any leftover baked cod within about 2 days. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge as soon as it’s cooled down. It’s a great dish to make a little extra of for lunch the next day, but try not to let it hang out in there for too long. For more fish ideas, check out my fun fish tacos if you need another quick meal!
Nutritional Information for Simple Baked Cod
So, you might be wondering about the goodies packed into this simple baked cod! While these numbers are always estimates (since fish can vary a bit and how much salt you add!), a typical serving of this cod recipe usually comes in around 180 calories. You’ll get a fantastic 30g of protein, which is awesome, with only about 5g of fat and just a couple of carbs. It’s a super lean and healthy way to get a dose of delicious flavor!
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Simple Baked Cod
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A straightforward recipe for baking cod with lemon and herbs.
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the cod fillets in a baking dish.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the cod.
- Arrange the lemon slices on top of the fillets.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
- Serve with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or rice.
- You can substitute other fresh herbs like dill or thyme.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cod recipes, baked cod, easy fish recipe, lemon herb cod, healthy dinner