Golden Crispy Baked Cod Recipe: Flaky Seafood Magic at Home

Seafood enthusiasts know that a perfect baked cod recipe can turn an ordinary dinner into a delightful culinary experience.

The secrets to creating a crispy baked cod lie in choosing fresh ingredients and mastering simple cooking techniques.

Cod fillets, when prepared with care, become wonderfully flaky and golden brown.

This recipe delivers a mouthwatering dish that celebrates the delicate flavor of fresh fish with a satisfying crunch.

The coating adds a delightful texture that complements the tender fish beneath.

Herbs and seasonings enhance every bite, making this meal both nutritious and incredibly tasty.

You’ll want to serve this impressive dish that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients For Baked Cod Recipe

• Olive Oil: Provides silky texture and helps distribute seasonings evenly across fish.
• Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic depth to the seafood's mild flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces warm, smoky undertones that elevate the cod's natural taste.
• Onion Powder: Delivers subtle sweet-savory background notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance overall dish complexity.

• Lemon Zest: Infuses bright citrusy essence into the fish.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy acidity that cuts through richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Introduces vibrant green color and herbaceous freshness.

• Cod Fillets: Delicate white fish with tender, flaky texture perfect for quick baking.
• Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking during cooking.

Equipment Required For Baked Cod Recipe

• Baking Sheet or Dish: Essential for even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Paper Towels: Perfect for drying cod fillets and removing excess moisture.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing seasonings and creating flavorful marinade.
• Fork: Helps check fish doneness and flaking texture.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise for adding spices and oil accurately.
• Pastry Brush: Great for evenly spreading seasoning over cod fillets.
• Citrus Zester or Grater: Needed to add fresh lemon zest for extra flavor.

Instructions To Prepare Baked Cod Recipe

• Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 400F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light spray of cooking oil.

• Create Flavor Magic

Whip together a zesty blend of olive oil, crushed garlic, smoky paprika, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of seasonings. Add a burst of citrus with lemon zest and juice.

• Prepare the Fish

Gently pat the cod fillets dry and arrange them neatly on the baking sheet. Lovingly brush the vibrant seasoning mixture across each piece, ensuring every inch is covered with deliciousness.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the fish into the hot oven and let it cook for 12-15 minutes. Watch for the fish to turn beautifully opaque and flake with the gentlest touch of a fork. The fish is ready when it reaches 145F internal temperature.

• Serve and Celebrate

Pull the golden cod from the oven and give it a final splash of fresh lemon juice. Scatter some bright green parsley on top and serve with extra lemon wedges for a bright, fresh finish.

Tips For Perfecting Baked Cod Recipe Flavor

• Quick Cooking Perfection: Pat cod fillets completely dry to ensure crispy, golden edges and prevent steaming.
• Flavor Boost: Let seasoned cod rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking to enhance marinade absorption.
• Dietary Swap: Replace olive oil with coconut oil for paleo-friendly version or use avocado oil for higher smoke point.
• Low-Carb Option: Pair baked cod with roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead of traditional sides for reduced carbohydrate meal.
• Seafood Sensitivity: For those avoiding strong fish taste, soak cod in milk for 20 minutes before seasoning to reduce fishiness and create milder flavor profile.

Ways To Serve Baked Cod Recipe With Sides

• Seafood Feast Companions: Pair this delicate cod with fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up the zesty seasoning and create a complete meal.
• Mediterranean Plate Paradise: Serve alongside roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a colorful and nutritious plate that complements the fish's delicate flavor.
• Bright Side Salad Boost: Create a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette that echoes the recipe's bright citrus notes and provides a refreshing contrast to the baked cod.
• Crusty Bread Delight: Add warm, crusty bread or garlic toast on the side to help mop up the delicious herbal and lemony juices from the perfectly cooked cod fillets.

How To Store Leftover Baked Cod Recipe

• Smart Storage Solutions: Refrigerate leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 1-2 days.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm gently in the oven at 275F for 8-10 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap individual cod portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags, storing up to 3 months for future meals.
• Flavor-Boosting Tip: Add fresh herbs or a splash of lemon juice when reheating to restore the original zesty taste and prevent dryness.

Crispy Baked Cod Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired easy baked cod recipe delights seafood enthusiasts with its simple preparation. Lemon, herbs, and olive oil create a light, flavorful dish you will savor at your next dinner.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cod fillets (about 1.5 lbs / 680 g)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped)
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 lemon (zest and juice)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with cooking spray.
2. Seasoning Blend: Create a flavor-packed marinade by combining olive oil, garlic, paprika, parsley, onion powder, salt, pepper, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl.
3. Fillet Preparation: Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Thoroughly coat each fillet with the seasoning mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Baking Process: Transfer the seasoned cod to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Look for a translucent appearance and the ability to easily flake with a fork, indicating perfect doneness.
5. Temperature Check: Confirm the internal temperature reaches 145F (63C) to ensure both safety and optimal texture of the fish.
6. Finishing Touch: Remove cod from the oven, drizzle with additional fresh lemon juice, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve alongside lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Notes

• Select Fresh Fish: Choose high-quality, fresh cod with firm, translucent flesh and a clean ocean scent to ensure optimal taste and texture.
• Moisture Removal Technique: Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels to prevent steaming and achieve a crisp, golden exterior during baking.
• Seasoning Balance: Apply seasonings sparingly but evenly, ensuring each fillet gets a consistent flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate fish’s natural taste.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the 145F internal temperature, preventing overcooking that can transform cod into a dry, tough dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg