The BEST Baked Cod Recipe

Baked cod is flakey AND flavorful and so easy to make! Add this baked fish recipe to your dinner rotation.

This is a seafood dish that everyone will love!

This baked cod recipe is one of my favorites and ranges up there with my shrimp recipes, grilled tilapia, and this BLT Salmon Dinner. These meals are always go-to’s for delicious seafood dinners when I want something nice for dinner without spending a fortune.

Most of the time when you think of baked cod you think of “fish and chips” because that is the more commonly used fish in that dish. It’s so tender and versatile it can go from street food to fine dining with just the flip of a switch. In this dish, we’re making it a warm and comforting family meal you can’t wait to sink your teeth into. Making baked cod with breadcrumbs is a simple main dish idea that’s as perfect as it is easy to prep.

What is Cod?

Cod is a type of fish that has white flesh when cooked and is quite versatile. The fishy taste is very mild, much like tilapia and it’s perfect for adding practically any seasoning blend for a unique taste every time. I love cod for these reasons but it’s also a very affordable fish compared to others on the market. Thanks to these reasons it’s always a good meal idea when you want seafood for dinner.

Ingredients

• Cod Fillets
• Lemon — you will use the juice and the zest
• Salt and Pepper
• Butter
• Panko — Japanese style breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese

For the exact measurements needed, please see the recipe card below.

How To Cook Baked Cod Fish

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Sprinkle the fresh lemon juice over your cod fillets.
3. In a separate bowl, toss together the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine the bread crumbs with the melted butter.
5. Gently press the breadcrumb mixture over the cod and place them into the baking dish.
6. Bake the cod for about 15 minutes and broil for 1-2 minutes or until the bread crumbs are slightly toasted.
7. Sprinkle a little fresh lemon zest just before serving.
8. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Recipe Tips

How Do You Know When The Baked Cod Is Done?

Unless chicken or beef, you don’t necessarily need a meat thermometer to tell when your fish is done. It’s much easier to gauge doneness, all you have to do is look at the fish! If your fish’s color is opaque and it flakes easily, then your fish is ready to come out of the oven. That said, an instant read-thermometer will reach 145 degrees F in a properly cooked piece of codfish.

How to Reheat Baked Cod

You can safely reheat seafood for up to 4 days after it has been cooked. Reheat the cod in a 350-degree oven for up to 10 minutes. The tricky part about reheating fish is that overheating can make the fish rubbery so make sure to keep a close eye on it, especially if your oven tends to run a bit hot.

FAQs

Is Cod Healthy For You?

Yes, cod is a lean protein that is full of vitamins and minerals. It doesn’t have as many Omega-3’s as some other forms of seafood, but it is still a good choice for those of us trying to eat a healthier diet. It can be a part of a great healthy meal when served with appropriate sides but the preparation of this fish is truly what makes or breaks the “healthy” ranking factor. For example, deep frying cod is far less healthy than oven baking because of all of the added fats.

Why Is My Baked Cod Rubbery?

If your seafood isn’t soft and flakey, there is really only one reason, and that is your fish is overcooked. Seafood does not take long to cook. If your oven runs hot, check your fish after 13 minutes. Using your fork to test for flaking is really your best friend when it comes to testing your fish. Simply place the fork into the meat of the fish and turn slightly. If the meat flakes up and reveals all of those cooked layers, it’s finished. the fish should also register 145 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer.

What Goes With Baked Cod?

The good news is that you can serve almost anything with this cod recipe! Everything from cold salads to warm mashed potatoes and steamed veggies sounds good to me, but try serving some homemade mac and cheese, scalloped potatoes, lemon risotto, or this spring salad with your fish for a full meal that’s sure to hit the spot!

I hope you enjoy this simple baked cod recipe. It is a great way to introduce new seafood to the family, plus it is fresh tasting and delicious!

More Delicious Fish Recipes To Try Soon (PERFECT for Seafood Night!):

• Baked Catfish Bites
• Southern Fried Catfish
• Conch Fritters
• Grilled Salmon

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Yield: 4

The BEST Baked Cod Recipe

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Baked cod is flakey AND flavorful and so easy to make! Add this baked fish recipe to your dinner rotation. This is a seafood dish that everyone will love!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets
• Lemon juice from 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ¾ cup panko
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• Lemon zest

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2. Sprinkle the fresh lemon juice over your cod fillets.
3. In a separate bowl, toss together the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.  
4. Combine the bread crumbs with the melted butter.  Gently press the breadcrumb mixture over the cod and place in a baking dish.
5. Bake the cod for about 15 minutes and broil for 1-2 minutes or until the bread crumbs are slightly toasted.
6. Sprinkle the cod fillets with lemon zest just before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 353Total Fat 10gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 120mgSodium 522mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 46g

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