This simple one-pan flaky oven-baked cod and chilled mango salsa is incredibly delicious and ready in 30 minutes. This will be your go-to cod recipe for a busy day which is worth saving in your repertoire.
Apart from red snapper, tilapia, and halibut, I love cod. It has a mild flavor, so imagine the taste when marinated with some lemon and garlic. I served mine with some mango salsa; my family couldn't be happier after eating this deliciousness.
The fresh, zesty flavors of this oven-baked cod, paired with lemon and garlic, make it a standout dish that pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables. If you enjoy this citrus-forward recipe, you’ll love the subtle but flavorful approach in the baked basa fish and Mediterranean baked fish.
For another heartier option, the juicy oven-baked tilapia and Mediterranean-baked cod dish offer a tender and satisfying meal. And for a more herbaceous, Mediterranean-inspired dish, the easy Mediterranean-baked tilapia will bring new and exciting flavors to your weeknight dinners.
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Why Choose This Recipe?
- Cod is a flaky and tender fish when appropriately cooked, so you wouldn't want to miss out on this delicacy.
- A combination of lemon, garlic, and mustard brings out the perfect taste and flavor.
- Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Made with easy-to-find ingredients.
Ingredients Used
- Freshly thawed Cod fillets: Make sure to pat them dry.
- Fresh Ingredients: Garlic, thyme, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Fans of garlic will also enjoy our garlic butter steak bites.
- Dry Ingredients: Paprika, Salt, black pepper, Cayenne pepper, and Mustard.
- Extra Virgin olive oil
- Maple syrup or honey
Substitutions and Variations
- Use similar white fish, such as haddock, halibut, tilapia, and sea bass.
- In place of the fresh garlic, use garlic powder or shallots.
- Replace lemon juice with lime and vinegar like white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar).
- Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers before baking.
- You can also coat the cod with panko bread crumbs and parmesan for a cheesy twist.
- To bake, you can also wrap the cod and julienned vegetables in parchment paper or foil.
- Add other ingredients, such as chili flakes, parsley, and smoked paprika.
Important Recipe Tips
- Make sure to pat the fish fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Do not overbake because cod tends to dry out easily. Start checking the fish after 10 minutes.
- If using a baking dish, you can line it with some lemon slices or vegetables.
- Cod requires a quick marinade without making the fish mushy; if marinated in acid, such as lemon juice, for too long, the texture becomes rubbery.
- You can place some lemon slices or lemon wedges on top or drizzle some melted butter to keep it moist during baking.
- Always preheat the oven to seal in moisture.
Pro Tip
Avoid overcooking and under-seasoning. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes after baking for the juices to redistribute. Always thaw from frozen before baking.
Storage and Freezing
It is best when eaten immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and reheated in the oven till hot. You can also pan-sear it with some oil if you want it to be crispy.
Recipe FAQs
Fresh or frozen Cod will all work. For the frozen cod, ensure it thaws to room temperature and pat dry excess water before seasoning.
It is best served with salad, baked potatoes, and salsa. Also with some rice and peas or dirty rice.
10-12 minutes.
Yes, it can be covered to keep it moist.
More Fish Recipes to Try
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
If you tried this baked cod recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Oven Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb Cod fillets
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ tablespoon Maple Syrup or honey
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Mustard
- 2 teaspoon Lemon Zest
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Cayenne pepper optional
- 3 Garlic cloves Minced
- 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme finely chopped
- ½ tablespoon Lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 3 teaspoon Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 400F.
- Line a baking sheet with a parchment paper or baking mat. Set aside.
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Set aside.
- Pat dry the fish with a paper towel and rub the marinade on both sides of the fish.
- Transfer the fish to the baking pan.
- Bake at 400F for 10 minutes until flaky.
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
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