Baked Cod

This Baked Cod is a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish that makes weeknight dinners feel elegant. Tender cod fillets are baked in olive oil alongside juicy cherry tomatoes, lemon slices, and fresh herbs like parsley and thyme. The result is a moist, flaky fish with bright, aromatic flavors that pair perfectly with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Why You’ll Love Baked Cod

Baked cod is quick to prepare, packed with protein, and full of delicate flavor. This dish highlights the natural sweetness of cod while enhancing it with zesty citrus, fresh herbs, and the natural juices of tomatoes. It’s light, nutritious, and impressive without any fuss.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Cod has been a staple in European and North American cuisine for centuries, prized for its mild flavor and flaky texture. Baking cod with olive oil and fresh herbs is a classic Mediterranean approach that emphasizes simplicity and freshness.

What Makes This Dish So Special

Versatile: Serve as a main course with grains, roasted vegetables, or in a salad.

Budget-Friendly: Cod is an affordable fish, and the recipe uses pantry staples.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.

Customizable: Add your favorite herbs or spices to personalize flavor.

Crowd-Pleasing: Mild, flaky, and aromatic fish appeals to adults and kids alike.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep herbs, lemon slices, and tomatoes in advance.

Great for Leftovers: Reheat gently to maintain texture and flavor.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Baked Cod

1. Pat the cod dry before baking for the best texture.
2. Use fresh herbs for a fragrant, vibrant flavor.
3. Don’t overbake; cod cooks quickly and becomes dry if left too long.
4. Arrange tomatoes around the fish to let their juices infuse the fillets.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Baking Dish: For even cooking and easy cleanup.

Oven: Preheat for consistent results.

Knife and Cutting Board: To slice lemons and chop herbs.

Measuring Spoons: For precise seasoning.

Ingredients You Will Need For Baked Cod

Simple ingredients create a flavorful, aromatic dish:

1. Cod Fillets: 4, 6-ounce fillets, fresh or thawed.
2. Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, on the vine or loose.
3. Lemon: 1 medium, sliced.
4. Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons, for moisture and flavor.
5. Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped.
6. Fresh Thyme: 1 teaspoon, leaves only.
7. Salt: ½ teaspoon, to season fish.
8. Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly cracked.
9. Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon, optional for a hint of heat.

Flexible Ingredient Substitutions

Cod Fillets: Haddock, tilapia, or pollock can be used.

Parsley/Thyme: Basil or oregano for different flavor profiles.

Olive Oil: Avocado oil or grapeseed oil as alternatives.

Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes or halved regular tomatoes work well.

Spotlight on Key Ingredients

Cod Fillets: Mild, flaky fish that absorbs flavors beautifully.

Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the fish stay moist.

Let’s Get Cooking

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Combine Ingredients: Arrange cod in a baking dish and surround with cherry tomatoes and lemon slices.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Drizzle olive oil over the fish and season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Assemble the Dish: Sprinkle fresh parsley and thyme over the fillets and tomatoes.

Cook to Perfection: Bake in preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, until cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Finishing Touches: Optionally, drizzle with a little extra olive oil before serving.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with your choice of sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Texture and Flavor Development

The cod remains moist and tender while absorbing the fresh flavors of tomatoes, lemon, and herbs. The slight acidity of lemon and sweetness of cherry tomatoes balance the richness of olive oil for a bright, aromatic finish.

Helpful Cooking Tips and Tricks

• Pat fish dry for a perfect sear in the oven.
• Slice lemon thinly to release maximum juice.
• Serve immediately to enjoy optimal texture.

What to Avoid

• Overbaking the cod, which leads to dry fish.
• Crowding the baking dish, which prevents even cooking.
• Adding herbs too early; fresh herbs are best sprinkled just before baking.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4

Calories per serving: 250

Note: Values are approximate.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prep tomatoes, lemon slices, and herbs in advance. Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently to maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve with a light salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes. Drizzle with extra olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Flake leftover cod into salads, tacos, or pasta dishes for a quick and flavorful meal.

Additional Tips

• Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
• Adjust seasoning based on personal taste.
• Pair with a crisp white wine for an elegant touch.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve the cod in the baking dish itself, with whole cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs for a rustic, beautiful presentation.

Variations to Try

• Add garlic slices for extra aromatic flavor.
• Include bell peppers or zucchini for a vegetable medley.
• Sprinkle with capers or olives for Mediterranean flair.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen cod?
   Yes, thaw completely before baking.
2. Can I use other white fish?
   Haddock, tilapia, or pollock work well.
3. Is this dish spicy?
   Optional red pepper flakes add a mild kick.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Prep vegetables and herbs ahead; bake just before serving.
5. How do I prevent fish from drying out?
   Do not overbake; cod cooks quickly and retains moisture with olive oil.
6. Can I add other herbs?
   Yes, basil, oregano, or dill are excellent alternatives.
7. How do I store leftovers?
   Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
8. Can I freeze baked cod?
   Yes, but texture may slightly change; best enjoyed fresh.
9. Can I bake more fillets at once?
   Ensure there’s space in the baking dish for even cooking.
10. What sides pair well with baked cod?
    Steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

This Baked Cod is a simple, healthy, and elegant dish that delivers fresh flavors and tender fish in just 25 minutes. Trust me, the combination of cod, cherry tomatoes, lemon, and herbs makes every bite delightful. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s light, nutritious, and utterly satisfying.

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