Recipe

Flaky Oven-Baked Cod

A weeknight-friendly baked cod recipe with lemon-garlic butter, paprika warmth, and crisp-tender edges. Ready fast, tastes like you tried harder than you did.

By Matt Campbell

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Flaky oven-baked cod fillets in a parchment-lined baking dish topped with melted lemon-garlic butter, fresh parsley, and lemon slices

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Cod is the friend who always shows up on time. Mild, forgiving, and very willing to taste like whatever delicious plan you put on top of it. This is my go-to flaky oven-baked cod recipe for real weeknights when I want something light but still crave that “okay wow” moment at the table.

We keep it simple: a hot oven, a quick lemon-garlic butter that melts into the fish, and just enough seasoning to wake everything up. The goal is juicy flakes, not dry sadness. If you can melt butter and set a timer, you can make this.

Raw cod fillets on a cutting board being patted dry with paper towels with bowls of salt, paprika, and minced garlic nearby

Why It Works

High heat, short bake helps cod stay moist and turn flaky instead of tough.
Patting the fish dry means seasoning sticks and you get better browning around the edges.
Lemon added in two moments: zest and juice in the butter for flavor, plus fresh lemon at the end for brightness.
Butter plus olive oil gives richness and helps keep the top from drying out.

Result: tender cod that flakes in big pieces, with a glossy lemon-butter sauce you will absolutely spoon over rice, potatoes, or anything else that wants to be upgraded.

Storage Tips

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently: Cod dries out fast. Warm in a 300°F oven for 8 to 12 minutes, covered loosely with foil, or microwave at 50 percent power in short bursts.
Best leftover move: Flake cold cod into a salad, tuck into tortillas with slaw, or stir into warm rice with extra lemon and herbs.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked cod, but it can turn a bit watery when thawed. If you do it, wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Common Questions

How do I know when cod is done?

It is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If you use a thermometer, the USDA guideline for fish is 145°F in the thickest part. If you like it a touch juicier, you can pull it at 140°F and let it rest for 2 minutes to finish gently.

Why did my baked cod turn out rubbery or dry?

Usually it is overcooked. Cod is lean, so extra minutes matter. Also check thickness. Thin fillets may need only 8 to 10 minutes, while thick center cuts can take 12 to 15.

Can I use frozen cod?

Yes. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then drain and pat very dry. Some fillets are lightly brined and will weep liquid, so blot again right before seasoning. If you are in a hurry, thaw in a sealed bag in cold water, changing the water every 20 to 30 minutes. Avoid baking from frozen for this recipe because the fish releases water and the seasoning gets diluted.

What is the best oven temperature for flaky cod?

425°F is my sweet spot: hot enough for a little browning, fast enough to keep the inside juicy.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Swap the butter for more olive oil, or use a plant-based butter. Add an extra squeeze of lemon at the end to keep the flavor punchy.

What should I serve with oven-baked cod?

Anything that likes lemon-butter: roasted potatoes, rice, couscous, or a big crunchy salad. Also: crusty bread for sauce cleanup, because we are civilized.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Rimmed baking sheet or 9x13-inch baking dish
Parchment paper or foil (optional, for easy cleanup)
Small bowl for mixing the lemon butter
Microplane or zester (optional but great)
Instant-read thermometer (optional but highly recommended)

I started making baked cod during a stretch of weeknights when my brain had exactly two settings: “hungry” and “please no extra dishes.” Cod saved me. It cooks fast, it forgives my questionable timing, and it basically begs to be topped with something bright and buttery.

Now it is my default when I want dinner to feel a little fancy without needing a full personality overhaul. I mix the lemon butter while the oven heats, slide the fish in, and suddenly I am serving “restaurant food” in sweatpants. That is my love language.