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Bestie, listen, you NEED this Baked Cajun Garlic Butter Cod in your life! It’s juicy, buttery, and packed with bold flavor! You NEED to add this to your weekly menu!
A Reader’s Review
This is really good! My super picky teen had seconds and even my non fish loving husband liked it so much he cleared his plate. Will definitely make this again!
The Secret Sauce Behind the Best Baked Cod
- It’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. Juicy, buttery cod baked to perfection with no dryness, no fishy taste, this recipe is just pure heaven
- Bold Cajun flavor with a sweet twist. Mild, slightly sweet cod meets spicy, savory Cajun seasoning for a flavor combo that seriously delivers.
- Quick, easy, and weeknight-approved. Made with simple ingredients and ready in 25 minutes! Because dinner shouldn’t be complicated to taste this good.
Ingredients Needed
- Can I use Frozen Filets? You can use frozen cod, but it needs to be thawed in the fridge overnight before cooking.
How To Make Cajun Baked Cod
Whether you’re a seafood lover or not, this baked cod will change your mind. Even my kids, who usually run from anything fishy, gobble it up every time! Pair it with some dirty rice for the perfect combo.
- Whisk: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the cod to a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish, then season with salt and pepper to taste. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, garlic, and Cajun seasoning.
- Brush & Bake: Brush the sauce evenly over the filets in the baking dish, then bake uncovered for about 15 minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices, if desired.
Alyssa’s Pro Tip
Fork Test: Stick a fork in the thickest part of the fish and give it a little twist. If it flakes easily and looks opaque, you’re golden. If it fights back or looks see-through, it needs more time!
FAQs for Baking the Best Cod
- Why is my cod tough? To avoid this, try using a meat thermometer or my fork test to ensure perfectly cooked, tender cod every time.
- What is the difference between cod loin and cod fillet? A loin is considered the prime cut of the fish — it’s a thick, center portion taken from the fillet. A fillet refers to the full side of the fish, including both thick and thin parts.
- Is salmon or cod healthier? Both are healthy options, just in different ways. Cod is leaner and lower in fat, while salmon is rich in heart-healthy omega-3s and healthy fats.
- Can I use this method with other types of fish? Absolutely! Just stick to similar-sized cuts, use the same baking method, and make sure it reaches 130°F for that perfect, flaky finish.
How to Store Baked Cod
- In the Fridge: Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
- In the Freezer: Let it cool completely before storing, then place in an airtight container or ziplock bag and store flat in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Place in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 to 15 minutes or gently warm in the microwave with shorter time intervals.
Make it a Meal!
If you’re looking to make it a meal, I’ve got you covered. This fish is light and fresh, so keep the sides in the same vibe — think simple salads, roasted veggies, or a quick rice pilaf.
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Cajun Baked Cod Recipe
Ingredients
Cod
- 3 cod filets cut in half
- salt and pepper
Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted melted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Add 3 cod filets cut in half, to a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup unsalted melted butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning.
- Brush evenly over the filets in the baking dish.
- Bake for about 15 minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices, if desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious and easy!
Second time making this dish but this time I added a little more Cajun spice and pilaf rice and a nice salad on the side! Mmmm good.
I don’t eat cod anymore (never comes out moist or with flavor), but tried this with my fave fish Barramundi. It turned out great! Definitely a staple now.
I am cooking this tonight. I have put slices of lemon and lime under the fish and serving with smashed new potatoes with parmesan, and a salad of pea shoots, purple radish,courgette strips marinated in lemon and a little salt, garlic chives, baby broad beans and feta with a vinaigrette dressing. Both my husband and I cannot wait to try it, it looks and smells delicious. Thank you
Fantastic recipe! If you’re not sure how to cook card this is the recipe for you. Very flavorful so easy to make it’s almost full proof. I served it with asparagus and mushroom risotto. Unbelievable five star.
It was so Tasty and flaky! I didn’t stray from the recipe and it turned out. Nice amount of taste too. Thank you!
Love it! Lots of flavor and easy to make!
OMG! This is so delicious! I baked the cod over very thinly sliced zucchini rounds! Happy happy mouth! Thank you!
Really enjoyed this dish. Added panko crumbs to give a little crispyness. Will definitely do this again!
Can you use frozen cod or does it have to be thawed?
Thawed is best!
Delicious and so easy….but is the calories listed per meal or per 1 piece of cod?
Per meal for this recipe.
Easy and delicious. Thanks for sharing.
I made this recipe and placed on lettuce wraps and they were delicious! My husband loves them and so did my 2 picky toddlers! Definitely will be saving this to make again. I’m not a big spicy fan so I just added 1/2tbsp instead of the whole tbsp and they were the perfect amount of spice.
Absoluteloy Delicious! Used tinfoil on a barbeque and cooked on high for 10 min. Thanks for sharing a great recipe!
Easy and tasty. Very light, healthy dish.
I love the flavor and for the first time my kids ate it all without arguing…
I have tilapia and I’m making the same recipe… i hope it taste the same!
Outstanding! My wife and I loved it! Definitely a make again and will try the same with other proteins. Will definitely try more of Allysa’s recipes.