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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.
This recipe is absolutely delicious! I was wondering if you would be able to tell me how many weight watchers points it would be? Thank you!!
I used to do weight watchers and haven’t in so long. Let me see if I am able to find it for you!
Wow wow wow!!!! Absolutely love this recipe. It was quick and easy but soooo delicious. I’m not normally a fan of fish but my boyfriend was craving, so I tried this recipe out and we both fell in love. Used frozen cod (thawed out during the day) and you could not even tell in the slightest. Thank you so much for an amazing recipe. Will definitely be adding this to my cook book 🙂 A++
So easy and delicious!
This dish is simply delicious! So easy, no fuss but tastes like it took a lot of effort. I’ll definitely be making this again!
Sounds like a winner … making. Tonight to go with cabbage … can’t wait to try it? Threw in a few shrimp on the stone too:)
This dish is simply delicious! So easy, no fuss but tastes like it took a lot of effort. I’ll definitely be making this again!
I saw fresh looking cod at Costco. I quickly googled recipes and came across this one. I was very happy that I did. It was quick and easy to prepare and clean up. Everyone loved it including two teenagers not familiar with the fish. I will use this recipe again.
Husband loved this! It’s now a favorite. He’s diabetic so I’m always looking for variety in tasty recipes.
This looks awesome. I’m making it tonight along with the suggested green beans with bacon. I will rate tomorrow. Just a suggestion, please cut down on the ads. I’m having trouble loading the recipe and there is no way the video will load. I would love to watch, though
Dani,
I find ads annoying when looking at recipes too. My suggestion is to click the print recipe button. Most often this opens the recipe in a new tab but you don’t have to print. No ads. ?
Made this tonight for dinner and it was not only quick and easy, but absolutely delicious as well! Adding this recipe to my collection as I’ll definitely make it again.
Never cooked cod so what is the simplest and best recipe my cod is frozen pieces from the fish monger
I baked it with cod right out of the freezer! (I think this is a cooking faux-pas but I do it often with white fish or I’d never have time for fish dinners) The fish was moist and soft. You lose a bit of flakiness but it wasn’t rubbery. Add about 10 minutes to the cooking time, and don’t cover it, I think that would make it soggy. Delicious, easy recipe! We thought a squirt of lemon wedge was good with it too.
I noticed in the picture of this recipe: BAKED CAJUN GARLIC BUTTER COD, there are lemons and parsley in the dish, but the recipe makes no mention of these?
I wondered about that too.
It was probably a garnish only
Can you use catfish instead
Yes, that sounds delicious!
I made this last night using homemade Cajun seasoning. I sprinkled lemon juice over the cod filets and omitted the salt and pepper — I figured there was enough of that in the seasoning I had just made. It turned out to be perfect and the whole family enjoyed it. I am looking forward to making the one-pot Cajun pasta next. Thanks for a great recipe!
This was AMAZING! Now I’m wondering what other types of fish this would work with since it’s so delicious!
First time I made it, turned out a little too salty because I sprinkled some salt before the Cajun butter mix. Second time I made it, only sprinkled fish with black pepper and oregano before the Cajun butter and came out great! Thanks for this simple, yet delicious recipe 🙂
I finally tried some of your recipes and they have been wonderful. We had lobster bisque one night so I tried your air fryer grilled cheese and yum! Last night I made the chocolate chip cookies recipe and my husband loved them! I will definitely be making more of your recipes. Keep up the good work!