How do I know when the cod is done?

The cod is done when it turns opaque all the way through and flakes easily with a fork; an instant-read thermometer should read 135°F before the 2-minute rest.

Can I substitute dried herbs for fresh?

You can, but the flavor will be less bright—use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs total (½ tsp each if mixing) and add them to the melted butter early so they soften.

What can I serve with baked cod and herbs?

It pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, green beans, a simple arugula salad, or lemon rice to soak up the herbed butter sauce.

How do I store leftover baked cod?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; gently reheat in a low oven (300°F) or microwave at reduced power to avoid drying.

Why did my cod turn out dry?

Cod can dry out quickly if baked too long—remove it from the oven as soon as it turns opaque and flakes; the 2-minute rest finishes cooking without overdoing it.

Home / Recipes / american / Baked Cod with Herbs

americanEasynon vegetariangluten freenut freesoy free

Baked Cod with Herbs

RATING

0.0/5

TASTE SCORE

8/10

Flaky, tender cod fillets baked in a bright lemon-herb butter sauce. This light and elegant dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special. Pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a simple salad.

PREP

10m

COOK

15m

SERVES

100 G

209 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 6 STEPS

prep
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish.
1.Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
mix
Make the lemon-herb butter sauce.
1.In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
2.Stir in the chopped parsley and chopped dill.
3.Season with salt and black pepper.
prep
Pat the cod fillets dry and season.
1.Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels.
2.Place the fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
TIPThoroughly drying the fish helps the herb butter cling to the surface instead of sliding off.
bake · ~13 min
Pour the herb butter over the cod and bake.
1.Spoon the lemon-herb butter evenly over each cod fillet.
2.Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
3.Check that the internal temperature reaches 135°F.
TIPCod goes from perfectly moist to dry and tough in under a minute. Watch for the moment it turns opaque and just begins to flake.
rest · ~2 min
Rest the fish briefly.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the cod rest for 2 minutes. The residual heat will bring it to a final internal temperature of 140°F.
TIPResting lets the juices redistribute so every bite stays moist.
serve
Serve the baked cod.
1.Spoon any butter sauce from the dish over the fillets.
2.Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels before baking—moisture prevents the herb butter from adhering.
2
Bake just until the cod turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork, typically 12–15 minutes; overcooking turns it dry.
3
Use an instant-read thermometer to check for 135°F at the thickest part before resting—it will carry over to 140°F.
4
Fresh herbs make a big difference; dried herbs won’t provide the same bright, aromatic finish.
5
Spoon the pan juices over the fillets after resting to add back moisture and concentrated lemon-herb flavor.
6
For even cooking, choose fillets of similar thickness and arrange them in a single layer without overlapping.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

dairy free

Dairy-free

Replace butter with an equal amount of olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative; the fish will still be moist and flaky with a cleaner, fruitier flavor.

low oil