Perfect Ten Baked Cod: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Cod, a mild-flavored, flaky white fish, is a fantastic option for a quick and healthy meal. It’s versatile, readily available, and cooks in a flash. While there are countless ways to prepare cod, this “Perfect Ten Baked Cod” recipe focuses on simplicity, flavor, and consistent results. We’re aiming for a dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. The secret? A combination of fresh, flavorful ingredients and a foolproof baking technique.

This recipe earns its “Perfect Ten” moniker because it relies on just a handful of core ingredients and takes about ten minutes to prep and ten minutes to bake. That’s right – a delicious, healthy dinner in under 20 minutes! Let’s dive in.

Why This Baked Cod Recipe Works

Before we get into the specifics, let’s talk about why this recipe is so successful:

* **Simplicity:** This recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find items. It’s all about highlighting the natural flavor of the cod.
* **Flavor:** A vibrant blend of lemon, garlic, herbs, and a touch of olive oil creates a bright and aromatic flavor profile that complements the mildness of the cod perfectly.
* **Speed:** From prep to plate, this dish is ready in under 20 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Healthy:** Cod is a lean protein source, packed with nutrients. Baking it instead of frying keeps the dish light and healthy.
* **Versatility:** This recipe can be easily adapted to your liking. Swap out the herbs, add vegetables, or use different seasonings to create your own unique variations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to create this Perfect Ten Baked Cod:

* **Cod Fillets:** The star of the show! Aim for fillets that are about 1-inch thick for even cooking. Fresh or frozen (thawed) cod works well.
* **Olive Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor and helps keep the cod moist during baking.
* **Lemon:** Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish and add a tangy note.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic provides a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Fresh Herbs:** A combination of fresh parsley, thyme, and oregano adds herbaceousness and depth. You can also use dried herbs if fresh are not available (adjust quantities accordingly).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To season the cod and enhance the other flavors.
* **Optional:** A pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Ingredient Quantities for 4 Servings

* 4 Cod Fillets (about 6 ounces each)
* 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
* 1 Lemon (zest and juice)
* 2 cloves Garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
* 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme leaves
* 1 teaspoon Fresh Oregano, chopped
* Salt and Pepper to taste
* Optional: Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes, 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese

Equipment Needed

You won’t need any special equipment for this recipe. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

* Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal.
* Small Bowl: For mixing the herb and lemon mixture.
* Citrus Zester and Juicer: For the lemon.
* Garlic Press or Knife: For mincing the garlic.
* Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the herbs.
* Measuring Spoons and Cups

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Perfect Cod

Now, let’s get to the fun part! Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to baking perfect cod:

**Step 1: Preheat the Oven**

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows the cod to cook quickly and evenly without drying out.

**Step 2: Prepare the Herb and Lemon Mixture**

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper (and red pepper flakes, if using). Mix well to combine. This mixture will be our flavor bomb for the cod.

**Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish**

Lightly grease the baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This will prevent the cod from sticking to the dish.

**Step 4: Arrange the Cod Fillets**

Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly.

**Step 5: Top with the Herb and Lemon Mixture**

Spoon the herb and lemon mixture evenly over the cod fillets, ensuring that each fillet is generously coated. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the herb mixture.

**Step 6: Bake the Cod**

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of the cod fillets.

**Step 7: Check for Doneness**

To check if the cod is cooked through, gently insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. If the fish flakes easily and is opaque throughout, it’s done. If it’s still translucent or doesn’t flake easily, bake for another minute or two.

**Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!**

Once the cod is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist fish.

Tips for Perfect Baked Cod

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your baked cod turns out perfectly every time:

* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked cod can be dry and rubbery. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s cooked through.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh herbs and lemon juice will provide the best flavor. If using dried herbs, use about 1/3 the amount called for in the recipe.
* **Pat the Cod Dry:** Before topping with the herb mixture, pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This will help the mixture adhere better and prevent the fish from steaming instead of baking.
* **Adjust Seasonings:** Taste the herb mixture before topping the cod and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your taste.
* **Add Vegetables:** To make it a complete meal, add vegetables to the baking dish alongside the cod. Broccoli florets, asparagus spears, or sliced bell peppers are all great options. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding them to the dish.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** To ensure the cod is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer. The cod should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
* **Broil for Extra Color:** If you want to add a little extra color to the top of the cod, broil it for a minute or two after baking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning.

Variations and Adaptations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:

* **Mediterranean Baked Cod:** Add chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to the herb mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
* **Spicy Baked Cod:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the herb mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Lemon-Dill Baked Cod:** Replace the parsley, thyme, and oregano with fresh dill for a bright and lemony flavor.
* **Garlic-Parmesan Baked Cod:** Add extra garlic and Parmesan cheese to the herb mixture for a rich and savory flavor.
* **Pesto Baked Cod:** Spread a layer of pesto over the cod fillets before baking.
* **Breadcrumb Topping:** Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, and sprinkle over the cod before baking for a crispy topping.

Serving Suggestions

This Perfect Ten Baked Cod is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve with roasted broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
* **Rice or Quinoa:** Serve over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa.
* **Salad:** Pair with a fresh green salad or a Mediterranean salad.
* **Potatoes:** Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or potato salad.
* **Pasta:** Toss with pasta and a light lemon sauce.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious juices.

Make Ahead Tips

If you’re short on time, you can prepare the herb and lemon mixture ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake the cod, simply spoon the mixture over the fillets and bake as directed.

You can also prepare the entire dish ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Assemble the cod in the baking dish, top with the herb mixture, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover baked cod can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Per serving (approximate):

* Calories: 250-300
* Protein: 35-40g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Troubleshooting

* **Cod is dry:** You may have overcooked the cod. Reduce the baking time slightly next time. Also, make sure you’re using enough olive oil and lemon juice to keep the fish moist.
* **Cod is not cooked through:** Increase the baking time slightly. Make sure your oven is properly preheated.
* **Herb mixture is burning:** Reduce the oven temperature slightly. You can also tent the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the herbs from burning.
* **Cod is sticking to the baking dish:** Make sure you grease the baking dish well before adding the cod.

Final Thoughts

This Perfect Ten Baked Cod recipe is a winner for its simplicity, flavor, and health benefits. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and vegetables to create your own unique variations. Enjoy!

Recipe Card

**Perfect Ten Baked Cod**

A simple and delicious baked cod recipe that’s ready in under 20 minutes!

**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 10-12 minutes
**Serves:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 4 Cod Fillets (about 6 ounces each)
* 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
* 1 Lemon (zest and juice)
* 2 cloves Garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
* 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme leaves
* 1 teaspoon Fresh Oregano, chopped
* Salt and Pepper to taste
* Optional: Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes, 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper (and red pepper flakes, if using).
3. Lightly grease a baking dish.
4. Place cod fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
5. Spoon the herb and lemon mixture evenly over the cod fillets. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the top.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Serve and enjoy!

**Notes:**

* Don’t overcook the cod.
* Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
* Pat the cod dry before topping with the herb mixture.

Enjoy your Perfect Ten Baked Cod!