Updated on April 9th, 2023
We understand that cooking seafood, particularly fish, can make some people feel uneasy in the kitchen. There are some valid reasons for this, such as the risk of making myself sick if we undercook it or the fact that good quality fish can be expensive, so I don’t want to risk ruining it, but we want to let you know that fish is extremely simple to prepare. Cooking a steak gives us much more anxiety than cooking seafood because fish is more forgiving than a $20 per pound tenderloin fillet, which can go from juicy medium-rare to well done and dry in two minutes.
If you follow a few simple guidelines when cooking fish, you should end up with tender chunks of fish. I used cod for this recipe, but the basic instructions are the same for salmon, tilapia, halibut, or any firm flesh fish. Allow me to demonstrate how to prepare delicious cod!
This simple recipe will teach you to make perfect, flaky, and delectable cod! With great seafood, you can create a variety of different mealtimes.
How to Bake Cod?
Cooking cod in the oven, fresh or frozen, is one of the simplest ways to prepare this versatile fish. Here are some straightforward baked cod recipes and methods to try.
In the film Frozen
According to Delaware Sea Grant, freezing cod can help kill pathogens such as parasites that may be present in the fish. If you don’t have time to defrost frozen cod, you can still cook it — the best way to do so is to poach it or cook it in a marinade.
If you’re cooking frozen cod, you can cook it straight from the freezer or thaw it first. The FDA recommends thawing your fish slowly the night before by placing it in the refrigerator.
You can also quickly thaw your fish by placing it in a sealed bag and submerging it in ice or cold water. You can also defrost your fish in the microwave, but be careful that it doesn’t start to cook while you’re doing so.
Cook your frozen fish as soon as possible if you’ve decided to defrost it. According to the FDA, you should not leave cod or any other seafood at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or even less if the temperature is 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Although defrosted cod cooks faster, We can bake frozen cod as well. According to ButcherBox, here’s how to cook frozen cod fillets.
Things you’ll Need:
- Cod
- Favorite seasonings or sauce
- Baking dish
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit in step one.
Step 2: Season your cod with salt and pepper to taste. (We like a simple garlic powder, salt, and pepper combination.)
Step 3: In a baking dish, place the cod fillets. If you’d rather use sauce instead of seasoning, go ahead and do so now.
Step 4: Cook the fish for 20 to 25 minutes until it is opaque white and golden brown on top. The cod should be cooked until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Recipe for Lemon Cod
Cod readily absorbs the aromas and flavors of the ingredients with which it is cooked. One of the best cod recipes is lemon-baked cod, which is citrusy and flavorful.
Betty Crocker’s lemon-baked cod recipe is a must-try.
Things you’ll Need:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Step 2: In a baking dish, arrange the cod fillets.
Step 3: Drizzle with oil and lemon juice. Garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and paprika are sprinkled on top. Rub the spices and herbs into the fish lightly.
Step 4: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the flesh is completely opaque and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. To serve, spoon the pan juices over the cod.
Recipe for Old Bay Cod
Without much prep work, this white fish bakes quickly in the oven. Baking is, in fact, one of the simplest ways to prepare cod. Because oven-cooking is more drying than poaching or frying, non-oily fish like cod benefit from a topping to moisten them.
Things you’ll Need:
- cod
- aluminum foil
- cooking spray
- lemon
- Old Bay seasoning
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2: Using cooking spray, coat four squares of foil.
Step 3: Place a cod fillet on each piece of aluminum foil. Toss each with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of Old Bay seasoning. Wrap the foil around the fish.
Step 4: Bake for about 20 minutes until the fish is opaque and reaches a safe internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
Recipe for Cod in Foil
Delicious baked cod in foil may help you get more protein in your diet thanks to its mild flavor and simple cooking method.
Baked cod in foil is a healthy and mess-free way to prepare tender fish.
Things you’ll Need:
- cod
- aluminum foil
- olive oil or cooking spray
- salt
- pepper
- garlic
- shallots
- fresh thyme sprigs
- lemon slices
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Step 2: Lightly coat a piece of aluminum foil using olive oil or cooking spray. Season the fish with salt and pepper and place it on the foil. Garlic and shallots, fresh thyme sprigs, and lemon slices can be added if desired.
Step 3: Fold the foil into a packet and tightly seal the edges.
Step 4: Bake for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the fish reaches 145 degrees F.
Step 5: Serve the fish directly from the foil packet or remove it from the foil and garnish with thyme sprigs and lemon slices.
Tip
To flavor your cod, you don’t have to limit yourself to salt and pepper. This mild-flavored fish goes well with many herbs and spices, such as bay leaves, garlic, or paprika. We can add vegetables such as grape tomatoes, onions, sliced olives, mushrooms, or zucchini to your baked cod in foil.
To ensure even cooking, thinly slice your vegetables.
Florentine Cod Recipe
When you make a dish with spinach as the main ingredient, you make a Florentine dish. To put it another way, when you bake cod with spinach, you get cod Florentine because cod is a delicate fish, and spinach pairs well with it.
Cod fillets and spinach are the only two main ingredients for cod Florentine. Beyond that, you can make a unique sauce that will complement the flavors of both key ingredients.
Things you’ll Need:
- Four 5-ounce fillets of cod
- cooking spray
- shallow baking pan
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
- food processor
- paper towels
- 10 oz. frozen, thawed spinach
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- Foil
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Coat a shallow baking pan with cooking spray.
Step 2: Season both sides of the cod with salt and pepper. In a baking pan, place the fish.
Step 3: Using paper towels, squeeze any excess water from the spinach.
Step 4: Puree the spinach, sour cream, onion, and garlic powder in a food processor until smooth.
Step 5: Evenly distribute the spinach mixture over the cod in the baking pan. Wrap foil around the pan.
Step 6: Bake for 15 minutes until an internal temperature of 145 degrees F is reached. Uncover the dish and bake for another 5 minutes, or until fork-tender.
How to Prepare Frozen Cod for Grilling?
You can throw frozen cod on the grill if you’re in a hurry.
Things you’ll Need
- frozen cod
- paper towels
- dry seasonings
- favorite sauce
- grill
- tongs
- food thermometer
Step 1: Preheat the grill to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit or medium-high heat.
Step 2: Remove any ice crystals or freezer burn by rinsing the cod under cold water. Using paper towels, pat the fillets dry.
Step 3: Season the cod with dry seasonings like lemon pepper, salt, and pepper, or cajun seasoning.
Step 4: Cook the cod for about 7 minutes on the grill before flipping with tongs.
Step 5: After flipping, wait another 7 minutes before using a digital food thermometer to check the temperature of the thickest part of each piece of cod.
Step 6: Remove any piece of cod from the grill once it reaches a temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue to grill the remaining pieces of cod until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F in the thickest part. Serve with your favorite sauce.
Recipe for Grilled Cod
One of the best ways to cook cod without drying it out is to grill it in foil. It also makes cleanup a breeze.
Things you’ll Need
- cod
- butter
- saucepan
- lemon juice
- salt
- pepper
- aluminum foil
- sliced peppers
- sliced tomatoes
Step 1: In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the lemon juice, stirring to combine.
Step 2: Season cod pieces to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 3: To make a basket, place each cod fillet in the center of a piece of aluminum foil and fold the foil’s edges upward.
Step 4: Fill the foil packets with sliced peppers and tomatoes. Combine the lemon and butter in a mixing bowl. Close each pack and cook over indirect heat on a grill preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5: Cook for 12 to 15 minutes over indirect heat until the cod is opaque, flakes easily, and reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F.
Recipe for Pineapple Cod
Grilling cod is a quick and easy way to bring out the delicate flavor.
Step 1: In a medium glass bowl, whisk together the oil and lime zest. Turn the fish to coat it in the sauce.
Step 2: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour but no more than 12 hours after covering. Turn occasionally if marinating for more than 1 hour.
Step 3: To make a relish, combine diced avocado, pineapple tidbits, red onion, fresh cilantro, and lime juice in a mixing bowl when you’re almost ready to grill the fish.
Step 4: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the fish on the grill after draining it. Cook for 1–2 minutes, rotate the fish, and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Flip the fish with tongs. Turn off the heat beneath the fish, but keep the rest of the burners on medium-high for indirect cooking. Cook the fish until it flakes easily with a fork or reaches a safe internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Serve with a side of relish.
Cod Fry Instructions
Cod can also be prepared and eaten by frying it. You can experiment with different batter and seasonings to find a recipe that suits your preferences.
Recipe for Pan-Fried Cod
The star of fish and chips is fried cod. Unless it’s covered in fish fry batter and deep-fried in a vat of oil, this mild, sweet fish is a nutritious addition to your diet. Better ways to “fry” cod fillets retain the flavor while providing health benefits.
You can make flavorful pan-fried cod recipes without the fat and calories associated with beer-battered fish. In addition, cooking cod in a pan takes about 10 minutes.
Things you’ll Need:
- cod fillets
- large sauté pan
- Three small bowls
- flour
- egg
- panko breadcrumbs
- canola oil
- salt
- pepper
- lemon
- paper towels
Step 1: Preheat a sauté pan over medium heat.
Step 2: Place flour in one small bowl, egg in another, and panko in the third.
Step 3: Coat both sides of the cod in flour, then dip in egg and coat with panko.
Step 4: In a pan, heat the canola oil, then add the fish. Cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until the crust is golden and the fish easily separates. Remove it from the oven when the cod reaches a safe internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
Step 5: Drain the fish on paper towels after removing it from the pan.
Step 6: Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with a squeeze of lemon.
Recipe for Deep-Fried Cod
If you’re making fish and chips at home, this recipe will give you crispy, delicious cod without using a deep fryer.
Things you’ll Need:
- 2 lbs. cod fillets
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- ⅓ cup mustard powder
- medium bowl
- mixer or spoon
- 1 cup water
- One egg
- 2 tsp. sugar
- 2 tsp. salt
- 2 cups vegetable oil
- large, deep pot
- deep fryer thermometer
Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and dry mustard powder.
Step 2: Heat the oil to 400 degrees Fahrenheit in a large, deep pot. Confirm the temperature with a deep fryer thermometer.
Step 3: Using a mixer or a spoon, combine the flour mixture, water, egg, sugar, and salt.
Step 4: Dip each fillet in the batter completely.
Step 5: Carefully lower the cod into the hot oil and fry for 5 minutes until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F.
Step 6: Before serving, drain the fish on paper towels.
How to Broil Cod?
Even if you only have a frozen fillet on hand, you can broil cod, but the fish will be tastier if you thaw it first.
Things you’ll Need:
- cod
- baking sheet or broiler pan
- lemon juice
- herbs
- seasoning
- extra virgin olive oil
Step 1: Thaw the frozen cod in cold water for 15 to 20 minutes or until completely thawed.
Step 2: Thoroughly rinse the cod and toss with lemon juice, herbs, and your preferred seasoning. Riolo suggests using cajun seasoning or a simple salt and pepper mix.
Step 3: Broil cod for 2 to 5 minutes on a baking sheet or broiler pan, depending on thickness. Ascertain that it reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F.
Step 4: To serve, remove from the oven and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.
Which Season Should I Use for My Fish?
Keep it simple; good fish tastes great with just a pinch of sea salt, coarse black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice after it’s cooked. Adding fresh herbs is also a great way to amp up the flavor. This Seared Salmon recipe is one of my most popular on the blog, and I cooked it with fresh sage in the pan.
I usually use the chopped herbs as a garnish, sprinkling them on the plate just before serving. This creates an eye-catching presentation while also keeping the flavors fresh. Fish doesn’t require a heavy sauce, but if you do, keep it light and fresh, like this Citrus Butter Sauce with Scallions.
Cod Takes How Long to Cook?
Each piece of cod weighs about 6-8 ounces and is seared for 3-4 minutes on the first side in this recipe. The pan is then placed in the hot oven for another 12-14 minutes. By lightly pressing down on your cod with your finger, you’ll know it’s done. If it feels firm, it’s ready; if it still feels soft, it probably needs a few more minutes. When lightly pressed with a fork, the fish will separate into beautiful white flakes.
Can I Prepare My Cod in Advance and Reheat it?
I have to decline, only because the cod will be dry, and you will miss out on the pleasure of eating delicious fresh fish. Also, for the time it takes to cook, you might as well make it fresh and have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes!
Conclusion
When cooking fish, if you follow a few simple guidelines, you should end up with tender chunks of fish. I’m using cod for this recipe, but We can apply the basic instructions to salmon, tilapia, halibut, or any other firm-fleshed fish. We hope you now have a better understanding of how to cook cod!
