Need to know how long it takes to bake cod at 425 degrees? Follow this delicious recipe for oven baked cod. In no time, there will be buttery lemon baked cod fillets fresh from the oven. Three ingredients, quick cooking time, and flaky fish.
Fresh cod fillets are mild white fish. It lends itself well to whatever flavors it is given. It is also an inexpensive fish compared to similar options. Frozen cod is the most common way to purchase it in grocery stores.
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Baked Cod Ingredients
- Cod Fillets - Fresh or frozen fish. Either way, the fish fillets will need to be defrosted before baking.
- Butter - Salted butter.
- Fresh Lemons - Lemon slices are roasted alongside the fish.
See the recipe card for the exact measurements and complete instructions.
Selected ingredients are based on current serving sizes measured by the Monash University App at the time of publishing. As always, follow your gut and modify as needed.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cover a sheet pan with parchment paper or cooking spray for easy cleanup, or use a baking dish. Place fish on the pan. Top each fillet with several tablespoons of cold butter. Next, slice the lemon and place the lemon slices on the butter.
Step 2: Bake in a preheated oven at 425 degrees F for 25 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 140 degrees F. Squeeze the roasted lemons over the baked cod. The lemon juice will be mixed with the melted butter. Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the baked cod. Serve the flaky cod with homemade tartar sauce and fresh herbs. Dill would be delicious.
Tips and Tricks
Light a vanilla-scented candle while the oven is preheating. This will help with the fish smell that can happen when cooking fish.
Defrosting Cod. My favorite way is to defrost overnight in the refrigerator. But sometimes life happens and I forget... enter the cold water method. Place the sealed frozen filets in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until defrosted.
Ingredient Swaps
- Cod - Use cod loins instead of cod fillets. They are thicker than fillets.
- Butter - Swap out the butter for a high-quality olive oil.
- Lime Juice - Swap out the lemon juice for fresh lime juice for a different citrus flavor.
Storing and Reheating
Store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for four days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the fish in a microwave on low power. Start with 20 seconds. Touch it to see if it is warm. If not, rerun it for another twenty seconds. Otherwise, heat the fish in a 275 degree F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes or until it reaches 125 degrees F.
Freeze: Freeze, cooled cooked fish for up to three months. Use freezer-safe bags and defrost before reheating.
What To Serve With Baked Cod
Serve this flaky fish with lemon wedges, homemade tartar sauce, and rice pilaf. It is perfect for busy weeknights. The whole family will love this delicious, healthy baked cod dish.
Love This Recipe?
Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating + comment. It helps so much, and we love hearing from everyone! Thank You -Venessa
Recipe
Baked Cod at 425 Degrees
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 large cod filets, defrosted (Note 1)
- ½ cup salted butter cold
- 2 whole lemons (Note 2)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Place the cod fillet on a parchment paper-covered baking sheet. Top with 3-4 tablespoons of butter, equally spaced on the cod.
- Slice the lemon. Place it on top of the tablespoon of butter.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F with a meat thermometer. If the cod pieces are thinner, it will take less time. Likewise, if the cod is thicker, it will take longer.
- Squeeze the oven-roasted lemon slices over the cod fish. Pour a bit of the melted butter lemon sauce over the baked cod. Top with fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve immediately with homemade tartar sauce.
Venessa Mandelkow says
This is our go-to recipe for baking cod! We love how simple and easy it is to make!