If you’re searching for an easy yet elegant seafood dish, this Baked Honey Marinated Cod is about to become your new weeknight hero. The delicate cod fillets soak up a sweet and savory marinade, baking to tender perfection while the honey caramelizes gently on the surface. Succulent, flavorful, and finished with fresh parsley and a spritz of lemon, this dish brings restaurant-quality seafood right to your kitchen, and everyone will ask how you made it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and a fresh piece of fish, you can create something truly special. Each ingredient here earns its place for the way it enhances the taste, aroma, or look of your Baked Honey Marinated Cod, so let’s break it down!
- Cod fillets: Choose thick, boneless pieces for maximum juiciness and a soft, flaky texture.
- Honey: The star of this marinade, honey adds a delicate sweetness and helps the cod caramelize beautifully in the oven.
- Soy sauce: Brings a gentle punch of umami and salt, perfectly balancing the honey.
- Lemon juice: Infuses freshness and brightness, lightening the sweetness and cutting through any richness.
- Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the fish evenly and keeps the cod luscious as it bakes.
- Garlic (minced): Adds aromatic depth—don’t skip it, it’s key for that mouthwatering flavor!
- Paprika: Sprinkled for subtle warmth and a hint of color, it gives the dish a gentle smoky note.
- Salt and black pepper: Just enough to bring out the natural flavors of every ingredient, but adjust as you like.
- Chopped parsley and lemon wedges: The fresh finishing touches, making each fillet look (and taste) its absolute best.
How to Make Baked Honey Marinated Cod
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This easy vinaigrette-like marinade is what turns plain cod into star material.
Step 2: Marinate the Cod Fillets
Arrange the cod fillets in a shallow dish or a zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the top, making sure each piece is generously coated. Slide it in the fridge for 20 to 30 minutes—the perfect amount of time for all those flavors to infuse without turning the delicate fish mushy.
Step 3: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or lightly grease your favorite baking dish. This simple step ensures your cod won’t stick and makes cleanup easy (letting you spend more time enjoying the meal, not scrubbing pans!).
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Remove the cod fillets from the marinade and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the cod flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. For an extra touch, spoon a little reserved marinade over the top during the last few minutes of baking.
Step 5: Finish With Garnish
As soon as the Baked Honey Marinated Cod comes out of the oven, scatter over freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. The fresh herbs brighten each bite, and that final squeeze of lemon really ties it all together.
How to Serve Baked Honey Marinated Cod
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges are all you need to make your Baked Honey Marinated Cod pop with color and freshness. If you want to get fancy, try adding a touch of finely diced red bell pepper or a swirl of olive oil for a pretty presentation and extra flair.
Side Dishes
This cod absolutely loves to be paired with fluffy white rice, nutty quinoa, or simple roasted vegetables. For an even lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp, tangy salad—a cucumber and tomato combination is especially refreshing and lets the cod shine.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try serving the Baked Honey Marinated Cod over a bed of sautéed greens or atop a colorful vegetable medley. For a casual gathering, slice the cooked cod into bite-sized pieces and serve on toothpicks as mouthwatering appetizers, complete with dipping sauce on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Baked Honey Marinated Cod, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to two days, making for a wonderful next-day lunch or light dinner.
Freezing
Baked Honey Marinated Cod also holds up well in the freezer! Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze in a sealed container for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the cod on a lined baking sheet and cover loosely with foil. Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, just until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible—it keeps the fish tender and prevents it from drying out or becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use another fish besides cod?
Absolutely, this Baked Honey Marinated Cod recipe is flexible—halibut or haddock both work beautifully! Just adjust the baking time based on the thickness of your fillets.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, your Baked Honey Marinated Cod will be completely gluten-free and perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Do I have to marinate the fish, or can I bake it right away?
While a quick marinate of 20–30 minutes is ideal to let the flavors soak in, you can certainly bake right away if you’re short on time. The marinade still coats the fish beautifully, but the flavor will be more delicate.
How do I know when the cod is done?
Baked Honey Marinated Cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque all the way through. Avoid overbaking—the fish should still feel moist when you gently press the thickest part with a fork.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This dish scales up perfectly. Just lay all the fillets in a single layer, and use multiple pans if needed. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and your guests will love every bite.
Final Thoughts
I can never resist sharing this recipe, because Baked Honey Marinated Cod is one of those rare dishes that’s both foolproof and truly impressive every single time. With its blend of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors, it’s a meal you’ll want to make on repeat. Give it a try, and watch it quickly become a favorite at your table, too!
Print
Baked Honey Marinated Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus 20–30 minutes marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Honey Marinated Cod recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy tender cod fillets. The marinade of honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess to the fish, while baking ensures a moist and delicious result. Serve this dish with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley and lemon wedges
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Place cod fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
- Remove the cod from the marinade and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Spoon a little of the reserved marinade over the fish (if desired) and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges before serving.
Notes
- For a slightly crisp finish, broil the cod for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- This recipe also works well with halibut or haddock.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
