Baked Honey Garlic Cod (Easy 20-Minute Dinner)

This baked honey garlic cod is the kind of weeknight hero we all need quick, bright, buttery, and bursting with flavor. The cod cooks to tender, flaky perfection while soaking up a luscious honey-garlic glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. If you’re craving a nutritious dish that feels restaurant-worthy without demanding extra effort, this recipe is your new go-to.

Baked Honey Garlic Cod Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~260 per serving

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (5–6 oz each), fresh or thawed
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tbsp honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prep the cod: Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and arrange them in a lightly greased baking dish.
2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the fish: Pour the honey-garlic mixture evenly over the cod, ensuring each fillet is well coated.
4. Bake: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, depending on fillet thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
5. Caramelize (optional): Broil for 1–2 minutes to deepen the glaze.
6. Serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon slices, spoon sauce from the baking dish over the fish, and enjoy.

Substitutions & Dietary Swaps

• Cod: Swap with haddock, halibut, pollock, tilapia, or sea bass.
• Butter-free: Use olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Honey substitute: Maple syrup or agave both work well.
• Garlic-free: Replace raw garlic with 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
• Lower sugar: Use 1–2 tbsp honey instead of 3.

Chef’s Pro Tips

• Patting the cod dry helps the glaze stick and prevents steaming.
• Don’t overcook cod becomes tough quickly. Pull at 135–140°F internal temperature.
• Broiling at the end adds a beautiful golden finish without drying the fish.
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest, cleanest flavor.
• Let the cod rest 2 minutes so the glaze thickens slightly.

Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make Ahead: Prepare the honey garlic sauce 3 days in advance and refrigerate.

Storage: Store leftover cod in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Warm gently at 300°F for 8–10 minutes or on the stovetop over low heat to avoid drying.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Fish turns watery: The cod wasn’t dried thoroughly before baking.
• Glaze burns: The honey concentration was too high or fillets were too close to the broiler.
• Bland flavor: Increase lemon zest and salt; cod is mild and benefits from seasoning.
• Rubbery texture: This means the fish was overbaked use a thermometer.

Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions

Serve your baked honey garlic cod with bright, fresh sides that balance the sweet, savory glaze. Great options include:

• The Best Tzatziki Chicken Pizza (Fresh, Creamy & Easy)
  

Baked Honey Garlic Cod

This baked honey garlic cod is a fast, flavorful 20-minute dinner with flaky cod fillets baked in a sweet-savory honey garlic butter sauce. Perfect for easy weeknights!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 260

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cod & Honey Garlic Sauce

• 4 cod fillets (5–6 oz each) fresh or thawed, patted dry
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 3 tbsp honey
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
• 1/2 tsp sea salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground

For Serving

• fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
• lemon slices for serving

Equipment

• Baking Dish
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Pat the cod fillets very dry with paper towels and arrange them in a single layer in the dish.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt and black pepper until smooth and glossy.
3. Pour the honey garlic mixture evenly over the cod fillets, using a spoon to coat the tops and sides so each piece is well covered.
4. Bake the cod for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 135–140°F (57–60°C).
5. Optional: Switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes to lightly caramelize the honey garlic glaze, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.
6. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Spoon some of the pan sauce over each fillet, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices, and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best texture, avoid overbaking the cod. Start checking for doneness at 12 minutes and remove the fish as soon as it flakes easily with a fork. If you prefer a spicier version, add extra red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the glaze.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod?

Yes! just thaw and pat dry before baking.

How do I know when cod is done?

It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 135–140°F.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Add extra red pepper flakes or swirl in 1 tsp sriracha.

What pan works best?

A small ceramic or glass baking dish helps the sauce pool around the fish.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! just avoid overcrowding; use two baking dishes if needed.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The honey garlic glaze is mild, bright, and naturally appealing.

Conclusion

This baked honey garlic cod is the perfect balance of simplicity and elegance. With only a handful of staple ingredients, it transforms into a tender, flavorful dish that elevates any weeknight dinner. If you loved this recipe, explore more seafood favorites in our recipe collection and keep building your home-cook mastery.