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Bites73 Close Up Of Flakey Baked Cod Drizzled With Honey Garl 33016e91 49f2 4279 961f 085e7c266fff 0

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!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
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.