Name: Baked Honey Marinated Cod Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each); 3 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Chopped fresh parsley; Lemon wedges

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Looking for a vibrant, flavor-forward weeknight dinner that’s light, satisfying, and sure to impress? Look no further than Baked Honey Marinated Cod! This recipe is a go-to in my kitchen for its dazzling combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, all wrapped around beautifully tender cod fillets. With its minimal prep and irresistible aroma as it bakes, this dish manages to feel both gourmet and deeply comforting — you’ll want to savor every bite. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, this is one meal that always gets rave reviews.

Baked Honey Marinated Cod Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how uncomplicated this list is! Every ingredient pulls its weight, adding a layer of subtlety or a pop of punch — together, they create something truly memorable. Here’s what you need and why:

Cod Fillets: This tender, flaky fish acts as the perfect canvas for bold marinades, absorbing every ounce of flavor while staying beautifully mild.
Honey: Brings just the right amount of natural sweetness, helping the cod caramelize gently on top with a lovely golden hue.
Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth, a touch of saltiness, and the secret to enhancing all the other flavors in the marinade.
Olive Oil: Provides richness and ensures the fish stays juicy and never dry as it bakes.
Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up, balancing the sweetness and tying all those tastes together with a fresh citrus zing.
Garlic (minced): Delivers that gorgeous aromatic kick — it’s a must for boosting the flavor of the marinade.
Ground Ginger: Just a hint lends warmth and a subtle spicy note that pairs perfectly with the honey and soy.
Black Pepper: A small sprinkle sharpens the whole dish without overpowering the delicate fish.
Chopped Fresh Parsley: Finishes your dish with a pop of bright green color and just a hint of herbal freshness.
Lemon Wedges: For serving — an optional, but delightful touch to squeeze on top just before digging in.

How to Make Baked Honey Marinated Cod

Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade

Grab a small bowl and whisk together the honey, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. You’ll notice instantly how fragrant and enticing this mixture becomes — it’s a sweet-savory combo that’s bound to get your taste buds humming.

Step 2: Marinate the Cod

Nestle the cod fillets into a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour that luscious marinade all over. Give everything a gentle swirl or turn to ensure the fish is well coated. Cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes; if you remember, turn them once halfway through. This step lets every bit of cod soak up those gorgeous flavors.

Step 3: Prep the Baking Dish

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or give it a light swipe of olive oil. This trick keeps your cod from sticking and makes for the easiest cleanup ever.

Step 4: Bake the Cod

Remove the cod from the marinade, letting a little extra drip off, and arrange the pieces in your prepared baking dish. Spoon a bit more marinade over the top if you like extra flavor. Slide the whole thing into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The aroma will have everyone circling the kitchen!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

As soon as your Baked Honey Marinated Cod comes out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve with bright lemon wedges. Don’t forget to spoon some of those delicious cooked juices over the top for a little extra boost.

How to Serve Baked Honey Marinated Cod

Garnishes

A shower of fresh parsley and a few lemon wedges do wonders for both looks and flavor here. That vivid greenery against the golden fish makes the dish irresistible, and the lemon adds a zesty lift that brings out the natural sweetness and subtle flavors of the cod.

Side Dishes

Baked Honey Marinated Cod begs to be paired with simple sides that let it shine. Fluffy white rice, nutty quinoa, or garlicky mashed potatoes are all fantastic choices. Roasted veggies or a crisp green salad round out the meal and add beautiful pops of color.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, try plating each fillet on a bed of sautéed greens or spiralized zucchini for an elegant, restaurant-worthy presentation. Or flake the cooked cod and tuck it into lettuce wraps, drizzle with extra marinade, and top with crunchy slaw for an unexpected but delicious twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, just transfer the cooled Baked Honey Marinated Cod to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, making lunchtime a breeze the next day.

Freezing

This dish actually freezes quite well! Once cooled, wrap the individual fillets tightly and store them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to a month — just be sure to thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

To gently reheat Baked Honey Marinated Cod, place the fillets in a covered dish and warm in a low oven (about 300°F) for 8–10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to dry out the fish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for Baked Honey Marinated Cod?

Absolutely! If starting with frozen filets, simply thaw them overnight in your refrigerator and pat dry before marinating. The flavor and texture remain stellar.

What if I want to substitute another fish?

This marinade works wonders with other mild white fish like haddock or halibut. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as thinner fillets may cook a bit faster.

Can I marinate the cod longer than 30 minutes?

Yes, you can marinate the cod for up to 2 hours if your schedule allows. Any longer though, and the acidity from the lemon juice can start to alter the texture of the fish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Baked Honey Marinated Cod is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always double-check your labels if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

How do I know when the cod is perfectly done?

The fillets are ready when they’re opaque in the center and flake easily with a fork. The total baking time will depend a bit on thickness, but 12–15 minutes at 400°F is right on the mark for most cod fillets.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for that ideal fuss-free fish dinner, you truly can’t go wrong with Baked Honey Marinated Cod. It’s a breeze to prepare, loaded with flavor, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews from anyone lucky enough to join you at the table. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it finds a spot in your regular dinner rotation!

Baked Honey Marinated Cod Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful recipe for Baked Honey Marinated Cod that is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. The combination of honey, soy sauce, and aromatic spices creates a delicious marinade that perfectly complements the tender cod fillets. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Cod Fillets:

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)

Marinade:

3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

Chopped fresh parsley
Lemon wedges

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
Marinate the Cod: Place the cod fillets in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over them, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, turning once if needed.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Bake the Cod: Remove the cod from the marinade and place in the prepared dish. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.
Serve: Spoon a little of the cooked marinade over the top if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.