Baked Honey Marinated Cod Recipe | Sweet, Savory, and Tender Fish

Baked Honey Marinated Cod is a delectable and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for those looking for a healthy, flavorful meal without too much effort. The honey marinade gives the cod a slightly sweet, savory flavor, while the baking process locks in moisture, keeping the fish tender and juicy. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or are simply looking for a light and satisfying dish, this recipe will have you hooked (pun intended!).

With minimal ingredients and hands-on time, this baked cod recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

What Is Baked Honey Marinated Cod?

Baked Honey Marinated Cod is a simple yet flavorful dish where cod fillets are marinated in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of lemon juice for added brightness. After marinating, the cod is baked to perfection, allowing the flavors to infuse into the fish while keeping it moist and tender. The honey marinade caramelizes slightly as it bakes, creating a savory-sweet glaze on top of the fish.

This dish pairs beautifully with vegetables, rice, or a light salad, making it a versatile and nutritious meal for any day of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together in no time.

For the marinade

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free version)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For garnish (optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Extra drizzle of honey or soy sauce for serving (optional)

This marinade is both sweet and savory, perfectly complementing the delicate flavor of cod.

How to Make Baked Honey Marinated Cod

This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and takes just a few simple steps. Here’s how to make it:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. The marinade should be slightly thick but pourable.
2. Marinate the cod
   • Place the cod fillets in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the fillets, making sure they’re evenly coated. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator. If you have the time, marinating longer will intensify the flavor.
3. Preheat the oven
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help the cod bake quickly and evenly.
4. Prepare the baking dish
   • Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil. Transfer the marinated cod fillets into the baking dish, discarding any leftover marinade.
5. Bake the cod
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. Keep an eye on it, as cod cooks quickly.
6. Serve
   • Remove the cod from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. You can also drizzle a little extra honey or soy sauce over the fish for additional flavor.

Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes and enjoy the tender, flavorful cod!

Tips for the Best Baked Honey Marinated Cod

To make sure your baked cod turns out perfect, follow these helpful tips:

• Use fresh cod: Fresh cod is best for this recipe, but if you’re using frozen cod, make sure to thaw it completely before marinating.
• Don’t over-marinate: Marinating the cod for too long can result in an overly salty or overpowering flavor. 15–30 minutes is usually sufficient.
• Check for doneness: Cod is cooked when it easily flakes with a fork and is opaque in the center. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become dry.
• Serve with a side: Baked cod pairs well with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a light salad. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top brings out the flavors beautifully.

These tips will help you make the most delicious, tender baked cod every time.

What to Serve with Baked Honey Marinated Cod

This dish is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to round out the meal.

Perfect pairings

• Rice: Serve the cod with steamed rice or wild rice to soak up any delicious marinade.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots make a great side to complement the flavor of the cod.
• Salads: A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a Mediterranean-inspired salad with olives and tomatoes balances the richness of the fish.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash make a hearty pairing.

For drinks

• White wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the light, savory flavor of cod.
• Sparkling water: If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a twist of lemon is a refreshing complement.

Health Benefits of Baked Honey Marinated Cod

This dish not only tastes amazing but is also a great source of protein and healthy fats:

• Cod is low in fat and calories, while still providing a good amount of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart and brain health.
• Honey adds a natural sweetness and is packed with antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation.
• Lemon is rich in vitamin C, which supports your immune system and enhances the absorption of iron from plant-based foods.

Baked cod is a healthy and satisfying meal that fits well into a balanced diet.

Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe is simple enough to make on the spot, but you can prep it ahead for convenience:

• Marinate ahead: You can marinate the cod up to 1 hour in advance, storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just be sure not to marinate for too long, as it can overpower the fish.
• Leftovers: Store any leftover cooked cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve the texture.
• Freeze for later: You can freeze marinated cod fillets for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

These make-ahead options are great for busy nights or preparing meals in advance.

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FAQS

1. Can I use other fish instead of cod?

Yes! You can use other white fish like haddock, tilapia, or halibut. Make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.

2. Can I use honey substitutes?

If you don’t have honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness. The flavor will vary slightly, but it will still work well with the soy sauce and garlic.

3. How do I know when the cod is cooked?

The cod is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center. A thermometer should read 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the fillet.

4. Can I bake cod in the marinade?

You should discard any leftover marinade before baking to avoid excess liquid. However, you can spoon a little of the marinade over the cod fillets before baking for added flavor.

5. Can I use frozen cod?

Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before marinating and baking.

6. Can I grill this honey marinated cod?

Yes! This cod can also be grilled. Preheat the grill, brush the fish with a little olive oil, and grill for 3–4 minutes per side, or until it flakes easily with a fork.

7. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can roast vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini alongside the cod, or serve them as a side dish for a complete meal.

9. Can I make this recipe without lemon?

If you don’t have fresh lemon, you can use lemon juice from a bottle or substitute with lime juice for a slightly different flavor.

10. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover cooked cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven to avoid drying it out.