How To Cook Cod | Cooking Cod - Recipe Vibes (2024)

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Learn how to cook cod in the oven, air fryer, and stovetop. Cooking cod is easy, and quick and with this recipe, the fish comes out tender, flaky, and packed full of flavor. Serve with sides like vegetables, potatoes, couscous, rice, garlic butter sauce, or any side of choice.

How To Cook Cod | Cooking Cod - Recipe Vibes (1)
Jump to:
  • How To Cook Cod
  • Ingredients
  • Seasoning
  • How To Cook Cod In The Oven
  • Cooking Cod In A Pan On The Stove Top
  • How To Cook Cod In The Air Fryer
  • How Long To Cook Cod
  • What To Serve With
  • How To Store
  • Tips
  • FAQs
  • What is the best way to cook cod?
  • More Fish Recipes
  • Recipe

How To Cook Cod

Cooking cod is simple and in this post, I will show you easy steps on how to cook cod fish in the oven, stovetop, and air fryer be it cod loins, fillets, Atlantic cod, or Pacific cod.

Cod is a white fish that is mild-flavored, easy to cook, and tasty when done right. It is a good source of protein, low fat, and low carb.

It doesn't require a lot of ingredients to season. Salt, pepper, and garlic will do a good job but you can add other spices like onion powder, and smoked paprika.

The spices used for this healthy cod recipe are 5 pantry ingredients, that are natural, clean, and have no preservatives in them.If you desire, after cooking them, you can then add garlic butter sauce, lemon butter sauce, or any sauce of your choice.

Cod fish makes a good dinner option because not only is it super easy to cook, it cooks in less than 15 minutes whichever cooking method you choose. It requires minimal preparation and clean-up is easy after cooking.

Cooking cod that is restaurant quality is a walk in the park and you can use this recipe for other types of white fish like haddock, tilapia, halibut, or any other firm fish.

Whether it's cod loins, fillets, or any white fish, with this post, you will learn the best way to cook cod, how long to cook cod, and frequently asked questions.

Cod Recipes: Instant pot cod, Air fryer fish, Pan fried cod

How To Cook Cod | Cooking Cod - Recipe Vibes (2)

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you'll need to cook cod:

Cod

Seasoning- Paprika, garlic powder, onion granules, salt, and pepper.

Olive oil

Seasoning

I have a homemade cod seasoning that you will love. You can also use these other seasonings:

Blackening seasoning

Jerk seasoning

Tilapia seasoning

Cajun seasoning

How To Cook Cod In The Oven

Rinse the cod fillets and pat them dry with paper towels.

Mix the paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and onion granules in a bowl. Set aside.

Brush the fish fillets with lemon juice, then oil on one side, sprinkle with some of the seasoning. Flip the fillets, brush with lemon juice, brush with oil, and season that side too.

Transfer the seasoned cod fish fillets into a baking dish or tray.

How To Cook Cod | Cooking Cod - Recipe Vibes (3)

Bake cod in the oven at a temperature of 200C/400F for 12-15 minutes or until cooked tender.

Bring out of the oven, and add herb butter immediately (optional).

How To Cook Cod | Cooking Cod - Recipe Vibes (4)

Serve and enjoy.

Cooking Cod In A Pan On The Stove Top

Here's how to cook cod in a pan:

Rinse the cod fillets, and pat them dry with paper towels.

Mix the paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and onion granules in a bowl. Set aside.

Brush the fish with lemon juice, sprinkle the seasoning on it, flip the fillets, and season that side too.

Place a skillet on the stove top on medium heat.

Add oil to the skillet. When heated, add the fish fillets.

Cook for 2 minutes, without moving them, then flip them and cook the other side for another 2-3 minutes or till cooked.

If using herb butter, add to the skillet a minute before taking off the heat.

Take the skillet off the heat.

Serve.

How To Cook Cod In The Air Fryer

Cooking it in the air fryer is easy, and similar to cooking it in the oven. After the fish has been seasoned, put them in the air fryer basket and air fry cod at 180C/360F for 4-6 minutes. I have a detailed post on air fryer cod. Check it out for tips and frequently asked questions about cooking cod in the AF.

How Long To Cook Cod

Depends on the cooking method, whether cooking from frozen, or fresh, and the thickness and size of the fillet, or loins.Big pieces will take longer to cook than smaller pieces. Here's a guide to follow:

How long to cook cod in the oven is 12-15 minutes.

How long to cook it in the air fryer is 6-10 minutes.

To cook on the stovetop is 4-6 minutes.

If cooking from frozen, add 2-3 minutes to the recommended cooking time above.

Cod is cooked when fork is inserted, it's flaky and tender. Also when lightly pressed down on, it is firm to touch.

Don't overcook the fish to avoid dry and rubbery fish.

How To Cook Cod | Cooking Cod - Recipe Vibes (5)

What To Serve With

Here are some suggestions of what to serve cod fish with:

Air fryer vegetables

Boiled potatoes

Yellow rice

Pan Seared vegetables

Boiled carrots

Air fryer sliced potatoes

Garlic butter sauce

How To Cook Cod | Cooking Cod - Recipe Vibes (6)

How To Store

To store leftover cod, let it cool completely then put it in a sealable container or a Ziploc.

Store in the fridge- label, and store itin the fridgewhere it will be preserved for up to 3 days.

To store in the freezer- label, then store in the freezer where it will last for up to 3 months.

Reheating- It can be reheated in the air fryer, microwave, or oven.

To reheat in the oven- Place the fish on a baking tray, and bake at a temperature of 180C/360F for 5 minutes or till heated through.

To reheat in the air fryer, place the fish in the air fryer basket and air fry at a temperature of 170C for 2 minutes or until heated through. Be careful not to dry out thefish.

Once reheated, don't refreeze. Leftovers can be used in curries, omelets, pasta bakes, sandwiches, and wraps.

Tips

  • Pat the fish dry before seasoning.
  • If you have the time, let the fish marinate in seasoning for some minutes before cooking.
  • You can double this recipe.
  • If unsure if the fish is cooked, you can check with an instant thermometer. it's cooked at an internal temperature of 140F/70C.
How To Cook Cod | Cooking Cod - Recipe Vibes (7)

FAQs

Can I cook frozen cod?

Yes, you can. Thaw first or cook from frozen without thawing. If cooking from frozen, run the fillets under water to deglaze, before patting dry with a paper towel, and seasoning.

Is cod healthy?

Yes, it is. It is a white fish that is low in calories, and fat, and a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins. Like any other food, it is best eaten in moderation.

How do you cook cod without making it rubbery?

Don't overcook. Overcooking is what makes it rubbery, and dry. You'd want to cook it at the right temperature and time for the best results. These cooking times vary on what cooking method you choose. Check the cooking time section of this post.

Do you cook cod skin up or down?

It's best to cook skin down whether cooking it in the air fryer, oven, or stovetop

What is the best way to cook cod?

Baking in the oven or air frying uses less oil than pan-frying or deep frying, which makes it healthier, however, pan seared cod cooks quicker than baking.

How To Cook Cod | Cooking Cod - Recipe Vibes (8)

More Fish Recipes

Air fryer salmon with skin

Instant pot fish

Air fryer Tilapia

Air fryer haddock

Instant pot salmon

Instant pot Tilapia

Frozen cod in air fryer

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Recipe

How To Cook Cod | Cooking Cod - Recipe Vibes (9)

How To Cook Cod

Learn how to cook cod in the oven, air fryer, and stovetop. Cooking cod is easy, and quick and with this recipe, the fish comes out tender, flaky, and packed full of flavor. Serve with sides like vegetables, potatoes, couscous, rice, garlic butter sauce, or any side of choice.

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, British

Prep Time: 3 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 218kcal

Author: Kemi

Ingredients

  • 4 Cod fillets
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon Onion granules
  • ½ teaspoon Pepper (black pepper or cayenne) or to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Garlic herb butter optional
  • ½ teaspoon Paprika Optional

Instructions

  • Rinse the cod fillets or loins, and pat them dry with paper towels.

  • Mix the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and onion granules, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.

  • Brush the fish fillets with lemon juice, and oil on one side, then sprinkle with some of the cod seasoning, flip the fillets, brush with lemon juice, oil, and season that side too.

  • Transfer the seasoned cod fish fillets into a baking dish, or tray.

  • Bake cod in the oven at a temperature of 200C/400F for 12-15 minutes or until cooked tender.

  • Bring out of the oven, and add herb butter immediately (optional).

  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Check the main post for how to cook cod in the air fryer, or stovetop.

  • Pat the fillets dry before seasoning.
  • If you have the time, marinate the fish for some minutes before cooking.
  • You can double this recipe.
  • If unsure if the fish is cooked, you can check with an instant thermometer. it's cooked at a temperature of 140F/70C.

How Long To Cook Cod

Depends on the cooking method, if cooking from frozen, or fresh, and the thickness and size of the fillet, or loins. Big pieces will take longer to cook than smaller pieces. Here's a guide to follow:

How long to cook cod in the oven is 12-15 minutes.

How long to cook it in the air fryer is 6-10 minutes.

To cook on the stovetop is 4-6 minutes.

If cooking from frozen, add 2-3 minutes to the recommended cooking time above.

Cod is cooked when a fork is inserted, it's flaky and tender. Also when lightly pressed down on, it is firm to touch.

Don't overcook the fish to avoid dry and rubbery fish.

Nutrition

Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 122mg | Potassium: 940mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 90IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 1mg

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How To Cook Cod | Cooking Cod - Recipe Vibes (2024)

FAQs

What is the best cooking technique for cod? ›

Try a gentle cooking method: Instead of adding fat, you can also try a gentle cooking method like steaming or cooking en papillote. Both of these methods help to preserve Pacific cod's high moisture content and produce incredibly tender results.

How long does cod need to be cooked for? ›

Whereas fresh cod might take 15 minutes, frozen will take around 20 to 25 minutes. Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Season your cod to your liking, or whip up a quick sauce. Place cod fillets (about 6 ounces each) in a baking dish.

Is cod better in the oven or pan? ›

But more importantly, pan frying yields that deliciously browned exterior on both sides of the fish. Baking or steaming won't accomplish that same golden “crust.” Pro Tips for pan frying cod: Let fish sit at room temp in a colander to drain any excess water, particularly if your fish was previously frozen.

Should cod be soaked before cooking? ›

Soaking is the most important step in preparing salt cod. Most recipes say to soak for 24 hours. However, this is risky and may leave the fish too salty. About 48 hours is a better bet.

How do you cook cod so it's not rubbery? ›

Sprinkle the fish with parsley, salt, and pepper before adding a squeeze of lemon juice. Then, place sliced lemon pieces on top of the fish. Place the pan in the oven to bake for 12-15 minutes depending on the size of your fillets. You'll know it's done cooking when the cod turns slightly opaque and flakes with a fork.

Do you rinse cod before frying? ›

Thanks for a great question, Alanna! You don't need to rinse fish, chicken, pork, or any other meat before cooking. Not only does it not get rid of bacteria, it spreads bacteria (if water splashes from the sink in the process of rinsing).

Should cod be room temperature before cooking? ›

Another tip is to remove the fish from the fridge half an hour before cooking. The reason for this is that room-temperature fish loses less liquid during cooking than cold fish making it easier to avoid the fish becoming dry.

Can cod be a little undercooked? ›

Undercooked cod occurs when the fish hasn't reached a safe internal temperature, allowing harmful bacteria and parasites to survive. While cod is generally considered safe to eat when cooked properly, inadequate cooking can pose health risks.

How do you bake cod without it falling apart? ›

Additionally, make sure the heat isn't too high and you use enough fat (e.g. olive oil, butter)/liquid (e.g. white wine, lemon juice) to keep it from sticking to the pan. If cod separates in pieces, it is overcooked. The flesh should still be slightly tender and in one piece.

What makes cod taste good? ›

Cod is a beautifully mild and buttery-flavored fish and this preparation couldn't be easier or more stunning. Coat it in paprika and a few other spices, then pan fry it until tender and juicy. It takes under 10 minutes to get restaurant-quality flavor!

Why is my baked cod tough? ›

Overcooked fish loses its natural moisture, which can result in a dry and chewy texture. The proteins in the fish also begin to tighten, which can make the fish tough and rubbery. In addition, overcooked fish can have a severe lack of flavor, as the heat causes the natural oils in the fish to evaporate.

Why do you soak cod in milk? ›

It may sound bizarre, but, according to Epicurious, an effective way to combat fishiness is by soaking the protein in milk prior to cooking. To try this trick in your home kitchen, follow Cook's Illustrated's advice: before cooking, let your fish spend about 20 minutes sitting in milk to absorb any unwanted odors.

Why do you cook cod in milk? ›

Poaching the fish in milk adds a rich flavor and creates a creamy poaching liquid that you can spoon over the cooked fish. All you need is fish of your choice, whole milk, and a little salt. Then you can choose to poach the fish on the stove, in the oven, or even in the microwave.

Why do you salt cod before cooking? ›

Salting fish, like sea bass fillets, before cooking helps to firm up the flesh and improves the texture. If you've travelled much in Spain or Portugal you will no doubt of seen salt cod, or bacalao on the menu – this is where the fish is covered in salt for days to remove all the moisture.

What is the cod fish technique? ›

COD-FISH is a strand-specific modification of standard FISH technology which allows the hybridization of single-stranded probes to one, and only one, chromatid of a metaphase chromosome.

What is the best cooking method for fish and why? ›

Make sure to cook your fish in a way that doesn't overwhelm the flavor. The level of fat in the meat. Leaner types of seafood dry out more easily, which makes them better suited for wet cooking methods like steaming and poaching. Fatty fish like tuna and salmon, on the other hand, are ideal for grilling and roasting.

Why did my cod turn out rubbery? ›

Overcooked fish loses its natural moisture, which can result in a dry and chewy texture. The proteins in the fish also begin to tighten, which can make the fish tough and rubbery. In addition, overcooked fish can have a severe lack of flavor, as the heat causes the natural oils in the fish to evaporate.

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