Baked Honey Marinated Cod

Name: Baked Honey Marinated Cod
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 fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Isabella

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Baked Honey Marinated Cod a tender and flaky cod fillet marinated in a sweet and savory honey blend, baked to perfection with a subtle citrus and soy glaze. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy, flavorful weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this baked honey marinated cod because it combines simplicity with bold flavors that elevate a basic fish fillet. The honey adds a natural sweetness that balances beautifully with the soy sauce and fresh lemon juice, creating a glaze that’s both tangy and savory. It’s a quick recipe that doesn’t require hours of prep or complicated ingredients, yet it tastes like something special. Plus, it’s healthy, low in calories, and full of lean protein, making it a perfect choice for nourishing meals that don’t feel like a chore to cook.

Ingredients

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)

3 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a small bowl, I whisk together honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and olive oil until the mixture is well combined.

I place the cod fillets in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, then pour the honey marinade over the fish, making sure each fillet is evenly coated. I let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, but no longer than 1 hour to keep the texture perfect.

While the fish marinates, I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

I arrange the marinated cod fillets in the baking dish, pouring any leftover marinade on top. I season lightly with salt and pepper.

I bake the fish for 12-15 minutes until it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Once baked, I garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives before serving to add a fresh touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cooking takes 15 minutes, so the total time is approximately 25 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick and healthy dinner on busy weeknights.

Variations

I sometimes swap out cod for other white fish like haddock or tilapia if I want to switch things up. For a bit more heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. To make it more citrusy, I’ve tried adding orange juice along with lemon juice, which gives a nice twist. If I want a gluten-free version, I ensure to use tamari instead of soy sauce. Occasionally, I’ll sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I prefer to warm it gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to avoid drying it out. Microwave reheating is possible but I do it on low power and in short intervals to keep the fish tender. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats nicely when handled carefully.

Related Recipes:

Parmesan Crusted Cod

FAQs

How long should I marinate the cod?

I find that marinating for at least 20 minutes allows the flavors to soak in well. You can marinate up to 1 hour, but longer than that might start to change the texture of the fish.

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, I usually thaw the cod completely before marinating and baking to ensure even cooking and best flavor.

What if I don’t have fresh ginger?

I sometimes use ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger as a substitute, though fresh grated ginger provides the best brightness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if I use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Regular soy sauce usually contains wheat, so I always check the label.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

I don’t recommend marinating the fish overnight because the acid and honey can start to “cook” and break down the fish too much. However, I sometimes prepare the marinade ahead and refrigerate it, then marinate the fish just before baking.

Conclusion

I enjoy making this baked honey marinated cod because it’s a simple yet impressive dish that delivers a wonderful balance of sweet, savory, and citrus flavors. It’s a healthy meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for any night I want a delicious dinner without fuss. Whether I’m cooking for myself or feeding family, this recipe is a reliable favorite that never disappoints.