Name: Baked Honey Marinated Cod Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (about 5–6 oz each); 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 clove garlic (minced); 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional); Lemon wedges for serving

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If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping yet easy seafood dinner, Baked Honey Marinated Cod is about to become your new obsession. This dish features tender cod fillets bathed in a sweet and savory marinade, then baked to flaky perfection. The honey and soy sauce work together to create a glossy glaze, while garlic and lemon juice add bright, aromatic depth. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or a special occasion, this recipe delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort. Trust me, one bite and you’ll see why Baked Honey Marinated Cod is a keeper!

Baked Honey Marinated Cod Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you’ll create magic in your kitchen. Each component in this Baked Honey Marinated Cod recipe plays a key role, balancing sweetness, tang, and umami for a meal that’s anything but boring.

Cod fillets: Mild, flaky, and quick-cooking, cod soaks up the marinade beautifully—choose fresh or thawed fillets for best results.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and gives the glaze its irresistible sticky finish; maple syrup also works for a twist.
Soy sauce (or tamari): Brings rich umami depth and saltiness; use tamari for a gluten-free option.
Olive oil: Lends silkiness to the marinade and keeps the fish moist as it bakes.
Lemon juice: Brightens the dish and balances out the sweetness—freshly squeezed is best!
Garlic (minced): Adds a punch of aromatic flavor that infuses the fish as it marinates.
Ground ginger (optional): A hint of warmth and subtle spice if you love a little extra complexity.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste and adjust as needed.
Chopped parsley or green onions (optional): For a fresh, colorful garnish before serving.
Lemon wedges (for serving): A final squeeze of citrus lifts every bite.

How to Make Baked Honey Marinated Cod

Step 1: Whisk the Marinade

Start by combining the honey, soy sauce (or tamari), olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and ground ginger (if using) in a small bowl. Give it a good whisk to blend everything together, creating a golden, fragrant marinade that’s both sweet and savory. Don’t forget to season with a little salt and pepper—this simple mixture is what transforms plain cod into the star of your dinner table.

Step 2: Marinate the Cod

Lay your cod fillets in a shallow dish or pop them into a resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the fish, ensuring each piece is coated on all sides. Cover and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes. This short marinating time is just enough for the flavors to sink in without overwhelming the delicate texture of the cod.

Step 3: Prep Your Baking Sheet

While the cod is soaking up all that delicious flavor, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish. This step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal.

Step 4: Arrange and Glaze

Take the cod out of the marinade and arrange the fillets on your prepared baking sheet. Spoon a little extra marinade over the top of each fillet for maximum flavor and that gorgeous, shiny finish. Discard any leftover marinade that’s touched the raw fish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cod for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque all the way through. Keep an eye on it—overbaking can dry out the fish. When done, the Baked Honey Marinated Cod will be juicy, tender, and glistening with that golden glaze.

How to Serve Baked Honey Marinated Cod

Garnishes

Right before serving, sprinkle your Baked Honey Marinated Cod with a handful of chopped parsley or sliced green onions. These fresh herbs not only add a pop of color but also a crisp, aromatic finish. If you love a little extra brightness, don’t forget the lemon wedges for squeezing over each fillet—it’s a small touch that makes a big difference.

Side Dishes

This cod is wonderfully versatile when it comes to pairings. I love serving it alongside fluffy jasmine rice, nutty quinoa, or a medley of steamed vegetables for a wholesome meal. Roasted asparagus, sautéed greens, or a simple cucumber salad complement the sweet-savory glaze and keep the meal light.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fancier twist, layer the Baked Honey Marinated Cod over a bed of wilted spinach or nestle it on top of vibrant vegetable stir-fry. Hosting a dinner party? Flake the cod and serve it in lettuce cups or over Asian-inspired noodles for an unexpected and fun presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Baked Honey Marinated Cod, let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a delicious next-day lunch!

Freezing

You can freeze cooked cod, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you must freeze, place cooled fillets in a freezer-safe container and use within one month. Just be aware that the texture may change a bit once thawed.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cod in a covered baking dish and warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven until just heated through—about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fish rubbery. A gentle reheat preserves that tender, flaky magic.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for Baked Honey Marinated Cod?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the cod fillets completely and pat them dry before marinating. This helps the marinade adhere and ensures even cooking.

Is there a substitute for honey if I want a different flavor?

Yes, pure maple syrup is a fantastic substitute and gives a slightly different, earthy sweetness. Agave nectar also works in a pinch.

How long should I marinate the cod?

Twenty to thirty minutes is perfect. Cod is a delicate fish, so avoid marinating for longer or the texture may become mushy.

Can I grill Baked Honey Marinated Cod instead of baking?

Sure! Preheat your grill to medium-high and cook the marinated cod on a well-oiled grill grate for 3–4 minutes per side, or until it flakes easily. Watch carefully as the honey in the marinade can cause the fish to brown quickly.

What type Main Course

Regular soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce both work beautifully. For a gluten-free version, use tamari—it offers the same depth of flavor without gluten.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about gathering around the table for a meal that’s easy to make, healthy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Baked Honey Marinated Cod checks all those boxes and then some. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients can create something so memorable. Happy cooking!

Baked Honey Marinated Cod Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus 20-30 minutes marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked Honey Marinated Cod recipe offers a delicious and healthy seafood option with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The cod is marinated in a blend of honey, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, then baked to tender, flaky perfection. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade and Fish

4 cod fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish and Serving

Chopped parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground ginger (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
Marinate the Cod: Place the cod fillets in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over the fish. Make sure each fillet is coated evenly. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
Bake the Cod: Remove the cod fillets from the marinade, placing them on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon a little extra marinade over the top of each fillet for added flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the cod with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Notes

This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
You can substitute maple syrup for honey to create a slightly different sweet flavor profile.
Avoid over-marinating the cod, as it is a delicate fish that can become mushy if left too long in the marinade.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
For extra zest, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired