My Simple, Happy Fish Dinner
Let’s talk about an easy baked fish recipe. This is my herb roasted cod. It is perfect for a busy night. You only need one pan. I love that.
You just mix butter, lemon, and garlic. Then you spoon it over the fish. Add some cherry tomatoes around it. The oven does all the work. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It makes the whole house feel cozy.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
My grandson used to say he didn’t like fish. Then he tried this lemon garlic herb cod. He saw the juicy tomatoes and wanted a taste. He ate the whole piece! I still laugh at that.
Now it’s his favorite weeknight fish recipe. This matters because simple food can make big memories. What’s a meal that changed your mind about a food? I’d love to hear your story.
Why This Dish is So Good For You
This is one of my healthy cod recipes. The fish is full of good protein. It helps you grow strong. The tomatoes get sweet in the oven.
They add a nice pop of color and vitamin C. Cooking everything together in one pan keeps the flavors in. This matters because good food should be simple and good for you. It doesn’t need to be complicated.
Let’s Make This 30 Minute Cod Dinner
First, heat your oven to 400. Melt your butter in a little bowl. Stir in the lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Use what you have! Parsley, thyme, or rosemary all work.
Put your cod in the middle of a baking dish. Scatter the tomatoes around it. Spoon that lovely butter all over the fish. Now just bake it. In about 15 minutes, it will be perfect and flaky. *Fun fact: Cod is a cold-water fish. It loves the chilly northern oceans!*
Your Turn to Share
This baked cod recipe is so forgiving. You can use other herbs. You can add sliced zucchini with the tomatoes. What vegetable would you add to your one pan cod with cherry tomatoes?
I hope you try this simple roasted cod. It’s just cod and tomatoes, made special. Will you make it this week? Tell me if you do. I love knowing my recipes are in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cod fillets | 8 oz | |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon | |
| Lemon juice | ½ tablespoon | |
| Garlic | 1 clove | finely chopped |
| Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley, thyme, rosemary) | 1 tablespoon | finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried) |
| Fine sea salt | ¼ teaspoon | |
| Pepper | ¼ teaspoon | |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup |
Instructions
Step 1: First, heat your oven to 400°F. This gets it ready for our one pan cod with cherry tomatoes. I love how simple this baked cod recipe is. It always makes my kitchen smell wonderful.
Step 2: Melt the butter in a small bowl. Stir in the lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Doesn’t that smell amazing? This lemon garlic herb butter is the magic. (A tip: use fresh herbs if you can. They make this healthy cod recipes sing!).
Step 3: Place your cod fillets in a baking dish. Scatter the tomatoes all around them. Now, spoon that lovely butter over everything. This easy baked fish recipe is so pretty already. Do you prefer parsley or thyme? Share below!
Step 4: Bake your herb roasted cod for 14-20 minutes. It’s done when it flakes easily. You’ll have a perfect 30 minute cod dinner. Let it rest a minute before serving. I still laugh at how fast it disappears!
Creative Twists
Swap cherry tomatoes for lemon slices. Add a sprinkle of paprika for a smoky hint. Use foil packets for easy clean-up. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
This simple roasted cod is lovely over fluffy rice. The juices make a great sauce. Or, try it with crusty bread to soak everything up. A simple green salad completes your weeknight fish recipe perfectly. This cod and tomatoes dish is so versatile. Which would you choose tonight?
Making It Last: Fridge, Freezer & Reheating Tips
Let’s talk about keeping your lovely cod tasty for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will be good for up to two days. You can also freeze it for a month. Wrap it tightly in foil first.
I remember my first time freezing fish. I just put the whole baking dish in! What a mess. Now I wrap each piece individually. To reheat, use your oven at 300 degrees. This keeps the fish moist. A microwave can make it rubbery.
Batch cooking this recipe is a smart move. Double the butter sauce and tomatoes. Cook two dishes at once. This saves you time and energy on a busy night. Having a healthy meal ready matters. It means you can relax instead of stressing over dinner.
Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups
We all face little problems when cooking. Here are three easy fixes. First, fish sticking to the pan? Make sure your baking dish is well-coated with that garlic butter. I once forgot this step. Let’s just say the cod lost its skin.
Second, bland food? Do not be shy with salt. Season your fish right before it goes in the oven. This matters for flavor. Salt wakes up all the other tastes. Third, soggy tomatoes? Spread them in one layer around the fish. Crowding them makes them steam.
Fixing these small issues builds your confidence. You learn that a tiny change makes a big difference. Your one pan cod with cherry tomatoes will turn out perfect every time. Cooking should feel good, not frustrating.
Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What is the best way to season cod?
For this easy baked fish recipe, season simply. Use salt and pepper right on the fillets. Then, the magic is in the sauce. The melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs will do the rest. This creates a lemon garlic herb cod that is full of flavor without being complicated. It is the perfect start to any healthy cod recipes.
How long to roast cod at 400?
Roast your cod at 400 degrees for 14 to 20 minutes. The time depends on how thick your fillets are. The fish is done when it reaches 145 degrees inside. It should flake easily with a fork. This method makes for a simple roasted cod that is perfectly tender. It is the heart of a true 30 minute cod dinner.
What herbs go best with cod?
Fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary are wonderful with cod. Dried herbs work too. Use about one tablespoon of fresh herbs. If using dried, use one teaspoon. These herbs make a classic herb roasted cod. They pair beautifully with the garlic and lemon. *Fun fact: parsley is a great source of vitamin C!*
Can I use frozen cod for roasted cod?
Yes, you can use frozen cod. Thaw it completely in the fridge first. Pat the fillets very dry with paper towels. This step is important. Wet fish will steam instead of roast. Once dry, treat it just like fresh fish. This tip makes this weeknight fish recipe even more flexible and easy for any night.
What to serve with garlic butter cod?
This baked cod recipe is a complete meal with the roasted tomatoes. For more sides, try fluffy rice or quinoa. They soak up the delicious juices. A simple green salad or steamed green beans also work well. The cod and tomatoes are so flavorful you do not need much else. It is a balanced, satisfying plate.
How do you keep roasted cod from drying out?
Do not overcook it. Use a timer and check at 14 minutes. The butter sauce also protects the fish. It bastes the cod as it cooks. Finally, let it rest for a minute after baking. The fish will finish cooking gently. This keeps your easy baked fish recipe wonderfully moist and flaky every single time.
Which tip will you try first?
A Note From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this simple dish as much as I do. There is nothing better than a tasty, healthy meal that comes together easily. Cooking should bring joy, not stress. This recipe is here to help you feel like a kitchen star.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Tell me how it went in your home. Your stories are my favorite thing to read.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy cooking!
—Elena Rutherford
Garlic Herb Butter Roasted Cod
Description
Herb Roasted Cod with Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 °F.
- In a microwave safe bowl, melt butter. Add lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper and stir to combine.
- Place cod in the center of a shallow baking dish and spread the tomatoes around the edges. Spoon the butter mixture evenly over the cod.
- Bake for 14-20 minutes until cooked through to 145 F and flaky. Serve hot, topped with the roasted tomatoes and juices from the baking dish.
Notes
- Ensure the cod reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption. For a richer flavor, you can use a mix of fresh herbs.