5-Star Baked Honey Marinated Cod That Melts Hearts Recipe
Introduction
This baked honey marinated cod is a sweet and savory dish that’s simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful. Tender cod fillets are drenched in a luscious honey-soy marinade and baked to perfection, creating a caramelized glaze that melts in your mouth. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special without any fuss.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Marinade. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, lemon juice, and thyme until smooth and fragrant. Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste.
- Step 2: Marinate the Cod. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the marinade evenly over the fillets, ensuring they are fully coated. Let them marinate for 15 minutes without stirring.
- Step 3: Bake to Perfection. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the marinated cod uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until the edges are caramelized and the fish flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking to keep the fish moist.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for brighter flavor.
- Substitute dried thyme with fresh thyme for a more herbaceous note.
- Lightly oil your measuring spoon before measuring honey to make it slide off easily.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance the sweetness.
Storage
Store leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be repurposed cold in salads or sandwiches the next day.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, this marinade works well with other firm white fish like halibut, haddock, or tilapia. Adjust baking time depending on thickness of the fillets.
Do I need to marinate the fish for longer?
Fifteen minutes is ideal to allow the flavors to infuse without breaking down the delicate texture of the cod. Longer marinating can make the fish mushy.
Print5-Star Baked Honey Marinated Cod That Melts Hearts Recipe
This 5 Star Baked Honey Marinated Cod recipe combines sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and aromatic herbs to create tender, flaky fish with a beautifully caramelized glaze. Simple yet elegant, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, offering a restaurant-quality seafood dish that melts hearts with every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Baked Honey Marinated Cod
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each), thick and fresh
- 3 tbsp honey, good quality
- 2 tbsp soy sauce, regular or low-sodium
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic, freshly minced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium glass or ceramic bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, lemon juice, and dried thyme until smooth and fragrant, about 30 seconds. Taste carefully and adjust sweetness or tang as desired.
- Marinate the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to help the marinade adhere. Arrange fillets in a single layer in a 9×13 glass baking dish. Pour the marinade evenly over each fillet, ensuring full coating. Let marinate for 15 minutes without peeking to allow flavors to infuse without softening the fish.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during marination. Bake the uncovered dish for 15-20 minutes, depending on fillet thickness. The fish is ready when edges caramelize slightly and it flakes easily with a fork at the thickest part. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness; the honey glaze should bubble and create a delicious crust.
Notes
- Lightly oiling the measuring spoon before adding honey helps it slide off easily.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor impact.
- Marinating longer than 15 minutes can make the fish mushy due to the acidic lemon juice.
- Check fish early for doneness if fillets are thinner than 6 oz to avoid overcooking.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the glaze at its best texture and flavor.
Keywords: baked cod, honey marinated cod, easy seafood recipe, healthy fish dish, baked fish with honey glaze
