6 Cod Recipes That’ll Make Weeknights Wildly Delicious

Ready to fall back in love with flaky, melt-in-your-mouth cod? These six recipes bring big flavor with minimal fuss, and they’re perfect for busy nights or casual dinner parties. We’re talking crispy, saucy, herby, and a little spicy—aka everything you actually want to eat. Grab a skillet, turn up your favorite playlist, and let’s cook.

1. Crispy Lemon-Garlic Cod You’ll Make on Repeat

This one is your no-brainer weeknight hero: golden-crisp edges, buttery flakes, and a zingy lemon finish. It cooks in one pan and tastes like restaurant fare without the reservation.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lb cod fillets, patted dry
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

Instructions:

1. Mix flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge cod lightly, shaking off excess.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add cod and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Transfer to a plate.
3. Lower heat to medium. Add butter and garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in lemon zest and juice. Spoon sauce over cod and finish with parsley.

Serve with roasted potatoes or a crisp salad. Want extra crunch? Swap flour for panko and pan-fry the same way. Trust me, it’s a keeper.

2. Miso-Ginger Broiled Cod That Tastes Like Takeout, Only Better

Sweet, savory, and caramelized at the edges, this broiled cod is pure umami magic. It’s fast (hello, 10-minute cook time) and pairs with rice like they were meant to be together.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lb cod fillets
• 2 tbsp white miso paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced
• Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Whisk miso, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and sesame oil.
2. Pat cod dry. Spread marinade over fillets and refrigerate 15–30 minutes if you have time.
3. Heat broiler to high. Line a sheet pan with foil and lightly oil.
4. Broil cod 6–8 minutes, until the top is caramelized and fish flakes easily.
5. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

Serve over jasmine rice with steamed bok choy. For heat, add a drizzle of chili crisp. Leftovers make an epic rice bowl with cucumber and avocado.

3. Tomato-Basil Cod in One Skillet (Saucy and Summer-y)

Think bruschetta meets tender cod. This is bright, garlicky, and perfect when you want something saucy without turning on the oven.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lb cod fillets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or broth)
• 1 tbsp capers, drained
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Season cod lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3. Add tomatoes, red pepper flakes, wine, and capers. Simmer 4–5 minutes until tomatoes burst.
4. Nestle cod into the sauce. Cover and cook 5–7 minutes until opaque and flaky.
5. Stir basil into the sauce. Squeeze lemon over the top.

Serve with crusty bread or over orzo to catch every drop. Swap basil for parsley in colder months, or add olives for a briny kick.

4. Smoky Cod Tacos With Lime Slaw (Taco Night, Upgraded)

These tacos bring smoky spice and crunchy, tangy slaw—aka the perfect bite. They come together fast and disappear even faster. Seriously, double the batch if you’re feeding friends.

Ingredients:

• 1.25 lb cod fillets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp mayo
• 1 lime, zest and juice
• Hot sauce, to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Rub onto cod with olive oil.
2. Whisk sour cream, mayo, lime zest, and juice. Toss with cabbage, cilantro, and onion to make slaw.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high. Cook cod 3–4 minutes per side until flaky. Break into large chunks.
4. Warm tortillas. Fill with cod, top with slaw, and a dash of hot sauce.

Add avocado slices or pickled jalapeños for extra flair. For a grill version, cook the cod on a well-oiled grate and char the tortillas over the flame.

5. Herb-Crusted Baked Cod With Dijon and Panko

This is that elegant, zero-stress dinner: crisp, herby crust on top, buttery fish underneath. It bakes in under 15 minutes and feels fancy without trying too hard.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lb cod fillets
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped dill (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment.
2. Mix Dijon, mayo, and lemon zest. Spread thinly over cod.
3. In a bowl, combine panko, parsley, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Press onto the cod to form a crust.
4. Bake 10–14 minutes, until crust is golden and fish flakes easily.

Serve with a green veg and mashed potatoes, or keep it light with lemony asparagus. Add grated Parmesan to the panko for extra savoriness.

6. Cozy Cod Chowder With Corn and Bacon

When you want comfort in a bowl, this chowder brings creaminess without being heavy. It’s smoky from bacon, sweet from corn, and full of tender cod bites.

Ingredients:

• 1.25 lb cod, cut into 1-inch chunks
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 rib celery, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups diced potatoes (Yukon gold)
• 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 3 cups seafood or chicken broth
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 tsp thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chives or parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pot, cook bacon over medium until crisp. Remove to a plate; keep drippings.
2. Add butter, onion, celery, and carrot. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened; add garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Stir in potatoes, corn, broth, bay leaf, and thyme. Simmer 10–12 minutes until potatoes are just tender.
4. Add cod and half-and-half. Simmer gently 4–6 minutes until fish is cooked. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Top with bacon and herbs to serve.

Crusty bread on the side is non-negotiable. For a lighter version, swap half-and-half for milk and mash a few potatoes to naturally thicken.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cod Every Time

• Buy fresh or frozen: Frozen cod is great—just thaw and pat very dry for better browning.
• Don’t overcook: Cod is done when it flakes easily and turns opaque. Aim for 130–135°F internal.
• Season simply: Salt early to draw out surface moisture; pat dry again before cooking.

There you have it—six wildly tasty ways to turn humble cod into dinner magic. Pick one tonight, and don’t be surprised when it sneaks into your weekly rotation. Happy cooking!