Baking cod is a simple, delicious way to enjoy this popular fish. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a tasty meal that’s sure to impress.

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) and give it time to heat up while you prepare the cod.

2. Select your cod: Choose fresh, high-quality cod fillets that are firm and free of any unpleasant odors.

3. Rinse and pat dry: Wash the cod fillets under cold water and gently pat them dry with a paper towel.

4. Prepare a baking dish: Lightly grease a baking dish that’s large enough to hold the cod fillets in a single layer.

5. Season the fillets: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and any other desired spices or seasonings over both sides of each fillet. Some suggestions include garlic powder, paprika, and lemon zest for extra flavor.

6. Add liquid: Pour about ¼ cup of liquid into the baking dish – this can be white wine, vegetable broth, or simply water – which will help keep the fish moist during cooking.

7. Arrange the cod: Lay the seasoned fillets in the prepared dish, making sure they don’t overlap.

8. Top with butter or oil: Add small chunks of butter or drizzle olive oil over each fillet for added flavor and moisture as they cook.

9. Add aromatics: If desired, add ingredients like sliced garlic or onions, lemon wedges, fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill), capers, or olives around and on top of the fish for extra taste.

10. Cover with foil: Loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap steam in while cooking and help retain moisture in the fish.

11. Bake the cod: Place the covered dish on a middle rack in your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

12. Check for doneness: The internal temperature of cooked cod should reach 145°F (63°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.

13. Uncover and broil (optional): For a crispy topping, remove the foil and broil the fish for an additional 2-3 minutes or until lightly browned on top.

14. Serve and enjoy: Remove the cod from the oven, allowing it to cool slightly, then serve it alongside your favorite side dishes – like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad.

There you have it! By following these 14 steps, you can enjoy perfectly baked cod every time. This healthy and versatile dish is sure to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.