Baked Cajun Garlic Butter Cod

This Cajun Baked Cod Recipe is a quick and easy dinner that delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your own kitchen. Tender, flaky cod is baked to perfection in a rich Cajun garlic butter sauce that adds just the right amount of spice and depth. With only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a healthy, flavorful meal on the table in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a light weeknight dinner or a seafood dish to impress guests, this recipe is the perfect choice.

Ingredients

• 3 cod filets, cut in half
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cajun Garlic Butter Sauce:

• ¼ cup unsalted melted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare Cod: Arrange the cod filets in the baking dish and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and Cajun seasoning until fully combined.
4. Coat the Fish: Brush the sauce evenly over the cod filets, ensuring each piece is well coated.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices, and serve immediately.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving Suggestions: Serve Cajun Baked Cod with sides that balance its bold, spicy flavor. Great options include steamed vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or roasted asparagus. You can also serve it over pasta tossed with olive oil and lemon for a light seafood meal.
• Garnish Options: Fresh parsley, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of paprika enhance both flavor and presentation.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the fish from drying out.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked cod in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently before serving.

Variations

1. Lemon Cajun Cod – Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a zesty brightness.
2. Spicy Cajun Cod – Increase the Cajun seasoning to 2 tablespoons for extra heat.
3. Honey Butter Cajun Cod – Mix 1 tablespoon of honey into the butter sauce for a sweet-spicy glaze.
4. Creamy Cajun Cod – Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream before baking for a silky sauce.
5. Cajun Parmesan Cod – Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the filets before baking for a crispy, cheesy topping.
6. Garlic Herb Cod – Add fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and basil to the sauce for a more aromatic flavor.
7. Smoky Paprika Cod – Replace Cajun seasoning with smoked paprika for a deep, smoky twist.
8. Cajun Lemon Butter Cod with Shrimp – Add peeled shrimp to the baking dish for a hearty seafood combo.
9. Cajun Veggie Bake – Bake cod with sliced bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for a one-pan meal.
10. Bacon-Wrapped Cajun Cod – Wrap each filet in a slice of bacon before baking for a smoky, savory finish.
11. Cajun Lime Cod – Substitute lemon with lime juice and zest for a tangy, tropical touch.
12. Cajun Panko Crusted Cod – Coat the cod in panko breadcrumbs mixed with Cajun seasoning for a crispy exterior.
13. Blackened Cajun Cod – Sear the cod in a hot skillet before baking for a restaurant-style blackened finish.
14. Coconut Cajun Cod – Add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a mild, creamy island-inspired version.
15. Cajun Butter Cod Tacos – Flake the baked cod and serve in tortillas with cabbage slaw and spicy mayo for Cajun fish tacos.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
   Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking to avoid excess moisture.
2. What other fish can I use instead of cod?
   You can substitute haddock, tilapia, or halibut—they all work beautifully with this Cajun butter sauce.
3. How do I know when cod is done baking?
   The fish is done when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork, usually around 15 minutes at 400°F.
4. Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
   Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of your filets.
5. Is Cajun seasoning spicy?
   It has a mild to moderate heat level. You can adjust the spice by using more or less Cajun seasoning.
6. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
   Yes, but reduce or skip any added salt to prevent the dish from being too salty.
7. What’s the best side dish to serve with Cajun Baked Cod?
   Rice, roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad pair perfectly.
8. Can I make the Cajun butter sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, mix it up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Melt slightly before brushing over the fish.
9. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   Use dairy-free butter or olive oil instead of butter for a completely dairy-free option.
10. How can I reduce the spice level for kids?
    Use half the Cajun seasoning or mix it with paprika and garlic powder for a milder version.

This Cajun Baked Cod is a flavorful, effortless dish that turns simple ingredients into something truly special. The combination of butter, garlic, and Cajun spices creates a bold, savory flavor that perfectly complements the mild, flaky cod. It’s ideal for busy nights when you want something healthy yet satisfying. Pair it with steamed vegetables, rice, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal everyone will love. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor—this recipe will quickly become a weeknight favorite.

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