Effortless Oven-Baked Fish (Easy & Flavorful Cod Recipe)
This effortless baked fish recipe is all about simplicity, flavor, and minimal cleanup. Using tender fish fillets baked to perfection, the dish highlights a well-balanced dry seasoning blend with smoky, mildly spicy notes that enhance the natural taste of the fish without overpowering it. It’s an ideal option for busy days when you want something wholesome, delicious, and stress-free.
The recipe uses basic pantry spices like dry mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, combined with oil to create a flavorful rub. An optional buttery cracker-and-parsley crust can be added for extra texture, but the fish is just as delicious served plain. Baked gently in the oven, this dish delivers moist, flaky fish with very little effort.
Effortless Oven-Baked Fish (Easy & Flavorful Cod Recipe)
Course: MainCuisine: Fusion / AmericanDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes20
minutes220
kcalIngredients
Fish fillets (cod or any preferred fish)
Oil (for fish and baking dish)
Dry mustard
Smoked paprika
Ground black pepper
Red pepper flakes
Salt
Crackers (optional, for topping)
Fresh parsley (optional)
Butter (optional, for crumb topping)
Directions
- Prepare the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine dry mustard, smoked paprika, ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix well to create a dry seasoning blend. Feel free to adjust spices based on your preference. - Prepare the Fish
Choose any fish fillet you like; cod works especially well. Pat the fish dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Drizzle oil over both sides of the fillets to help the seasoning adhere. - Season the Fish
Sprinkle the dry seasoning generously over both sides of the fish. Use your hands to rub the seasoning evenly into the fillets, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor. - Make the Optional Crumb Topping (Optional)
Crush crackers until they form coarse crumbs. Add chopped fresh parsley. In a skillet, melt butter and mix it with the cracker crumbs and parsley just until combined. Do not cook—this step is only to help the crumbs bind together. - Assemble for Baking
Lightly oil a baking dish to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned fish fillets in the dish. If using the crumb topping, gently press it onto the top of one or more fillets. - Bake the Fish
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the fish is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork. - Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and serve immediately. The fish should be moist, flaky, and full of flavor with minimal cleanup required.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For best results, always pat the fish dry before seasoning to help the spices stick and ensure even baking.
