5-Star Baked Honey Marinated Cod That Melts Hearts Recipe
This 5 Star Baked Honey Marinated Cod is a sweet and savory seafood dish featuring fresh cod fillets marinated in a rich blend of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and herbs, then baked to create a beautifully caramelized glaze that melts in your mouth.
- Author: Mia
- 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
- Diet: Low Fat
Cod Fillets
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each), thick and fresh
Marinade
- 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)
- 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 thyme until smooth and fragrant, about 30 seconds. Taste and adjust by adding more honey for sweetness or lemon juice for tang if desired.
- Marinate the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to help the marinade adhere better. Arrange fillets in a single layer in a 9×13 inch glass baking dish. Pour the marinade evenly over the fish, ensuring each fillet is thoroughly coated. Let the fish marinate for 15 minutes without uncovering or moving it.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) while the fish marinates. Once ready, place the baking dish uncovered in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on fillet thickness. The cod is done when the edges caramelize slightly and the fish flakes easily at the thickest part with a fork. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
Notes
- Use thick, fresh cod fillets to ensure the best texture after baking.
- Lightly oil the measuring spoon before measuring honey to prevent sticking.
- Do not marinate the fish for longer than 15 minutes to avoid mushy texture.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice greatly improves the flavor compared to bottled.
- If you have fresh thyme on hand, use 1 tablespoon instead of 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- Serve immediately after baking for best taste and texture.
Keywords: baked cod, honey marinated cod, seafood recipe, healthy fish dish, easy baked fish, caramelized honey cod