Baked Cod Fillets
Baked cod fillets topped with a rich tomato-based sauce flavored with onions, celery, thyme, and a touch of sweetness, perfect for a hearty, flavorful seafood meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion and celery in butter until golden.
- Add crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, thyme, brown sugar, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to the sautéed vegetables.
- Simmer the sauce covered for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the fish fillets into serving pieces and place in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the sauce over the fish pieces.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the fish flakes easily.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting olive oil for butter or adding minced garlic to the sautéed vegetables. If fresh fish isn't available, frozen fillets work well too—just ensure they're fully thawed before baking. Adjust seasoning to your taste, and feel free to experiment with herbs like parsley or dill for a fresh twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked cod fillets over a bed of rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A crisp green salad pairs wonderfully, and a drizzle of lemon juice can enhance the flavors. This dish also complements seafood recipes like Seafood Turnovers or Baked Fish With Sour Cream for a varied dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the cod in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the fish's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Cod Fillets contains roughly 238 calories, with 6g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (144% of the Daily Value), iron (82% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1301mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cod, haddock, and halibut are recommended, you can use any firm white fish. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as thinner fillets may cook faster. Experimenting with different types of fish can lead to exciting flavor variations.
What can I serve with baked cod fillets?
Baked cod fillets pair beautifully with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a light quinoa salad. You might also consider crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. These options enhance the meal and balance the flavors of the dish.
How do I know when the fish is done cooking?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is ideal for cooked fish. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent overcooking, which can make the fish dry.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).