Cajun Baked Cod

This easy Cajun Baked Cod comes together with just a few simple ingredients in under 20 minutes! Tender, flaky cod fillets are topped with a buttery Cajun sauce for an easy seafood dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Last week, I spotted cod on sale at the grocery store and immediately added a package to my cart. My hubby LOVES fish dinners, so he took over dinner and whipped up a quick Cajun butter sauce for the cod. Who was I to complain about that, right?!

This Cajun Baked Cod turned out perfectly tender and flaky, and dinner was on the table in under 20 minutes. We served it over my Instant Pot Jasmine Rice with a simple salad, but it’s also delicious with roasted veggies, pasta, or crusty bread. If you love easy seafood dinners with bold Cajun flavor, be sure to add this easy Cajun cod recipe your next meal plan!

Quick Look: Cajun Baked Cod

This easy Cajun Baked Cod is made by coating cod fillets in a buttery Cajun sauce before baking until tender and flaky. Using just a few simple ingredients and ready in under 20 minutes, this is one of our favorite baked cod recipes to make on busy weeknights.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Main Ingredients: Cod fillets, butter, olive oil, garlic, Cajun seasoning, lemon
• Best For: Busy weeknights, easy seafood dinners, high-protein meals

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Ingredient Notes

See the printable recipe card below for exact measurements and full instructions.

• Cod fillets: Fresh or thawed frozen cod both work well. If using frozen cod, thaw completely and pat the fillets dry before adding the Cajun butter sauce.
• Cajun seasoning: Use your favorite store-bought Cajun seasoning blend or homemade seasoning. We typically use Slap Ya Mama, SoLa Cajun, or Chupacabra Cajun Seasoning, but any blend you enjoy will work.
• Butter: Melted butter combines with olive oil, garlic, and Cajun seasoning to create a garlic butter Cajun sauce that keeps the cod tender and flaky while it bakes.

Variations

• Use another white fish: Haddock, pollock, or halibut all work well in place of cod. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
• Try salmon or tilapia: This Cajun butter sauce is just as delicious on salmon or tilapia. Keep an eye on the fish, as the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets. My Lemon Garlic Salmon is another family favorite if you’re looking for an easy seafood dinner.
• Adjust the heat: For a milder flavor, use less Cajun seasoning or choose a mild blend. For spicy baked cod, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the butter sauce.
• Add fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the baked cod just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

How to Make Cajun Baked Cod

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Arrange the lemon slices in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, then place the cod fillets on top. Sprinkle the cod evenly with black pepper.

Step 2. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and Cajun seasoning until well combined.

Step 3. Evenly spoon or brush the Cajun butter sauce over the cod fillets. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part.

Step 4. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables.

Baking Tips

• Pat the cod dry: Removing excess moisture helps the Cajun butter sauce stick better and gives the cod the best texture. If you enjoy baked seafood recipes, my Parmesan Crusted Salmon uses a similar baking method.
• Bake uncovered: This allows the fish to cook evenly while keeping the top lightly golden.
• Don’t overcook: Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Overcooking can make it dry and tough.
• Adjust the cooking time: Thicker cod fillets may need an extra 2-3 minutes, while thinner fillets may cook more quickly.
• Using frozen cod? Thaw the fillets completely and pat them dry before baking for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

This Cajun Baked Cod pairs well with just about any side dish. Here are a few of our family favorites:

• Rice: French Onion Rice, dirty rice, or white rice.
• Vegetables: Bacon Wrapped Green Beans, roasted asparagus, or broccoli.
• Pasta: Amish Buttered Noodles for a simple, comforting side.
• Bread: Garlic Pull Apart Bread is perfect for soaking up the buttery Cajun sauce.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Avoid overcooking, as the fish can dry out.

Cajun Baked Cod Recipe FAQs

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