Baked Cod for One

This Baked Cod for One recipe is a quick and healthy single-serving meal featuring tender, flaky cod with roasted cherry tomatoes and a flavorful butter and herb topping. Perfect for low-calorie dinners, this easy baked fish recipe takes under 20 minutes and is ideal for simple weeknight cooking. With minimal ingredients including cod, garlic, tarragon, and fresh lemon, it’s a light and nutritious option for anyone looking for easy fish recipes, quick seafood dinners, or healthy single-serving meals.

Ingredients

• 1 (6-ounce) cod fillet
• 9 cherry or grape tomatoes (about ½ cup)
• 1 tablespoon salted butter, at room temperature
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅛ teaspoon dried tarragon
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 lemon slices
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Heat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 5×7-inch baking dish. Place the cod fillet in the center and arrange the cherry tomatoes around it.
3. Make the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic powder, dried tarragon, salt, and pepper.
4. Add Flavor to the Fish: Spread the butter mixture evenly over the cod fillet. Place two lemon slices on top of the fish and drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes.
5. Bake: Bake for 15–17 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked cod recipe is simple, light, and full of flavor. It’s perfect for a quick, healthy single-serving meal that requires minimal preparation while delivering tender, flaky fish paired with juicy roasted tomatoes.

Tips

• Pat the cod dry before baking for a better texture.
• Use fresh lemon slices for extra brightness.
• Place the baking dish on a sheet pan to catch any juices for easier cleanup.

Variations and Substitutions

• Replace cod with haddock, tilapia, or other white fish fillets.
• Swap tarragon for dill, thyme, or parsley for a different herb flavor.
• Use unsalted butter and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a more colorful dish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, just thaw it completely before baking for even cooking.

How can I tell when the fish is done?
The fish is ready when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the butter mixture and assemble the dish in advance, but bake just before serving for best results.

Serving

• Serve warm with a side of steamed vegetables, quinoa, or rice.
• Pair with a light salad for a complete low-calorie meal.

Suggestions

• Drizzle a little extra lemon juice over the baked fish before serving.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and color.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up any juices from the tomatoes and butter.