Baked Honey Marinade Cod Recipe
Introduction
Baked Honey Marinated Cod is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines the natural sweetness of honey with savory soy sauce and aromatic garlic. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that feels special.

Ingredients
- 1 pound cod fillets, patted dry
- 2 tablespoons liquid honey (mild preferred)
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, olive oil, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Step 3: Season the cod fillets lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides, then place them in a shallow baking dish.
- Step 4: Pour the honey-garlic marinade evenly over the cod fillets, using a spoon to coat each piece well.
- Step 5: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven carefully and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- Use cod fillets of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but you can substitute with ½ teaspoon jarred minced garlic if needed.
- If you don’t have extra virgin olive oil, regular olive oil or avocado oil work well as substitutes.
- Avoid marinating the fish too long in the soy sauce to prevent it from becoming too salty or starting to cook before baking.
Storage
Store any leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal tenderness and flavor.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Yes, mild white fish like haddock, tilapia, or halibut can work well with this honey marinade. Adjust baking time depending on thickness.
What’s the best way to tell when the cod is done?
The cod is done when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overbaking to keep the fish moist and tender.
PrintBaked Honey Marinade Cod Recipe
This baked honey marinated cod recipe is a simple, flavorful dish featuring tender cod fillets glazed with a sweet and savory honey, garlic, and soy sauce marinade. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner, it delivers moist, flaky fish with a beautiful golden glaze baked to perfection in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2-3 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Fish
- 1 pound cod fillets, patted dry
Marinade
- 2 tablespoons liquid honey (mild variety preferred)
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready to bake the cod evenly and quickly.
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the liquid honey, low-sodium soy sauce, extra virgin olive oil, and the finely minced garlic until the sauce is smooth and glossy.
- Season Cod: Lightly sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides of the cod fillets, being careful not to oversalt because the soy sauce adds saltiness.
- Arrange Fillets: Place the seasoned cod fillets in a shallow baking dish to allow even coverage and baking.
- Apply Marinade: Pour the honey-garlic marinade evenly over the cod fillets. Use a spoon to make sure each piece is well coated with the glaze.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the cod for 12 to 15 minutes. Check for doneness by ensuring the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Bake a little longer if needed but avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
- Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the cod from the oven. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Choose cod fillets that are of uniform thickness and have a firm, pearly appearance for even cooking.
- Low-sodium soy sauce is essential to prevent the dish from becoming too salty and allows the honey and garlic flavors to shine.
- Extra virgin olive oil works best, but regular olive oil or avocado oil can be substituted if necessary.
- Fresh garlic provides the best aroma and flavor, but minced garlic from a jar can be used in a pinch (about ½ teaspoon).
- Do not marinate the fish for long periods before baking to avoid the soy sauce cooking the fish prematurely or making it overly salty.
- Watch baking time closely to prevent the cod from drying out; it should flake easily and remain moist.
Keywords: baked cod, honey marinade, healthy fish recipe, quick dinner, honey garlic cod, low sodium, baked fish

