How Long to Bake Cod in the Oven?

Introduction: The Secret to a Perfect Codfish

Knowing how long to bake codfish in the oven can make all the difference in the success of such a special dish. Although codfish is a classic choice for fancy meals, it can seem challenging for those not used to preparing it.

After all, no one wants the fish to be dry or raw, right? The good news is that with a few simple tips and a practical recipe, you’ll see how easy it is to nail this dish.

Oven-baked codfish combines bold flavor, convenience, and a touch of sophistication, making any occasion even more special.

In this text, I’ll tell you the ideal time to bake codfish, share a delicious recipe, and give several tips to make the preparation even easier and tastier.

Shall we go together?

How Long to Bake Codfish in the Oven?

First of all, the direct answer is: codfish takes about 30 to 40 minutes in a 180ºC oven to bake perfectly. This is the ideal time for it to become tender, juicy, and lightly golden.

However, it’s important to remember that this time can vary slightly depending on some factors, such as the size of the fillets, whether the codfish is already desalted, or if you bake it along with other slower-cooking ingredients like potatoes.

Therefore, the secret is always to keep an eye on it, because if the codfish overcooks, it can lose all its charm and end up dry. So, watch the clock and keep attention on the oven to ensure everything turns out perfect.

Simple Tricks to Get the Codfish Right

Before rushing to the oven, it’s worth taking care of some details that make all the difference. Here are some tricks to help you:

• Desalt the Right Way: If you bought salted codfish, it’s essential to desalinate it calmly. To do this, soak the fillets in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours, changing the water every 6 hours. This process prevents last-minute surprises with excessive salt.
• Don’t Skimp on Olive Oil: Olive oil is practically codfish’s best friend. So, use plenty to drizzle over the fish and sides. This way, you ensure a moist and flavorful dish.
• Even Cooking: If you use potatoes, pre-cook them before assembling the dish. This way, you avoid them being hard while the codfish is perfectly cooked.
• Season with Balance: Remember that codfish already has a strong flavor. So, go all out with sides and seasonings like garlic, onion, and fresh herbs, but use them moderately to avoid masking the fish’s taste.

Easy Oven-Baked Codfish Recipe

Now that you know how long to bake codfish in the oven, how about putting the knowledge into practice? This recipe is quite simple, but the result is so amazing you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of desalted codfish fillets
• 4 medium potatoes sliced
• 2 large onions sliced
• 2 tomatoes sliced
• 1 red bell pepper sliced
• Black olives to taste
• 4 garlic cloves sliced
• Olive oil (generously!)
• Chopped fresh parsley to finish

Preparation Method:

1. Cook the Potatoes: In a pot with water and salt, cook the potatoes until al dente. Then drain and set aside.
2. Assemble the Dish: In a baking tray, make a bed with the potatoes. On top, spread the onions, tomatoes, bell pepper, and garlic. Season with black pepper and drizzle everything generously with olive oil.
3. Add the Codfish: Place the fillets on top of the vegetables, distribute the olives, and finish with another generous drizzle of olive oil.
4. Into the Oven!: Cover the baking tray with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 180ºC oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the aluminum foil and let it brown for another 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Time to Serve: Remove from the oven, finish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately. You can’t go wrong!

If your codfish is in smaller pieces, you can reduce the oven time to 20 to 30 minutes. For large fillets or moister preparations, the time may increase slightly, up to 45 minutes.

The secret is to watch carefully: when the fish is tender and starting to brown, it’s ready!

Finishing with a Special Touch

Besides the time and ingredients, you can add some personal touches to the recipe. Check out some ideas to make the dish even more incredible:

• Fresh Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or even parsley give an amazing aroma.
• Different Sides: Sweet potato, pumpkin, or even chickpeas can replace traditional potatoes.
• Sophisticated Finishing: Drizzle with truffle oil or add crushed nuts at the end. It’s pure charm!

You might also be interested in reading:

What to do when the codfish turns out too salty after cooking?

Conclusion

Knowing better how long to bake codfish in the oven makes it easier to get hands-on, right? With this simple recipe and the tips we’ve shared, you can’t go wrong: the codfish will come out of the oven juicy, tender, and with that special flavor we all love.

Moreover, the best part is that you can adapt it with what you have at home, making the dish your own.

So, how about trying this delicious recipe for your next meal? I’m sure the family will ask for seconds!

See you next time!