This Maple Dijon Baked Cod is one of those no-fuss, all-flavor kind of dinners that makes weeknights feel just a little more special. It’s sweet, savory, and silky all at once—and it comes together in under 30 minutes! Trust me, if you’ve got picky eaters or last-minute guests, this recipe is your secret weapon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When I was working as a personal chef, I used to make this dish for a client who wanted something light but still luxurious—and let me tell you, it became a weekly request. Now it’s a go-to in my home kitchen, too.
- Only 6 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep
- Perfect balance of sweet and tangy
- Bakes in under 20 minutes
- Impressive enough for guests, easy enough for Tuesday night
- Pairs beautifully with rice, roasted veggies, or a simple salad
Ingredients Breakdown
Essentials
- 4 cod fillets (about 5-6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pro Tips
- Use wild-caught cod for best flavor and texture
- Swap maple syrup for honey in a pinch—it’ll still taste amazing
- Dijon adds the perfect tang—don’t use regular yellow mustard
- Lining your baking dish with parchment makes cleanup extra easy
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease or line a baking dish.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them in the dish, skin-side down if applicable.
- In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Spoon the sauce evenly over each piece of cod, making sure they’re nicely coated.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque.
- Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a golden top.
- Garnish with parsley or lemon zest if desired, and serve immediately.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overbake the cod—it should flake easily but stay moist
- Make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Double the sauce if you like things extra saucy (I’m guilty of this!)
- This recipe works beautifully with salmon or halibut as well
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Add a teaspoon of whole-grain mustard for texture
- Top with chopped pecans before baking for a nutty crunch
- Serve over wild rice, mashed potatoes, or couscous
- Pair with roasted asparagus or green beans for a complete meal
- Turn into a salad plate: flake leftover cod over mixed greens with vinaigrette
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry so the sauce sticks well and the fish bakes evenly.
What can I use instead of cod?
Halibut, haddock, or even salmon work great with this glaze. Just adjust the baking time based on thickness.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can whisk the sauce in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just pour it over the fish and pop it in the oven.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (5-6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a baking dish.
- Place cod fillets in the dish. Whisk together mustard, syrup, oil, and lemon.
- Coat cod with the sauce, season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until fish flakes easily.
- Optional: Broil for a golden finish. Serve warm.
Nutrition: 230 calories per serving
Made this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below, snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @thekitchensaid. Sharing is caring—go ahead and pin it for later or send it to a friend who needs a new weeknight favorite!
