Not sure how to put your cod fillets to use? Feast your eyes (and your tastebuds) on the 8 best frozen cod recipes for an easy and healthy dinner.
Cod is a healthy and mild-tasting fish that deliciously absorbs the flavors of whatever it’s cooked with. Far cheaper than salmon, cod provides similar nutritional benefits and that same tender, flaky texture. Frozen cod fillets are perfect for quick and delicious meals that can be prepared in the oven, slow cooker or air fryer.
Another great thing about cod is that it can be cooked straight out of the freezer. You can have a wholesome and satisfying dish on the table without the hassle of defrosting.
Can You Bake Frozen Cod Without Thawing?
If you’ll be using the oven, don’t worry about defrosting frozen cod fillets. Besides being more convenient, frozen fillets have the added benefit of being less prone to overcooking. If a recipe calls for fresh cod, just add ten minutes to the cooking time.
How Do You Saute Cod From Frozen?
You can also prepare frozen cod on the stovetop. Brush both sides of the fillet with your preferred cooking oil and dry rub with salt and seasonings. In an uncovered nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, sauté each side of the fish for about three minutes, until it’s nice and brown. Reduce the heat and cover the skillet. Cook for an additional 6-8 minutes, until the flesh is flaky and opaque.
Tips and Tricks for Cooking Frozen Cod
- Avoid rinsing frozen cod fillets before cooking. This is an unnecessary step that can actually compromise the taste of the fish. You can put the fillets in the oven or air fryer straight out of the freezer.
- When it comes to frozen fish fillets, the thinner the better. This allows for more even cooking and a better tasting meal. Thicker cuts may end up being undercooked in the middle.
- The FDA recommends cooking fish to an internal temperature of 145˚F. When your cod fillets are ready, they’ll flake easily when tested with a fork. The flesh should be fully opaque. Translucent sections aren’t fully cooked.
Best Frozen Cod Recipes
Broiled Cod
When you’re short on time, reach for some cod filets and prepare this flavorful pescatarian meal. Broiled cod is cooked with melted butter, garlic and fresh lemon juice for a simple dish that’s sure to please.
Lemon Garlic Sous Vide Cod
The sous vide method allows you to cook cod fillets with precision. The result is a delicate texture and a delectable infusion of lemon and garlic flavors. Serve with your favorite sides for a satisfying dinner.
Air Fryer Frozen Fish Fillets
We all love the air fryer for its ability to create delicious meals with low effort. Even without using oil, you’ll find that the fish fillets come out perfectly crispy. Enjoy these fillets in sandwiches with tartar sauce, lettuce and tomatoes.
Lemon Garlic Baked Cod
Cod fillets are lightly brushed with a lemon butter sauce, topped with capers, then baked to perfection in this 30-minute recipe. You’ll love how the fish comes out incredibly tender and full of flavor.
Cooking Cod From Frozen: 3 Ways To Get Perfect Results
Don’t you hate when dinner is delayed because you forgot to defrost? You’ll be glad to know that cod fillets can be taken out of the freezer and cooked right away. Here are three easy ways to do it!
Air Fryer Frozen Cod
Tired of chicken? Add some variety to your weeknight dinner menu with this healthy and flavorful cod recipe. Using the air fryer, cod fillets come out tender and sumptuous, with the delicate flavors of lemon and garlic.
Simple Garlic Butter Cod Fillets
Here’s a simple one-pot recipe that’s full of flavor. Frozen cod fillets are sautéed in a tasty garlic butter sauce and served with your favorite side dishes.
Potato And Cod Soup
Can’t decide what’s for dinner? For chilly nights, this Potato and Cod Soup provides warmth, nourishment, and a healthy serving of veggies.
How to Thaw Frozen Cod
Although it’s not always necessary to defrost frozen cod, doing it does help to reduce cooking time. Fill a bowl with cold water and submerge the cod fillets. Replace the cold water every 30 minutes and flip the fish over. The fillets should be fully thawed in about an hour.
Best Frozen Cod Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 pound cod filets
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley minced
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler. Pat the cod with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Melt the butter over medium-high heat in a 12-inch cast iron or oven-proof skillet. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Stir in the lemon juice and zest.
- Place the cod filets in the pan and cook for 1 minute. Carefully turn the cod to the other side using tongs.
- Place the skillet about 4-6 inches from the broiler. Broil for about 6-9 minutes or until the internal temperature of the cod reaches 145°F.
- Garnish with the parsley and serve.
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