There’s something about a dish like Baked Honey Marinade Cod that slips right into your dinner routine like an old friend. For me, this recipe became a staple on those busy weeknights when I wanted something satisfying but quick. The first time I nailed the balance between sweet honey and savory soy flavors, I knew I had a make-again recipe that would never disappoint. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but doesn’t need hours or a fancy ingredient list.
In my kitchen, Baked Honey Marinade Cod fits seamlessly alongside my usual weeknight lineup. It pairs perfectly with simple sides, and the whole family loves the honey glazed cod’s natural sweetness. There’s a comforting warmth when the fish is baking in the oven, the house filling with those aromatic notes of honey soy goodness. It’s honest cooking, but it tastes like a treat.
If you’re looking for a baked cod recipe that’s easy to master but delivers dependable flavor every time, this is your answer. I hope this Baked Honey Marinade Cod inspires you to dig in with confidence, knowing it will turn out just right—sweet, tender, and full of flavor. Trust me, it’s worth having this one stashed in your recipe box.
What You’ll Need for This Baked Honey Marinade Cod:
Getting the ingredients ready for this Baked Honey Marinade Cod keeps things simple and budget-friendly. Here’s what I use every time:
- 1.5 pounds cod fillets (fresh or thawed if frozen; opt for thicker cuts for even baking)
- 3 tablespoons honey (raw or regular work well; I like a little extra for that signature honey glazed cod finish)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (for that rich umami kick in the honey soy cod marinade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any neutral oil, like avocado – both keep the fish moist)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (fresh whenever possible; garlic powder can substitute in a pinch)
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (adds a subtle zing, but ground ginger will work if that’s what you have)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Don’t have fresh ginger? No worries. Ground ginger is a fine, easy swap in this recipe, and your baked honey marinade cod will still taste great. You can find all these ingredients at most grocery stores, and since this recipe uses simple pantry staples, it’s an economical option too.
Quick kitchen tip: Measure and prep your marinade ingredients ahead of time. It speeds up the assembly when you’re ready to get cooking. Plus, storing cod properly before cooking matters—keep it in the coldest part of your fridge and use within 24 hours of buying, or freeze if you’re prepping ahead.
This Baked Honey Marinade Cod keeps ingredients simple because good cooking should be accessible, and that’s what makes it so reliable for me.

How to Make This Baked Honey Marinade Cod:
Cooking this Baked Honey Marinade Cod is straightforward, and I’m here to guide you through every step. From start to finish, about 30 minutes is all you need.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures oven baked cod fillets cook evenly and develop a lovely glaze on top.
- Mix your marinade by combining honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl. This sweet marinade fish base is where all the magic begins.
- Pat your cod fillets dry with a paper towel—this step helps the marinade stick better and the fish to bake nicely.
- Place the cod in a baking dish and pour the marinade over the top, making sure each fillet is coated well. You can even spoon some marinade underneath the fish for extra flavor.
- Let the cod marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature if you have the time. This step really plumps up the flavors, but you can skip it and still have delicious baked cod.
- Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing as the honey soy cod caramelizes slightly but stays tender inside.
If your baked honey marinade cod looks opaque and flakes easily when you test it with a fork, you’re spot on. Be careful not to overcook though—the fish can dry out quickly.
While your cod roasts, this is a perfect moment to prep a quick side or tidy the kitchen. Multitasking pays off here.
This is the step where patience pays off with your baked honey marinade cod, so trust the process and enjoy that lovely aroma filling your home.
Serving Your Baked Honey Marinade Cod:
When it comes to serving your baked honey marinade cod, I like to keep things simple so the flavors shine.
This dish truly shines when paired with steamed white rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the sweet marinade fish sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables, especially green beans or broccoli, bring balance with their fresh bite.
For a bit of crunch, a side of toasted sesame seeds sprinkled over the top complements the honey soy cod beautifully.
I often serve this oven baked cod fillets dish on cozy weeknights or casual dinner parties. The sweet marinade fish feel makes it special without fuss.

Leftovers? They’re great flaked into warm asian slaw or tossed into a salad with a splash of sesame oil for a quick lunch.
Seasonally, I’ve tried garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions which brighten up the dish in spring or summer months.
My family and friends always ask for this baked honey marinade cod whenever it’s on the menu—it’s a recipe that brings everyone to the table.
If you enjoy this, you might love another honey-soy inspired meal like my sticky honey garlic thighs for a different but just as satisfying flavor.
Common Questions About This Baked Honey Marinade Cod:
- Can I make parts of this baked honey marinade cod ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade up to a day ahead and keep it sealed in the fridge. Marinate the cod for 10-15 minutes just before baking. This helps keep the fish fresh while saving time on busy days.
- What’s a good substitute for soy sauce in this recipe? Tamari or coconut aminos are great soy-free swaps, keeping the sweet marinade fish flavor in balance without the soy.
- How can I adjust this baked honey marinade cod for more or fewer people? Simply multiply or divide the marinade ingredients and cod fillet quantity. The ratios stay the same, so scaling up or down is easy.
- Why does my cod sometimes turn out dry? Overbaking is the usual culprit. Remember, cod cooks fast. When it flakes easily but still looks moist inside, it’s done.
- Can I use frozen cod fillets? Yes! Just thaw them thoroughly and pat dry before marinating. Frozen cod works well in this honey glazed cod recipe.
- Do you have any tips for a stronger honey flavor? I like to add an extra tablespoon of honey into the marinade if I want it sweeter or drizzle a little honey on top before serving.
- Any recipe variations you recommend? For a twist, try adding a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of chili flakes to your marinade. It adds a subtle tang or heat that pairs beautifully with the sweet marinade fish profile.
If you want more inspiration, check out this Korean Miso and Honey Glazed Cod {20 minute meal}. It has a lovely miso touch that pairs well with this style of cooking. Also, Nobu’s Miso-Marinated Black Cod Recipe is fantastic for silky, buttery baked cod if you want to try a gourmet spin.
Final Thoughts on This Baked Honey Marinade Cod:
This baked honey marinade cod has a special place in my recipe collection because it’s a reliable, easy dish that always feels like a little celebration at home. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or someone who’s made it a hundred ways, this honey soy cod brings comfort and sweetness together in a way that just makes weeknights better.
My Top Tips for This Baked Honey Marinade Cod include:
- Pat your cod dry before marinating for best flavor soak-in.
- Don’t skip the marinating step if time allows—it amps up that honey glazed cod taste.
- Keep a close eye during baking to avoid drying out your oven baked cod fillets.
For some fun variations, I love adding chili flakes for heat, swapping in a splash of orange juice for citrus brightness, or topping with fresh herbs like cilantro.
The version I get asked for most is the classic sweet marinade fish style—honey, soy, garlic, and ginger—which is easy but utterly satisfying.
I hope you enjoy making this baked honey marinade cod as much as my family does. It’s a recipe that fits right into your kitchen without extra fuss, and the results make you proud.
For more easy weeknight favorites, you might want to try my honey garlic chicken thighs or baked sweet chili wings. They share that same comforting, sweet-savory vibe and are great alongside your baked honey marinade cod.
Give this recipe a try with confidence—you’ve got this. Happy cooking, friends!
P.S. If you want to see other takes on honey-glazed cod, Marisa Moore’s honey garlic black cod with broccoli is another great dish with a similar flavor profile and healthy vibes. Just a little more veggie love on the side!
Enjoy every bite!
Baked Honey Marinade Cod
Delight in tender cod fillets baked to perfection with a sweet and tangy honey marinade that enhances the natural flavors of the fish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, ginger, and lemon juice.
- Place the cod fillets in a baking dish and season with salt and black pepper.
- Pour the honey marinade over the cod, ensuring each fillet is well coated.
- Let the fish marinate for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
- Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For a complete meal, serve this cod with steamed vegetables and a side of jasmine rice or quinoa.

