Baked Regional-Spiced Cod with Citrus and Herb Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender cod fillets baked with a fragrant regional spice mix, served alongside a fresh citrus and herb salad. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (5 oz each) cod fillets, olive oil, paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Rub 2 tbsp olive oil evenly over 4 cod fillets (5 oz each), then sprinkle the spice mixture on both sides of each fillet.
  3. Step 3: Place fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a medium bowl combine 1 cup orange segments, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion. Toss gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Serve each cod fillet topped with a generous spoonful of the citrus and herb salad.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Regional-Spiced Cod with Citrus and Herb Salad take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Regional-Spiced Cod with Citrus and Herb Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (5 oz each) cod fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Regional-Spiced Cod with Citrus and Herb Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Regional-Spiced Cod with Citrus and Herb Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Regional-Spiced Cod with Citrus and Herb Salad?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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