If you’re looking for a wholesome, elegant dish that comes together in a flash yet tastes like a culinary masterpiece, the Baked Cod with Mustard Sauce Recipe is here to delight your taste buds. This dish beautifully showcases tender, flaky cod bathed in a creamy, tangy mustard sauce that’s bursting with flavor from leeks, capers, and fresh parsley. You’ll love how simple ingredients combine to create something truly special—perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a vital role in building the rich layers of flavor and texture in this dish. From the mild cod to the vibrant mix of mustards and fresh herbs, every element brings something essential to the table.
- Cod (4-6 pieces, approx. 1.5 lbs): Use fresh or thawed cod for a tender, flaky base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the fish.
- Sour cream or crème fraîche (1 cup / 200 ml): Adds creaminess and balances the mustard’s tang without overpowering.
- Dijon mustard (3 tbsp): Brings a smooth, robust sharpness that defines the sauce’s character.
- Whole-grain mustard (1 tbsp): Adds texture and a mild pungency with its poppy seeds.
- Leek, white part only, minced (1): Delivers subtle sweetness and a delicate oniony note that complements the fish.
- Drained capers (1 tbsp): Inject a salty, briny punch that elevates the sauce’s complexity.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (1 tbsp): Finishes the dish with a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness.
How to Make Baked Cod with Mustard Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cod
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (210°C). Butter a skillet or shallow baking dish to keep the fish from sticking and to add a subtle richness. Arrange your cod pieces neatly in the dish, giving each a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
Step 2: Mix the Mustard Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream or crème fraîche with the Dijon and whole-grain mustards, minced leek, and drained capers. This mixture is where all the tangy, creamy, and slightly pungent flavors come together, forming a luscious sauce that will cradle each piece of cod perfectly.
Step 3: Coat the Cod with the Sauce
Spoon the mustard sauce evenly over each piece of cod, making sure the fish is well covered. This generous layer will bake into a slightly blistered topping that’s simply irresistible.
Step 4: Bake and Broil Your Baked Cod with Mustard Sauce Recipe
Place the dish in your preheated oven and roast the cod for 10 to 12 minutes. Then switch the oven setting to broil or grill and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This final step caramelizes and slightly crisps the sauce’s surface, giving fantastic texture contrast to the tender fish underneath.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a vibrant pop of color and fresh flavor that brightens the whole dish. Now, you’re ready to serve a wonderful dinner that tastes like it took much longer to prepare than it actually did!
How to Serve Baked Cod with Mustard Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the star garnish here, adding a peppery, fresh note that contrasts with the creamy sauce. Feel free to add lemon wedges on the side—just a squeeze brings a lovely zesty lift that complements the mustard flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Baked Cod with Mustard Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like buttery mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a light green salad to keep the meal balanced and refreshing. Roasted baby potatoes or quinoa also work perfectly, soaking up any extra sauce on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the cod on a bed of sautéed spinach or wilted greens, letting the sauce drizzle over artistically. Individual portions in small ramekins or on rustic wooden boards with crusty bread for dipping make for a charming, casual dinner setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover baked cod with mustard sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken when chilled but will reheat beautifully, maintaining its flavor.
Freezing
While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by tightly wrapping portions in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the cod in an oven-safe dish and warm at 325°F (165°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the texture of the sauce and fish intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cod’s mild flavor and flaky texture are ideal, you can substitute with haddock, pollock, or even halibut—just adjust cooking times according to thickness.
Is it necessary to use both Dijon and whole-grain mustard?
Using both adds layers of flavor and texture—the smooth Dijon offers sharpness, while the whole-grain mustard provides bursts of tang and crunchy seeds for interest. But feel free to use just one if that’s what you have.
Can I prepare the mustard sauce in advance?
Yes, you can mix the sauce several hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just give it a quick stir before spreading it over the cod to make sure the flavors are well combined.
How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque all the way through. The sauce should be lightly browned and bubbly on top, which happens during the broil step.
What can I do if I don’t have crème fraîche or sour cream?
You can substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a similar creamy tang, but add it after baking to avoid curdling during high heat. Alternatively, crème fraîche or sour cream works best for the authentic creaminess.
Final Thoughts
Trying out the Baked Cod with Mustard Sauce Recipe will quickly become one of your favorite no-fuss dinners that never feel boring. With its creamy tangy sauce and perfectly baked fish, it’s a dish that comforts and excites your palate all at once. I encourage you to dive in, try it soon, and enjoy every luscious bite with family or friends!
Print
Baked Cod with Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Baked Cod with Mustard Sauce recipe offers a deliciously creamy and tangy topping featuring Dijon and whole-grain mustards combined with sour cream, leeks, and capers. Perfectly roasted cod fillets become tender and flaky under a slightly blistered mustard sauce, making a quick and elegant meal ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4–6 cod pieces, approximately 1.5 lbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mustard Sauce
- 1 cup / 200 ml sour cream or creme fraiche
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp whole-grain mustard
- 1 leek, white part only, minced
- 1 tbsp drained capers
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 425°F (210°C) to prepare for roasting the cod.
- Prepare the baking dish. Butter a skillet or a shallow baking dish to prevent sticking and arrange the cod pieces evenly in a single layer. Season the fish with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make the mustard sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream or creme fraiche, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, minced leek, and drained capers. Mix until well combined.
- Apply the sauce to the fish. Spoon the mustard sauce mixture over each piece of cod, ensuring an even layer that fully coats the fish.
- Roast the cod. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 10-12 minutes, allowing the fish to cook through and absorb flavors from the sauce.
- Broil to finish. Change the oven setting to broil or grill. Broil the cod for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce is slightly blistered and golden.
- Garnish and serve. Remove from the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top, and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Use fresh cod for best texture and flavor; frozen cod can be used but should be thawed completely and patted dry.
- If creme fraiche is unavailable, sour cream is a perfect substitute without altering the taste significantly.
- Adjust mustard quantity based on your preference for tanginess.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the cod pieces.
