DinnerEasyFlare-FriendlyGluten-FreeDairy-Free

Baked Cod with Herbs

Flaky cod with a golden herb crust and just a hint of lemon—mild, lean protein that's ready in 25 minutes. At 0g fiber and just 6g fat per serving, this is one of the gentlest protein sources many of us reach for during active flares.

Baked Cod with Herbs
Total Time
25m
Servings
4
Calories
185
Fiber
0g
Protein
32g
Carbs
2g
Fat
6g
Best ForSafe for Crohn's & UC
Active FlareRecoveringRemissionStricturePost-Op (Late)J-Pouch

Watch Out For

lemon juicemild

Acidity may irritate active inflammation, mouth sores, or esophageal sensitivity

Tip: Reduce to 1 teaspoon or omit entirely—the garlic-infused oil and herbs provide plenty of flavor without acidity.

black peppermild

Some find spices irritating during active flares

Tip: Omit if you're sensitive to spices. The cod is flavorful with just salt and herbs.

Ingredients

  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP
  • Low FODMAP

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

    400°F (200°C)Equipment: rimmed baking sheet, parchment paper
  2. Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a golden surface.

    Equipment: paper towels
    Tip: Thorough drying is essential—surface moisture prevents the golden crust from forming
  3. Arrange fillets on the prepared baking sheet with at least 1 inch of space between each piece for even cooking.

  4. In a small bowl, whisk together garlic-infused olive oil and lemon juice (if using) until well combined.

    Equipment: small bowl, whisk
  5. Drizzle the oil mixture evenly over each fillet. Use a pastry brush or the back of a spoon to coat the tops completely.

    Equipment: pastry brush
  6. Sprinkle thyme, dill, salt, and black pepper (if using) evenly over the fillets.

  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the fish flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork and the thickest part is opaque throughout. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for food safety.

    145°F (63°C)
    Tip: For thicker fillets (over 1 inch), check at 12 minutes and add 2-3 minutes as needed
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute.

  9. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side (if desired).

Notes

Storage

Refrigerate cooked cod in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 275°F (135°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to prevent drying out. Not recommended for freezing—cod becomes watery when thawed.

White fish substitutions

Halibut, haddock, or tilapia work equally well with this recipe. Choose mild white fish for the gentlest digestion—all are lean and easily digestible.

Reduce acidity

If lemon irritates your gut, reduce lemon juice to 1 teaspoon or omit entirely. The garlic-infused oil and fresh herbs provide plenty of flavor without the citric acid.

Fresh vs dried herbs

Fresh herbs have a milder flavor that some find easier on sensitive stomachs. If using dried herbs, reduce the amount by half (1/2 teaspoon each).

Fillet thickness

Thicker fillets (over 1 inch) may need 15-18 minutes. Check for doneness at 12 minutes—the fish should flake with gentle pressure and appear opaque throughout.

IBD Considerations

Diet Protocol Compliance

How this recipe fits common IBD dietary approaches