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Easy Weeknight Fish Recipes
Simple weeknight fish recipes are the best way to get us out of our little ruts, and get more fish on the table. Years ago when I did a little woman-on-the-street video about what parents wished they could get their kids to eat more of, fish was the overwhelming #1 pick. Kids and fish have had a long standing rivalry. Well, I guess it’s not a rivalry, in that the fish don’t have much against kids, but by and large getting your kids to try, never mind like, fish is something many parents struggle with for a long, long time. You are not alone.
Roasting fish is one of the easiest and most forgiving ways to prepare fish. – no flipping, no falling apart. Some roasting recipes start with the fish on the stovetop and then the pan is transferred to the oven. This one is all in the oven – it takes about 5 minutes to throw together the rub and rub the fish while the oven preheats, and then 10 minutes to cook. Meanwhile, you make a salad, and dinner is on the table in 20.
Cajun Seasoning for Fish
The cheerful flavors of Cajun and Creole food are one way to make the concept of fish more enticing. I personally think the delicate and slightly sweet taste of cod is a winner on its own, but I certainly love matching it up with the warm and slightly spicy flavors of a Cajun spice mix. If you have a Cajun spice blend that you like, just use about 1 tablespoon of that instead of blending together the spices listed below. There is a gentle kick from the cayenne, but the amount is quite small, so no one’s mouth should feel assaulted.
A fast, homemade Cajun spice blend turns flaky cod into a quick weeknight fish dinner.
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Using Leftover Fish
Leftover fish isn’t in and of itself always so appealing (though I love leftover salmon). But pretty much any leftover flaky white fish can be turned into tacos and used in recipes like this one and this one. It’s really the single best way I know of to use up leftover fish, so if you are thinking you might have leftovers, make sure you have a pack of soft tortillas and some salsa and sour cream on hand for the next day.
What to Serve with Roasted Cajun Cod:
- Mixed Greens Salad with Pears and Balsamic Dressing
- Roasted Carrots with Tapenade Dressing
- Simple Sauteed Spring Greens
- Smashed Garlic Butter Sweet Potatoes with Feta
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Creamy Sauce
More Fish Recipes:
- Cod with Simplest Fresh Herb Sauce
- Citrus Marinated Salmon with Zesty Sauce
- Pan-Seared Fish with Peppers and Caper-Olive Pesto
- Fried Fish Sandwich
- New England Baked Haddock
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Roasted Cajun Cod
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 6- to 8-ounce filets of cod
- 1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a shallow baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a small bowl blend together the paprika, salt, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper and cayenne. Place the fish in the prepared baking dish and rub the tops with the oil. Evenly sprinkle over the spice blend. Roast the cod for about 10 minutes until it is cooked through and flaky – this really depends on the thickness of the pieces, which can vary a lot.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.