Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets Recipe

Succulent garlic butter baked cod fillets that melt effortlessly in your mouth with incredible flavor.

Ocean-fresh fish meets rich, creamy butter in this simple seafood masterpiece.

Mediterranean coastal kitchens inspired this delectable dish that feels both elegant and approachable.

Delicate cod transforms under a blanket of golden, herb-infused butter that caramelizes beautifully while baking.

Each bite promises a symphony of subtle garlic notes and tender fish textures.

Quick prep means you can have restaurant-quality seafood on your plate in less than thirty minutes.

This recipe brings sophisticated dining directly into your home kitchen with minimal effort.

Grab your apron and get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table with these irresistible cod fillets.

Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets Recipe Ideas To Try

• Herb-Infused Mediterranean: Swap parsley with a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil before baking and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top after cooking.
• Spicy Cajun Kick: Replace paprika with Cajun seasoning blend. Add cayenne pepper for extra heat. Serve with a zesty remoulade sauce and chopped green onions.
• Asian-Inspired Ginger Soy: Substitute lemon juice with rice vinegar and soy sauce. Add minced ginger and a touch of sesame oil. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.
• Coconut Curry Fusion: Mix coconut milk with curry powder into the butter sauce. Top with toasted coconut flakes and cilantro. Serve alongside jasmine rice for a tropical-inspired meal.

Quick Questions On Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets

• What type of fish works best for this recipe?

Cod is excellent, but you can also use halibut, tilapia, or sea bass. The key is choosing fresh, white fish with a mild flavor that absorbs the garlic butter sauce beautifully.

• How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?

The fish should look opaque and flake easily when you gently press it with a fork. Overcooking will make the fish dry, so watch it carefully during the 15-20 minute baking time.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare and bake cod just before serving to maintain its tender texture. You can prep the garlic butter sauce in advance and keep the fish seasoned, but cooking should be done right before eating.

• Is this recipe healthy?

Absolutely! Cod is a lean protein packed with nutrients, and the garlic butter sauce uses minimal butter. It’s a nutritious meal that’s low in calories and high in flavor, making it perfect for a balanced diet.

Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets You’ll Want Again And Again

• Quickly Elevate Seafood: Transform simple cod into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort, creating gourmet flavors in just 20 minutes.
• Burst of Zesty Flavor: Garlic, lemon, and butter create a vibrant sauce that perfectly complements the delicate fish, delivering a punch of tangy, rich taste in every bite.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: Baking ensures tender, flaky cod without complicated techniques, making it an ideal recipe for home cooks of all skill levels who want a hassle-free meal.
• Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Pairs beautifully with multiple sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or salad, offering a quick, nutritious dinner solution for busy families or solo diners.

What You’ll Need For Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets

Main Ingredients:

• Cod Fillets: Delicate white fish that absorbs flavors beautifully, best when fresh and wild-caught if possible.

• Butter, Garlic: Rich and aromatic base that creates a luxurious sauce for the fish.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus notes that cut through the richness and add freshness.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the cod.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and a light, clean taste to the dish.
• Paprika: Optional spice that provides a subtle warmth and mild smoky undertone.

• Cooking Spray or Butter: Prevents sticking and helps create a smooth surface for baking.
• Lemon Slices: Fresh garnish that adds visual appeal and extra citrus brightness.

How To Cook Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets Easily

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab a baking dish and give it a light spray of cooking oil or a quick butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Craft Flavor-Packed Butter Sauce

• Melted butter
• Freshly crushed garlic
• Bright lemon juice
• Zesty lemon zest
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Sprinkle of paprika
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of pepper

Blend these treasures in a small bowl until they become best friends.

Step 3: Prep the Ocean’s Treasure

• Gently pat them dry with paper towels
• Season both sides with a whisper of salt and pepper

Let those flavors get cozy with the fish.

Step 4: Create Culinary Magic

Arrange the cod fillets in your prepared baking dish like they’re sunbathing. Pour that liquid gold sauce evenly over the fillets, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the waiting oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the fish turns opaque and flakes faster than a fork can touch it. Pro tip: Cooking time dances depending on fillet thickness.

Step 6: Dress and Impress

• Fresh lemon slices
• Sprinkle of chopped parsley

Serve immediately with whatever sides make your taste buds dance.

• Choose fresh, high-quality cod for maximum flavor
• Don't overcook – fish is delicate!
• Pair with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad

Enjoy your seafood symphony!

Little Tips For Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets

• Choose Fresh Fish: Select cod fillets that are firm, glossy, and have a mild ocean scent to ensure the best flavor and texture.
• Control Moisture Levels: Pat cod fillets completely dry before seasoning to help create a perfect golden crust and prevent soggy results.
• Customize Butter Sauce: Experiment with additional herbs like dill or thyme to personalize the garlic butter sauce and enhance the fish's natural taste.
• Monitor Baking Time Carefully: Check cod at 12 minutes to prevent overcooking, as fish cooks quickly and can become dry if left too long in the oven.
• Serve with Complementary Sides: Pair baked cod with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a light salad to create a balanced and nutritious meal.

Store And Warm Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets The Right Way

• Refrigerate Sealed: Transfer leftover cod to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Microwave Reheating: Warm cod gently at 50% power for 30-45 seconds to prevent overcooking. Drizzle a splash of water or leftover garlic butter sauce to keep the fish moist and prevent dryness.
• Oven Reheating: Warm cod in a preheated 275F oven for 5-7 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture. Check internal temperature reaches 145F to ensure food safety and preserve tender texture.
• Avoid Multiple Reheats: Reheat cod only once to maintain quality and prevent potential bacterial growth. Discard any remaining leftovers after the first reheating to ensure optimal taste and safety.

Best Dishes To Serve With Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the delicate cod, cutting through the rich garlic butter with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Serve Roasted Vegetable Medley: Asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers roasted with olive oil and herbs create a colorful, nutritious side that balances the fish's buttery texture.
• Add Lemony Quinoa Pilaf: Light, zesty quinoa with fresh herbs and lemon zest enhances the citrus notes in the cod, providing a protein-packed and flavorful accompaniment.
• Drizzle Fresh Herb Sauce: A quick chimichurri or gremolata with parsley, cilantro, and lemon adds vibrant freshness and elevates the entire seafood dish's flavor profile.

Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter baked cod fillets showcase a Mediterranean-inspired seafood dish that melts with buttery richness. Fragrant herbs and golden breadcrumbs create a crisp, delectable crust you’ll crave from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Garnish:

• Lemon slices
• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and coating a baking vessel with a light layer of cooking spray or butter to prevent adherence.
2. Craft a luxurious garlic butter infusion by whisking together melted butter, finely chopped garlic, zesty citrus juice, aromatic lemon zest, verdant parsley, warming paprika, delicate salt, and freshly ground pepper in a compact mixing bowl.
3. Meticulously cleanse the cod fillets, eliminating excess moisture with absorbent paper towels, then delicately season both surfaces with a refined sprinkle of salt and pepper.
4. Arrange the pristine cod fillets in a single, elegant layer within the prepared baking dish, ensuring ample space between each piece for even heat distribution.
5. Generously cascade the herbaceous garlic butter elixir over the fish, ensuring each fillet is thoroughly and evenly coated with the fragrant mixture.
6. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, allowing the cod to transform for 15-20 minutes until the flesh turns pearlescent and effortlessly separates with gentle pressure from a fork.
7. Extract the perfectly cooked fish from the oven, adorning the golden fillets with vibrant lemon rounds and a scattering of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
8. Present the aromatic cod immediately, accompanied by complementary side dishes that will elevate this maritime culinary creation.

Notes

• Check fish freshness by ensuring it has a mild ocean scent and firm, translucent flesh without discoloration or strong fishy smell.
• Pat cod fillets completely dry before seasoning to help crisp exterior and prevent soggy texture during baking.
• Adjust baking time based on fillet thickness; thinner pieces cook faster and can easily become dry if overcooked.
• Swap butter with olive oil for a lighter version or use dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil for vegan adaptation.
• Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for more robust, vibrant flavor and optimal aromatic profile.
• Select wild-caught cod for better sustainability and richer nutrient content compared to farm-raised varieties.
• Add red pepper flakes for subtle heat or sprinkle extra herbs like dill or thyme for complex flavor layers.
• Ensure even cooking by choosing cod fillets similar in size and thickness to promote uniform doneness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg