Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Baked Cod
This garlic butter baked cod recipe has become a reader favorite for good reason! The combination of tender, flaky fish with rich, aromatic garlic butter creates a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant, yet it’s incredibly simple to make at home.
- Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have
- Perfect for beginners – nearly impossible to mess up
- Mild flavor that even picky eaters enjoy
- High in protein and nutrients
- Easily customizable with your favorite herbs and spices
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this garlic butter baked cod recipe is that it requires just a handful of simple ingredients to create amazing flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cod fillets: About 1-1.5 pounds (4 fillets). Fresh is best, but frozen works great too!
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, softened at room temperature
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons for added richness and to prevent burning
- Fresh garlic: 4 cloves, minced (the star of the show!)
- Lemon: You’ll need both juice and slices
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, finely chopped
- Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon for color and mild flavor
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, adjust to taste
Don’t have fresh cod? Frozen cod works perfectly in this recipe! Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking (more on that below).
How to Thaw Frozen Cod
Frozen cod is often more affordable and convenient than fresh, and it thaws quickly. Here’s the best way to thaw frozen cod for perfect results:
- Place the vacuum-sealed fish in a bowl of cold water (never use warm or hot water)
- If your fish isn’t vacuum-sealed, place it in a tightly-closed zip-top bag with as much air squeezed out as possible
- Let the fish sit in cold water for 15-20 minutes
- Check if it’s thawed by gently pressing – it should feel tender throughout
- Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels before cooking
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
The secret to this recipe’s amazing flavor is the garlic butter mixture. Here’s how to make it:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
- In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, and salt
- Mix until it forms a smooth paste
- Add the chopped parsley and stir to incorporate
- Set aside while you prepare the fish
Prepare the Cod
Properly preparing the cod ensures it will cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors:
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels (this is important for the butter to adhere properly)
- Slice half of your lemon into thin rounds
- Arrange the lemon slices in a single layer in a baking dish
- Place the cod fillets on top of the lemon slices
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over each fillet
Bake to Perfection
The final step is baking the cod to flaky perfection:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets
- The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F
- Cut the remaining half lemon into wedges for serving
- Spoon any garlic butter sauce from the baking dish over the fish before serving
Tips for Perfectly Baked Cod
Follow these professional tips to ensure your garlic butter baked cod turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t overcook: Cod cooks quickly and continues cooking after removal from the oven. It’s done when it flakes easily and is opaque throughout.
- Pat dry thoroughly: Removing excess moisture helps the garlic butter adhere better and prevents the fish from becoming watery.
- Room temperature butter: Make sure your butter is properly softened for the best texture in your garlic butter mixture.
- Fresh garlic is best: While garlic powder works in a pinch, fresh minced garlic provides the most vibrant flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer: For perfect doneness, cod should reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Serving Suggestions
This garlic butter baked cod pairs beautifully with many side dishes. Here are some perfect companions to complete your meal:
Vegetable Sides
- Roasted Asparagus – the slight crunch complements the tender fish
- Steamed Broccoli – simple and nutritious
- Roasted Cherry Tomatoes – adds beautiful color and sweetness
Starchy Sides
- Fluffy White Rice – perfect for soaking up the garlic butter sauce
- Roasted Baby Potatoes – hearty and satisfying
- Lemon Herb Quinoa – for a nutritious alternative
FAQs About Baking Cod
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes! Frozen cod works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it properly first by placing the vacuum-sealed fish in cold water for 15-20 minutes. Pat it dry thoroughly before cooking to ensure the garlic butter adheres well.
How do I know when cod is fully cooked?
Cod is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should be opaque throughout. Be careful not to overcook, as cod can quickly become dry and tough.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover garlic butter baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 275°F oven until just warmed through to prevent overcooking. You can also enjoy it cold in salads!
What sides pair well with baked cod?
Garlic butter baked cod pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, and starchy sides like rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette also makes a perfect light accompaniment.
Can I use other types of fish?
Yes! This garlic butter sauce works wonderfully with other white fish like haddock, tilapia, or halibut. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets – thinner fillets will cook more quickly.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 250 | 13% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 2g | 1% |
| Sodium | 280mg | 12% |
Nutrition information is based on one serving (approximately 4 oz of cod with garlic butter sauce).
Expert Tips from Culinary Professionals
“The key to perfectly baked cod is to avoid overcooking. Fish continues to cook after it’s removed from the oven, so take it out when it just begins to flake.”
According to Harvard University’s Food Science Guide, cod is an excellent source of lean protein and contains important nutrients like vitamin B12, iodine, and selenium that support thyroid function and overall health.
If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your results on social media and tag us, or leave a comment below. And don’t forget to check out our other quick and easy seafood recipes for more dinner inspiration!
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