This Garlic Butter Baked Cod has become one of my weeknight heroes. It reminds me of Sunday dinners growing up — simple, comforting, and packed with flavor — but now I can have it on the table in under 30 minutes. The garlicky, buttery topping melts right into the tender, flaky fish, and that splash of lemon brings everything to life.
Whether it’s paired with a crisp salad for a light summer meal or roasted vegetables and rice for a heartier dinner, this dish always feels special even though it’s so easy. And the best part? You probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen right now.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What makes this recipe a staple in my house is how effortless and versatile it is. The mild flavor of cod is the perfect canvas for rich, garlicky butter. A sprinkle of paprika adds just enough color and warmth, while fresh parsley gives the dish a pop of freshness.
I also love that this recipe works just as well with frozen cod as it does with fresh, so I can make it anytime without planning a grocery run. It’s a dish that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, but really, dinner’s ready before you’ve finished setting the table.
Tips and Tricks
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Use frozen cod with confidence – It’s budget-friendly, thaws quickly, and tastes just as good as fresh if you cook it right.
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Don’t overbake – Cod is delicate; once it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque, it’s ready. Overcooking can make it rubbery.
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Fresh garlic is key – Skip the jarred garlic here. Fresh cloves make the butter sauce taste brighter and more aromatic.
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A thermometer is your friend – Pull the fish out at 145°F for perfectly tender fillets every time.
Make-Ahead Tips
If you’re short on time in the evenings, you can mix the garlic butter ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to cook, just spread it on the fish and bake. You can also thaw the cod in the fridge in the morning so it’s ready to season when you get home.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is incredibly versatile. I like to serve it with roasted asparagus and cherry tomatoes for a light meal, but it’s equally good with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf.
If you want to dress it up for a dinner party, garnish the fillets with extra parsley and lemon slices — it looks beautiful and only takes a minute.
Storage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature to keep the fish tender. It’s also lovely flaked over a salad for lunch the next day.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes! Haddock, tilapia, or even salmon work well with this same garlic butter topping.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
No problem — dried parsley works fine, or you can skip it altogether. The fish will still taste great.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute the butter with a good plant-based butter. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
How do I thaw frozen cod quickly?
Place the sealed fish in a bowl of cold water for about 15 minutes. It’ll be ready to cook by the time your oven preheats.
Garlic Butter Baked Cod
Flaky, tender cod baked in a rich garlic-butter sauce — this dish is proof that weeknight dinners can be simple, elegant, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cod fillets (about 4 fillets, 4 oz each)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 fresh lemon (half sliced, half cut into wedges for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, olive oil, garlic, parsley, paprika, and salt until it forms a smooth, fragrant paste.
- Place the cod fillets in a baking dish. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the fish, making sure every fillet is well coated.
- Arrange lemon slices on top of the fillets, saving the wedges for serving.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets and your baking dish.
- Spoon some of the buttery pan juices over the cod before serving, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 292Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 93mgSodium 238mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 27g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This Garlic Butter Baked Cod proves that simple ingredients can create something truly memorable. It’s quick, affordable, and so satisfying — the kind of dish that turns an ordinary weeknight into something a little special.
Next time you’re staring into your freezer wondering what’s for dinner, grab that bag of cod and give this recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at how fast and flavorful it is.
