Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe

When you’re looking for a meal that tastes wildly indulgent but comes together in a snap, Garlic Butter Baked Cod is your answer. This dish is everything I love about simple cooking: buttery, flaky fish, loads of fresh garlic, and that zing of bright lemon—all in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re new to seafood or an old pro, this recipe brings out the best in cod: tender, flavor-packed, and wonderfully aromatic. Plus, dinner guests (and picky eaters) will be swooning over every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need a marathon shopping trip for this recipe—the ingredients are refreshingly straightforward but chosen to celebrate the natural flavor of cod. Each one plays a starring role in the taste, texture, or even the final look of your Garlic Butter Baked Cod.

• Fresh cod fillets: Mild, delicate, and flaky, be sure to pick pieces of similar thickness for even baking.
• Unsalted butter: This is the base of the luscious garlic sauce, making every bite rich and satisfying.
• Fresh garlic: Nothing beats the sharp, mouthwatering aroma and warmth that freshly minced garlic brings here.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness, elevating every forkful.
• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of green not only looks pretty—it adds a gentle herbal finish that pairs beautifully with fish.
• Salt and pepper: The classics; just a little brings all the other flavors forward.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While waiting, grab your favorite baking dish (glass or ceramic both work wonderfully) and coat it with nonstick spray. This helps prevent any precious bits of fish from sticking, ensuring a picture-perfect plate later.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter

On your stovetop, melt the butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. As soon as the butter is melted and foamy, toss in the minced garlic. Give it about a minute to release all its irresistible aroma—just until it’s fragrant, not browned. Right before you take it off the heat, stir in the fresh lemon juice. This sauce is pure flavor magic!

Step 3: Arrange the Cod Fillets

Nestle the fresh cod fillets side by side in your prepared dish. Try not to crowd them; a bit of space in between helps them bake evenly. Pour the warm garlic butter sauce generously over each fillet, making sure every corner gets its share of flavor.

Step 4: Season and Bake

Sprinkle your fillets with salt and pepper to taste. Slide the baking dish into the hot oven and let it work its magic. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is just opaque and flakes easily when nudged with a fork. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

As soon as your Garlic Butter Baked Cod comes out of the oven, shower the fillets with fresh parsley. That instant pop of color and subtle flavor is the perfect finish. Serve right away while everything is still piping hot and buttery.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Garnishes

A final toss of vibrant, chopped parsley is classic, but don’t be shy about adding an extra squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions. Even a light dusting of paprika can kick up the visual appeal, making your Garlic Butter Baked Cod look straight out of a restaurant kitchen.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with a simple bedding of fluffy rice or airy couscous to soak up the buttery juices. Roasted potatoes or sautéed green beans also work beautifully, offering color and a contrasting bite. If you’re feeling extra, a fresh garden salad with a zippy vinaigrette lets those cod flavors shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try plating your Garlic Butter Baked Cod over a rustic smear of cauliflower puree with scattered microgreens. Or, tuck it into soft tortillas with a cabbage slaw for a fun spin on fish tacos. Even served atop toasted sourdough, this dish can pivot from comfort food to elegant showstopper with just a little imagination.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Garlic Butter Baked Cod, let it cool to room temperature before sealing in an airtight container. It’ll keep for up to two days in the refrigerator, retaining much of that buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture when stored properly.

Freezing

While cod itself freezes well, the butter sauce can sometimes separate. If you do freeze the cooked fillets, wrap them tightly and pop into a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy later, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

For a gentle reheat that keeps your Garlic Butter Baked Cod from drying out, pop it in a 275°F oven for about 10 minutes. Drizzling with a little extra melted butter before reheating helps restore the original moistness and flavor. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it can turn delicate cod rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the fillets fully and pat them very dry before cooking. Extra moisture can dilute the garlic butter sauce and affect the final texture.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

No worries—dried parsley will work in a pinch, or substitute with dill, chives, or a tiny bit of basil. Even without herbs, the main flavors of Garlic Butter Baked Cod still shine through beautifully.

How do I know when the cod is done?

When cod is cooked, it’ll turn opaque and flake apart easily when you poke it gently with a fork. For those who like numbers, the internal temp should reach 145°F (63°C).

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

You can substitute a plant-based butter or even high-quality olive oil for the unsalted butter. The result will still be flavorful and moist, just with a slightly different richness.

Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd?

Definitely! Simply use a larger baking dish and keep the fillets in a single layer, making sure all pieces get plenty of garlic butter love. You may need to add a couple minutes to the baking time if your oven is quite full.

Final Thoughts

There’s something endlessly comforting about a bite of warm, flaky Garlic Butter Baked Cod straight from the oven. This is the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again—simple, elegant, and full of flavor. Give it a try, and you just might be surprised at how easy and delicious home-cooked fish can be!

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