Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets: Your Easiest & Most Flavorful Seafood Dinner

January 28, 2025

When life calls for a quick, delicious, and healthy dinner, these Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets answer with a resounding, flavorful 'yes!' This recipe takes simple, mild cod and transforms it into an exquisite dish, brimming with aromatic garlic, bright lemon, and fresh herbs, all baked to tender, flaky perfection. It's the kind of meal that looks impressive but comes together with minimal fuss, making it ideal for busy weeknights or even a relaxed weekend dinner.

We all crave those meals that deliver big on taste without demanding hours in the kitchen. This baked cod recipe is exactly that – an effortless way to enjoy a gourmet-quality seafood dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The secret lies in the rich garlic butter sauce that permeates every flake of fish, ensuring a succulent and unforgettable experience.

Table of Contents

Why Baked Cod is a Weeknight Champion

Fish often gets a reputation for being tricky to cook, but baking is truly one of the simplest and most forgiving methods, especially for delicate fillets like cod. It locks in moisture, infuses flavor, and requires very little active cooking time. Plus, cod is a fantastic source of lean protein and essential nutrients, making it a healthy choice for the whole family.

The Magic of Garlic Butter

Is there anything garlic butter can't make better? In this recipe, it's the star player, creating a golden, aromatic crust and keeping the fish incredibly moist. The addition of fresh lemon juice cuts through the richness, adding a zesty brightness that elevates the entire dish. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a subtle herbaceous note that complements the seafood beautifully.

Ingredients You'll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to a successful meal. For this simple yet elegant dish, you'll need just a handful of fresh items:

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), fresh or thawed
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving

Using a Quality Chef's Knife for mincing garlic and chopping herbs will make your prep even quicker!

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Baked Cod

Getting perfectly baked cod is easier than you think. Follow these straightforward steps for a dinner that will impress:

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Dish

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a touch of olive oil. This prevents sticking and helps with cleanup.

Whip Up the Flavorful Garlic Butter

Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, finely minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, fresh lemon juice, and paprika. Season with a pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper. Stir everything until well combined.

Arrange and Coat the Cod Fillets

Step 3: Place the cod fillets in a single layer in your prepared baking dish. Make sure they aren't overlapping so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Drizzle the garlic butter mixture generously over each cod fillet, ensuring they are thoroughly coated on top.

Bake to Flaky Perfection

Step 5: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your cod fillets. The fish is ready when it turns opaque throughout and flakes easily when tested with a fork. For more tips on baking fish, check out Food Network's guide to baking fish.

Garnish and Serve Immediately

Step 6: Carefully remove the baked cod from the oven. Garnish with a sprinkle of additional fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy with your favorite accompaniments!

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This versatile cod dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a light and healthy meal, consider serving it with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or a simple garden salad. If you're looking for something more substantial, rice pilaf, quinoa, or even a side of roasted potatoes would be excellent choices. Looking for other easy dinner ideas? You might also enjoy our recipe for One Pan Balsamic Chicken: A Flavorful and Easy Dinner or for a different seafood option, try Fried Cabbage with Shrimp, Sausage & Bacon: A Flavorful One-Pan Meal.

Tips for Success

Don't Overcook: Cod can dry out if overcooked. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as it flakes easily.
Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried parsley can be used, fresh herbs provide a much brighter, more vibrant flavor.
Adjust Garlic: Feel free to add more or less garlic depending on your preference.
Lemon Zest Boost: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to your garlic butter mixture.

Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets are a testament to how simple ingredients can create truly spectacular flavors. It's a dish that's sure to become a staple in your home, offering a healthy, quick, and incredibly satisfying meal. Give it a try tonight and taste the delicious ease!

FAQs

What kind of cod is best for baking?

For baking, both Atlantic and Pacific cod work wonderfully. Look for fillets that are thick and firm. Fresh is ideal, but fully thawed frozen cod fillets are also a great option.

How do I know when baked cod is fully cooked?

Baked cod is done when it becomes opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145u00b0F (63u00b0C) at its thickest part.

Can I use other fish fillets with this garlic butter recipe?

Absolutely! This versatile garlic butter sauce works great with other mild white fish like halibut, tilapia, haddock, or even salmon. Adjust baking times as needed for different fish thicknesses.

What are good side dishes to serve with baked cod?

Garlic Butter Baked Cod pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, a fresh green salad, quinoa, rice pilaf, or even some creamy mashed potatoes.

Eldralys Recipes

Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets: Your Easiest & Most Flavorful Seafood Dinner