Garlic Butter Baked Cod Delicious and Simple Recipe
Savor the flavors of this Garlic Butter Baked Cod, a delicious and easy seafood dish perfect for any weeknight dinner! Featuring tender cod fillets baked in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon and aromatic herbs, this meal is both healthy and satisfying. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect recipe for a quick yet impressive dinner.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish & Serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all flavors.
- Arrange Cod Fillets: Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking.
- Coat with Garlic Butter: Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the fillets, making sure each piece is well coated to impart maximum flavor and moisture.
- Bake the Cod: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Adjust time if using a convection oven by checking at 12 minutes.
- Check for Doneness and Rest: Test doneness by gently poking the thickest part of the cod with a fork. If it flakes easily, it’s ready. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes to keep the fish juicy.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the baked cod with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a zesty finish. Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for a stronger flavor or sauté garlic in butter before mixing for more depth.
- Reduce baking time slightly if using a convection oven, checking the fish at around 12 minutes.
- Swap cod with similar white fish like tilapia or haddock if unavailable.
- Butter can be replaced with olive oil for a lighter alternative.
- Frozen cod can be used—thaw completely before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat cod in a 300°F (150°C) oven covered with foil to maintain moisture.
- Freeze leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
- Try adding fresh herbs like basil or dill or a pinch of paprika for variation.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder to the garlic butter for a spicy twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet (6 oz)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: garlic butter baked cod, baked cod recipe, easy seafood dinner, healthy fish recipe, garlic butter fish, weeknight dinner ideas