Print

Garlic Butter Baked Cod Delicious and Simple Recipe

Garlic Butter Baked Cod Delicious and Simple Recipe

5.1 from 10 reviews

Savor the flavors of this Garlic Butter Baked Cod, a delicious and easy seafood dish perfect for any weeknight dinner! With just a few simple ingredients like fresh cod fillets, garlic, and lemon, you can create a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. This recipe takes approximately 25 minutes to prepare and cook, yielding tender, flaky cod infused with a rich garlic butter sauce and aromatic herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

  • 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 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 and Serving

  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
  2. Make Garlic Butter Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all the flavors together.
  3. Arrange Cod Fillets: Place the 4 cod fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish to ensure even cooking.
  4. Coat the Cod: Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets, making sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor and moisture.
  5. Bake the Cod: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, especially if using a convection oven.
  6. Check for Doneness: Gently poke the thickest part with a fork; it should flake easily, indicating it is fully cooked.
  7. Rest and Garnish: Remove the cod from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juiciness. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
  8. Serve: Serve the cod fillets with lemon wedges on the side to add a bright, zesty finish to the dish. Enjoy your meal!

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for a stronger garlic flavor; sautéing garlic in butter before combining enhances aroma and taste.
  • Cooking times may vary—reduce baking time slightly if using a convection oven, checking at 12 minutes.
  • For substitutions, try white fish like tilapia or haddock if cod is unavailable.
  • You can swap butter with olive oil for a lighter option.
  • Fresh herbs such as basil or dill can replace dried thyme and oregano for different flavor profiles.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder for a spicy twist.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil to keep the fish moist.
  • To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, freeze up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • You can prep the dish ahead of time without baking, storing covered in the fridge up to 1 day.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter baked cod, baked cod recipe, easy seafood recipe, healthy cod dish, garlic fish bake, lemon garlic cod