Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe

If you’re seeking a show-stopping main dish that comes together in a flash but tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, this Garlic Butter Baked Cod will absolutely hit the mark. Tender, flaky cod fillets are gently baked in a luscious garlic butter sauce, kissed with lemon and finished with a shower of fresh herbs. The result? A bright, buttery, and delightfully aromatic dinner that’s as comforting as it is elegant. Whether you’re a seafood fanatic or just looking to liven up your weeknight meals, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a long shopping list to make Garlic Butter Baked Cod—just a handful of kitchen staples and a few fresh elements make this recipe truly shine. Each ingredient has a special role, ensuring every bite is flavorful, aromatic, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

• Fresh cod fillets: Choose firm, white, boneless fillets for the juiciest, most tender texture and mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
• Unsalted butter: Provides rich, silky goodness and forms the base of the decadent garlic sauce.
• Fresh garlic: Nothing beats the bold, savory punch of freshly minced garlic—it’s the star of this dish.
• Lemon juice: Adds a pop of brightness and cuts through the butter for a balanced, refreshing finish.
• Fresh parsley: A vibrant touch of color and herby aroma, sprinkled over just before serving.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for letting each ingredient sing and seasoning the dish to perfection.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set the stage for success by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven guarantees that the cod bakes evenly, developing that ideal, delicate flake without any risk of drying out. Lightly grease your baking dish with a spritz of nonstick cooking spray for effortless cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s golden and glossy but not browned. Add the minced garlic, swirling it gently and sautéing for just a minute—just long enough for it to release its aroma without turning bitter. Stir in the fresh lemon juice to marry all those wonderful flavors, then remove the pan from the heat before the garlic starts to color.

Step 3: Prepare and Assemble

Place your cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, nestling them in so each has enough room to cook evenly. Pour the warm garlic butter mixture directly over the fillets, making sure every inch is coated in that fragrant sauce. This will ensure the fish stays juicy and every bite is infused with incredible flavor.

Step 4: Season and Bake

Sprinkle the cod liberally with salt and pepper to your taste. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes—just until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking to keep those fillets moist and fork-tender.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley

Once the fish is out of the oven, finish your Garlic Butter Baked Cod with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. This little touch adds a burst of color and a final layer of herbal freshness, making your dish as beautiful as it is delicious.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Garnishes

Give your Garlic Butter Baked Cod a restaurant-worthy look with even more fresh parsley, a few lemon wedges on the side, and perhaps a light drizzle of extra garlic butter over the top. If you love a bit of kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat without overpowering the other flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish is right at home with so many sides! You can’t go wrong with fluffy rice pilaf to soak up the sauce, tender roasted potatoes, or a medley of vibrant steamed vegetables. For something lighter, a crisp green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

To really dazzle, try serving Garlic Butter Baked Cod over a bed of lemony orzo or nestle it in a shallow bowl with rustic mashed potatoes. For a family-style feast, bake the fillets with cherry tomatoes and asparagus in the same pan, letting the veggies bask in the garlicky butter as they roast. Don’t be afraid to get creative—the flavors are versatile and crowd-friendly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them (along with any buttery sauce) to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Garlic Butter Baked Cod is best enjoyed within two days for maximum freshness and tenderness.

Freezing

Certainly! You can freeze baked cod for up to a month. Let it cool completely, then wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. Keep in mind, though, the delicate texture of cod may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavors will still shine through.

Reheating

To reheat without drying out your cod, place it in a baking dish, cover it loosely with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10-12 minutes. Microwave reheating works too (covered, on low power in 30-second bursts), just keep a close eye to avoid overcooking the fish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets?

Absolutely! Just thaw your fillets completely in the refrigerator and gently pat them dry with paper towels before continuing with the recipe. This ensures the sauce clings beautifully and the cod bakes evenly.

What other fish can I substitute for cod?

Halibut, haddock, or pollock all work well with the same technique and flavors. Any firm, mild white fish will soak up the garlic butter and bake to tender perfection.

How can I tell when the cod is finished baking?

Your Garlic Butter Baked Cod is done when it turns opaque and easily flakes apart with a fork. Don’t hesitate to check right at the 12-minute mark; overbaked cod gets dry quickly, so keep an eye out for that perfectly tender flake.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes! This dish is completely gluten free as written, making it a delicious and inclusive main course for any guest.

Can I add more vegetables to the baking dish?

Certainly! Thinly sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or grape tomatoes are wonderful additions—just scatter them around the cod before pouring on the garlic butter and they’ll roast beautifully alongside the fish.

Final Thoughts

Dishing out Garlic Butter Baked Cod is like serving a little piece of sunshine at your dinner table. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a hallmark recipe in your home—rich, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. Here’s to many happy, buttery dinners ahead!

Print