Why You’ll Love Easy Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because:

It uses simple pantry staples (butter, garlic, olive oil, a bit of paprika and parsley) to create bold flavor.
The mild texture of cod acts as a perfect canvas for the garlic‑butter mixture, giving you a rich yet fresh taste.
It cooks in about 30 minutes (10 minutes prep + ~20 minutes bake) – ideal for a fast dinner.
If you’re looking to eat more fish during the week, this makes it easy and approachable.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Butter (room temperature)
• Olive oil
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Paprika
• Salt
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Cod fillets (about 1 lb / 4 × 4‑oz fillets)
• Fresh lemon

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400 °F (≈ 200 °C).
In a small bowl, combine the room‑temperature butter, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and chopped parsley. Stir until you have a fairly smooth paste.
Place the cod fillets in a baking dish.
Spread the garlic‑butter mixture evenly over each fillet.
Slice half the lemon into thin rounds and lay them on top of the fish. Save the remaining half of the lemon, cut into wedges, for serving.
Bake the cod for about 15‑20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 °F (≈ 63 °C). (Thicker fillets or a ceramic dish may take the full 20 minutes, thinner metal dishes may take closer to 15.)
When done, spoon any juices from the bottom of the baking dish over the fish to capture extra flavor. Serve immediately with the fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over top.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~20 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

Swap out the parsley for fresh dill or cilantro for a different herb profile.
Use lime instead of lemon if you prefer a slightly different citrus note.
If cod is unavailable, try this method with haddock, tilapia, or other mild white fish—adjust bake time as needed.
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for extra heat or smoky flavor.
For a crusted variation, sprinkle panko mixed with Parmesan over the butter before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover baked fish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a 325‑350 °F (≈ 160‑180 °C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, to preserve moisture and avoid drying out the fish. Alternatively, reheat in a microwave on low power in short intervals, adding a few drops of lemon juice or butter to maintain juiciness.

FAQs

1. How can I tell when the cod is fully cooked?

The cod is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 °F (≈ 63 °C) and the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking will make the fish tough or rubbery.

2. Can I use frozen cod fillets?

Yes — frozen cod works well. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator or under cold water (in a sealed bag) before baking, then proceed as directed.

3. What if my fillets are very thin or very thick?

If the fillets are thin, bake closer to 15 minutes. If they’re thick or the baking dish is slow‑to‑heat (like ceramic), lean toward 20 minutes or check for flaking and proper internal temperature.

4. Do I have to use fresh garlic and parsley?

Fresh garlic gives the best flavor for this dish. Fresh parsley adds brightness but can be substituted with about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley if needed (though the color and fresh herb note will be slightly less vibrant).

5. What sides pair well with this fish?

Roasted vegetables (like asparagus, broccoli or tomatoes), a simple pasta, quinoa, rice, or a light salad make good companions. Something that’s not too heavy helps let the fish shine.

6. Can I prepare the butter‑garlic mixture ahead of time?

Yes — you can mix the butter, olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and parsley ahead of time and refrigerate it. Bring it to room temperature before spreading over the fish for best spreadability.

7. Is the recipe gluten‑free?

Yes. The ingredients used are gluten‑free, so it’s compatible with a gluten‑free diet (assuming your cod and other ingredients are certified or free from cross‑contamination).

8. How can I reduce the fat content if desired?

You could reduce the butter slightly or replace part of it with a light olive oil‑based spread. However, butter is integral to the rich flavor of the dish. Serve with lighter sides to balance the meal if preferred.

9. Can I double the recipe for more servings?

Absolutely. If doubling (or more) the fish fillets, use a larger baking dish and ensure the fillets aren’t too crowded. Bake for similar time, checking for doneness with flaking and internal temperature.

10. What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?

You can look for visual cues: the fish should be opaque throughout (not translucent) and should separate into flakes easily when you gently press it with a fork. If it resists flaking, give it a bit more time and check again every few minutes.

Conclusion

This Easy Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe delivers a flavorful and efficient seafood dinner that’s perfect for weeknights. With simple ingredients, minimal prep time, and a buttery garlic‑and‑lemon profile, it’s a great way to enjoy fish without fuss. Try it with your favorite sides and make it your own with variations if you like.