If you love seafood that’s both simple to make and bursting with flavor, this Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Tender, flaky cod fillets bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with a bright splash of lemon and fresh parsley create the kind of comfort meal that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish strikes the perfect balance of elegance and homey warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe shine, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients that each bring something essential to the table. The combination ensures a rich, savory taste with fresh, vibrant notes while keeping the dish light and wholesome.
- 4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 oz each): The star of the dish, providing mild flavor and a delicate, flaky texture that soaks up the garlic butter beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick): Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that carries the garlic and lemon perfectly.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Adds that irresistible aromatic punch that makes the dish so crave-worthy.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Brightens and balances the richness of the butter with a zesty freshness.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a pop of green color and a mild herbal note to finish the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning enhances and rounds out all the flavors.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures your cod cooks quickly while developing a tender, flaky texture. Lightly spray or grease a baking dish so the fish doesn’t stick and the garlic butter coats every bit of the fillets evenly.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter gently until it starts to bubble. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant—this step infuses the butter with bold garlic flavor but prevents it from burning. Finally, stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice to lift the sauce with bright citrus notes, then remove from heat so it’s ready to pour over your fish.
Step 3: Arrange Cod and Pour Sauce
Place the fresh cod fillets carefully into the greased baking dish. Pour the fragrant garlic butter sauce evenly over the fillets, making sure every piece gets coated in the buttery garlic goodness that will keep them moist and flavorful during baking.
Step 4: Season and Bake
Sprinkle salt and pepper over the top to taste, enhancing the natural flavors of the cod and the garlic butter. Bake the fish in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cod flakes easily with a fork and the flesh is opaque but still incredibly moist.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the fish for a vibrant burst of color and a fresh herbal touch. This final detail makes the dish visually appealing and adds that subtle layer of flavor that balances the richness of the butter.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Garnishes
Light, fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of parsley or a few lemon wedges on the side amplify the bright, buttery flavors of this Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe. You could also toss in some thinly sliced green onions for a gentle onion bite without overpowering the delicate fish.
Side Dishes
Pairing this dish with simple, complementary sides makes for a well-rounded meal. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts that soak up any leftover garlic butter sauce. Rice pilaf or quinoa also work beautifully if you want something a little heartier but still light.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to elevate your presentation, try serving the cod on a bed of sautéed spinach or atop buttery garlic noodles. Layering the fish on a platter with a drizzle of extra garlic butter sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs makes it look as delicious as it tastes, perfect for when you want to impress without stress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated within two hours of cooking. It keeps well for up to 2 days, making it an excellent option for quick next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze baked cod to extend its life. Wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. For best texture and flavor, consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover cod gently in a low-temperature oven (about 275°F or 135°C) to preserve moisture and prevent drying out. Alternatively, warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help keep it tender. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain the delicate flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod fillets for this Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe?
Yes, frozen cod works well, but be sure to thaw the fillets completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and ensure a better texture.
What can I substitute for butter if I want a lighter version?
Olive oil is a fantastic substitute for butter if you’re aiming for a lighter dish. It will still let the garlic and lemon flavors shine while slightly reducing the richness.
How can I tell when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking can dry it out, so start checking around the 12-minute mark for the best results.
Can I add other herbs to the recipe?
Absolutely! Dill, thyme, or chives all pair wonderfully with cod and garlic butter. Fresh herbs added at the end preserve their brightness and add exciting flavor layers.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep. Cook the cod and store it with your preferred sides in portion-sized containers. Just reheat gently to maintain the delicate texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings together simplicity and sophistication in every bite. It’s quick enough for busy nights but elegant enough for special occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the melty, garlicky buttery goodness as much as I do!
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe features tender, flaky cod fillets baked in a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce, enhanced with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Perfect for a quick and elegant dinner, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes and serves four.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, then remove the saucepan from heat to keep the flavors fresh.
- Arrange Cod Fillets: Place the cod fillets evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the fillets to coat them thoroughly with flavor.
- Season and Bake: Season the cod with salt and pepper according to your taste. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked cod from the oven, garnish with the chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately for a deliciously buttery and garlicky seafood meal.
Notes
- Choose fresh cod fillets that are firm and have a mild scent for the best flavor.
- Do not overbake the cod to keep it moist and tender; check for doneness by testing if it flakes easily with a fork.
- For a lower-fat option, use a smaller amount of butter or substitute with olive oil.
- Fresh lemon juice is preferred for brightness, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad.
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