Garlic Butter Baked Cod

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner option, you’ve come to the right place! This Garlic Butter Baked Cod is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also incredibly easy to whip up. In under 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying meal on the table that the whole family will love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right at home. Plus, the garlic butter sauce adds a rich flavor that perfectly complements the tender cod fish. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Butter Baked Cod, it will become a staple in your dinner rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic nights.
• Flavorful Experience: The garlic butter sauce infuses the fish with amazing taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Healthy Option: Cod is a lean protein that’s full of nutrients—great for health-conscious eaters!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the mild flavor of cod, and they’ll have fun squeezing fresh lemon over their fish!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the garlic butter mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for an even quicker meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking should be fun and uncomplicated! For this Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe, you’ll need simple and wholesome ingredients that are probably already in your pantry.

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 Tbsp butter (room temperature)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp finely chopped parsley

For the Cod

• 1 lb. cod (4 4 oz. filets)
• 1 fresh lemon

Variations

This Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to play around with different flavors or ingredients to suit your taste.

• Swap the protein: Try using salmon or tilapia instead of cod for a different twist.
• Add some spice: If you like heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the fish before baking.
• Veggie boost: Toss some asparagus or cherry tomatoes into the baking dish for added nutrition and color.
• Herb alternatives: Experiment with different herbs like dill or thyme to change up the flavor profile!

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF. A hot oven ensures that your cod cooks evenly and develops a lovely golden crust on top.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, combine room temperature butter, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and chopped parsley. Mixing these ingredients together creates a smooth paste that will infuse amazing flavors into your fish.

Step 3: Coat the Cod Filets

Place your cod filets in a baking dish and spread that delicious garlic butter mixture generously on top of each piece. Ensuring each filet is well-coated helps lock in moisture while adding tons of flavor!

Step 4: Add Lemon Slices

Slice half of your lemon into thin rounds and place them atop the fish. This not only enhances flavor but also adds a lovely presentation touch! Cut the other half into wedges for serving later.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop your baking dish in the oven and let it bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for flaky fish that easily breaks apart when forked. Spoon any juices from the pan over the fish before serving—it’s pure magic!

Serve your Garlic Butter Baked Cod immediately with those fresh lemon wedges for an extra zing! Enjoy this delightful dish with loved ones; it’s bound to become one of your favorites too!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Making Garlic Butter Baked Cod is simple, but a few little tricks can take it from delicious to absolutely divine!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and parsley will enhance the flavors of your dish significantly. Fresh herbs have a brightness that dried ones can’t match, giving your cod an aromatic lift.

• Check for doneness: To ensure perfectly cooked fish, use a fork to check if it flakes easily. Overcooking can dry out the cod, so keeping an eye on it towards the end of baking is key.

• Experiment with spices: While this recipe calls for paprika and salt, feel free to mix in a pinch of your favorite seasoning or herbs for a personalized touch. Dill or lemon zest can add a wonderful twist!

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your baked cod to sit for a couple of minutes after removing it from the oven allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite more flavorful and moist.

• Use parchment paper: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper not only makes cleanup easier but also prevents sticking, allowing you to serve the cod without any hassle.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Presenting your Garlic Butter Baked Cod beautifully will make it even more enjoyable! Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish for family dinners or special occasions.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh chives: Adding finely chopped chives on top brings a mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast.
• Lemon zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving brightens up the dish and enhances its freshness.

Side Dishes

• Steamed asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus provides a crisp texture that complements the softness of the cod while adding a pop of color.
• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side that pairs beautifully with the rich butter flavor of the fish.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the baked cod’s richness.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Roasting Brussels sprouts until crispy brings out their natural sweetness, making them an excellent accompaniment that balances flavors nicely.

By following these serving suggestions and tips, your Garlic Butter Baked Cod will not only taste amazing but will look stunning on any dinner table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Garlic Butter Baked Cod is not only a quick dinner option but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance, store leftovers, or even freeze portions for later.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover cod in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Make sure to keep the garlic butter sauce as it adds flavor during reheating.

Freezing

• Wrap individual portions of cod tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 1 month. For best quality, consume within 2 weeks.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen cod in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350ºF. Place the cod in a baking dish and cover with foil.
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. You can also microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about preparing this delicious Garlic Butter Baked Cod.

Can I use another type of fish instead of cod?

Yes! While this recipe features cod for its mild flavor and flaky texture, you can substitute it with other white fish like tilapia or haddock. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the filets.

How do I make Garlic Butter Baked Cod healthier?

To make this Garlic Butter Baked Cod lighter, you can reduce the amount of butter and replace it with additional olive oil or a low-fat margarine. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to increase the meal’s nutritional value.

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Baked Cod?

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides! Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a light salad. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top enhances the flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Garlic Butter Baked Cod! It’s not only simple to prepare but also brings a burst of flavor that everyone will love. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or part of your meal prep routine, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!