Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe: A Simple Yet Elegant Seafood Delight
Baked cod has long been a favorite for seafood lovers, and when combined with a rich garlic butter sauce, it transforms into a dish that is both simple to prepare and incredibly flavorful. Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe is the kind of recipe that elevates a weeknight dinner into a restaurant-quality experience without requiring hours in the kitchen. Its tender, flaky texture paired with the aromatic blend of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a dish that is both comforting and elegant.
Perfectly balanced, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of the cod while the garlic butter adds a luscious depth of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a healthy yet indulgent meal, this garlic butter baked cod delivers every time. The best part is how versatile it is—paired with vegetables, rice, or even a light salad, it fits seamlessly into any menu plan.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a concise list of ingredients along with their approximate calorie counts per serving:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Cod fillets | 4 (6 oz each) | 360 |
| Unsalted butter | 4 tbsp | 400 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 | 20 |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp | 8 |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp | 4 |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | 6 |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 |
| Black pepper | ¼ tsp | 2 |
| Olive oil | 1 tsp | 40 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. - Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and add chopped parsley. - Season the Cod
Pat cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Place them in the prepared baking dish and brush generously with the garlic butter mixture on both sides. - Bake the Cod
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on thickness. - Serve Immediately
Spoon any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the fish before serving.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Add Spices: Sprinkle a little cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
- Herb Variations: Swap parsley for fresh dill, thyme, or basil to change the flavor profile.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle Parmesan on top before baking for a golden, cheesy finish.
- Low-Fat Option: Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version.
- Marinating: Marinate cod in the garlic butter mixture for 20–30 minutes before baking for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210–230 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1–2 g |
| Fats | 10–12 g |
This makes it a healthy, protein-rich option suitable for weight-conscious or low-carb diets.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers.
- Pair with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the rich garlic butter perfectly.
- Garnish with extra lemon wedges or fresh herbs to enhance presentation and flavor.
Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe: A Simple Yet Elegant Seafood Delight
4
servings10
minutes12
minutes210-230
kcalIngredients
IngredienttQuantitytCalories (Approx.)
Cod filletst4 (6 oz each)t360
Unsalted buttert4 tbspt400
Garlic cloves, mincedt4t20
Lemon juicet2 tbspt8
Fresh parsley, choppedt2 tbspt4
Paprikat1 tspt6
Saltt½ tspt0
Black peppert¼ tspt2
Olive oilt1 tspt40
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and mix in parsley.
- Pat cod fillets dry and place them in the prepared baking dish. Brush generously with garlic butter.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Spoon remaining garlic butter over the fish and serve immediately.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Ensure the cod fillets are patted dry before baking to prevent excess moisture and help the garlic butter stick.
Adjust the garlic amount according to your taste; roasted garlic can add a milder, sweeter flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cod works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking to avoid excess moisture.
2. How long does garlic butter baked cod take to cook?
Baking time is typically 12–15 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on the thickness of the fillets. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the garlic butter and season the cod ahead of time, but it’s best to bake the fish right before serving to retain its tender texture and fresh flavor.
4. What can I serve with garlic butter baked cod?
It pairs well with roasted or steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. A lemon wedge on the side enhances the flavor.
5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to make the recipe dairy-free without compromising flavor.
Conclusion
Garlic butter baked cod is an effortless way to create a flavorful, elegant, and healthy meal. Its tender, flaky fillets, infused with aromatic garlic butter, make it irresistible for seafood lovers and novices alike. This recipe is versatile, quick to prepare, and perfectly suited for both casual dinners and special occasions. Every bite delivers a satisfying combination of richness, freshness, and comfort that will leave you coming back for more.
