Zesty Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Cod fillets swimming in rich garlic butter create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors that will delight seafood enthusiasts.

This elegant dish brings restaurant-quality elegance to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Tender, flaky fish meets a luxurious golden sauce that promises pure culinary bliss.

Ocean-fresh cod transforms into a delectable meal that’s both simple and sophisticated.

Herbs and butter meld together, coating each delicate fillet with irresistible aromatic goodness.

Prepare to savor every succulent bite of this easy yet impressive seafood centerpiece.

Summer or winter, this recipe delivers comfort and satisfaction in just minutes.

Dive into this delightful cod experience that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 3

What Goes Into Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets

• Cod Fillets: Fresh, white fish with delicate flavor perfect for baking, choose thick cuts for juicy results.
• Salt: Enhances natural fish taste and helps season protein evenly.

• Butter: Provides rich, creamy base that helps keep fish moist and adds luxurious flavor.
• Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic punch and classic Mediterranean essence to the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and helps tenderize fish with its acidic properties.
• Lemon Zest: Delivers intense citrus notes and complements seafood beautifully.
• Parsley: Brings fresh, herbal brightness and elegant green color to the final presentation.

• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to overall dish.
• Paprika: Optional spice that introduces warm, slightly smoky undertone.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides vibrant green garnish and additional herbal freshness.
• Lemon Slices: Creates beautiful presentation and allows extra citrus squeeze at serving.

Tools That Work Best For Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets

• Baking Dish: Essential for roasting cod evenly and catching delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Mixing Bowl: Small bowl perfect for blending butter, garlic, and seasonings.
• Paper Towels: Crucial for drying cod fillets to ensure crispy, golden edges.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
• Fork: Handy for checking fish doneness and flaking cod.
• Cutting Board: Used for preparing lemon zest, parsley, and slicing lemons.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for mincing garlic and chopping fresh parsley.
• Zester or Grater: Helps create fine lemon zest for extra flavor.
• Cooking Spray or Pastry Brush: For lightly greasing baking dish.

Easy Steps For Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets

• Oven Warmup

Cozy up your kitchen by bringing the oven to a toasty 375F. Lightly brush your baking dish with a whisper of butter to prevent any sticky situations.

• Flavor Magic

Craft a dreamy sauce by blending melted butter with fragrant garlic, zesty lemon juice, bright citrus zest, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of spices. Let the ingredients dance together into a mouthwatering mixture.

• Fish Preparation

Gently pat your cod fillets until they’re perfectly dry. Give them a gentle seasoning with salt and pepper, transforming them into flavor-ready seafood superstars.

• Baking Brilliance

Nestle the cod fillets into the prepared dish, creating a single peaceful layer. Cascade the garlic butter sauce over the fish, ensuring every inch gets a luxurious coating.

• Golden Transformation

Slide the dish into the warm oven and let the magic happen. Watch as the fish turns from translucent to pearly white, becoming flaky and tender in about 1520 minutes.

• Finishing Flourish

Rescue your culinary masterpiece from the oven. Adorn with bright lemon slices and a shower of fresh herbs. Serve immediately, letting the aroma tempt your taste buds.

Tips For Moist Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets

• Moisture Magic: Pat cod fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent steaming. Use paper towels to remove excess moisture for the best texture.
• Flavor Boosters: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or basil instead of parsley to create unique flavor profiles. Fresh herbs can transform the entire dish with minimal effort.
• Diet-Friendly Swaps: For a dairy-free version, replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil. Those following keto or low-carb diets can enjoy this recipe without modifications.
• Seafood Substitutions: Swap cod with other white fish like halibut, tilapia, or sea bass. Each fish brings a slightly different texture and mild flavor to the dish, keeping meals interesting.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce for those who enjoy a subtle kick. A pinch of spice can elevate the entire flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate fish.

Serve Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets With Bright Sides

• Seafood Symphony: Pair this delicate cod with zesty companions that enhance its buttery goodness.
• Citrus Splash: Serve alongside lemon-infused rice or quinoa to complement the garlic butter's bright flavors.
• Veggie Harmony: Roast asparagus, green beans, or a colorful Mediterranean vegetable medley as a perfect side dish.
• Crusty Companion: Add warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, turning each bite into a flavor explosion.

Keep Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets Fresh And Flaky

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it refrigerated at 40°F or below for maximum freshness. Consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and food safety.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Gently warm cod in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make fish tough and rubbery.
• Freezing Wisdom: Wrap individual cod fillets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare garlic butter sauce in advance and store separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This allows quick weeknight meal assembly and reduces overall cooking time.

Succulent Garlic Butter Baked Cod Fillets Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Garlic butter baked cod fillets offer a delightful seafood experience from Mediterranean kitchens. Quick preparation meets elegant flavors, creating a simple yet impressive dinner perfect for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality meals without complex techniques.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Lemon slices
• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat: Fire up the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Garlic Butter Blend: Whisk melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant, aromatic sauce.
3. Prepare Cod: Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor infusion.
4. Arrange and Dress: Position the seasoned fillets in a single layer within the prepared baking dish, then lavishly drench them with the garlic butter mixture, guaranteeing complete coverage.
5. Bake to Perfection: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, monitoring until the fish turns opaque and flakes effortlessly with a fork’s gentle nudge.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked cod from the oven, embellish with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley, then plate immediately alongside your chosen accompaniments for a delectable maritime feast.

Notes

• Moisture Management: Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure crisp, golden edges and prevent steaming instead of baking.
• Temperature Precision: Use an instant-read thermometer to check cod reaches internal temperature of 145°F for perfectly cooked, flaky fish without overcooking.
• Butter Infusion Technique: Let garlic butter mixture sit for 5-10 minutes before pouring over fish to enhance flavor depth and allow herbs to release maximum aromatics.
• Dietary Adaptation: Swap butter with olive oil for dairy-free version or use ghee for lactose-sensitive individuals while maintaining rich, luxurious flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg