Baked Cod with Garlic Butter

The day I stumbled upon this garlic butter cod recipe was during a coastal getaway when the fishmonger handed me fillets so fresh they smelled only of the sea. My tiny rental kitchen had minimal ingredients, but butter, garlic, and a lemon were all I needed to transform those pristine cod fillets into something magical. The simplicity shocked me - how could something requiring so little effort taste so refined?

Last winter, I served this cod when my mother-in-law made her first visit to our home. The kitchen filled with that intoxicating aroma of garlic butter as she walked through the door, and her expression instantly softened. We barely knew each other then, but sharing this simple, elegant meal somehow bridged the awkward getting-to-know-you phase. She asked for the recipe before dessert was even served.

Ingredients

• Cod fillets: Look for pieces of even thickness to ensure they cook at the same rate - I once made the mistake of mixing thin and thick pieces, resulting in some overcooked fish.
• Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the seasoning perfectly, though I discovered salted works in a pinch if you reduce the added salt.
• Fresh garlic: Pre-minced jarred garlic will work, but the flavor difference with freshly minced is remarkable - worth the extra minute of prep.
• Fresh parsley: The brightness cuts through the richness, creating that perfect balance that makes you want another bite immediately.

Instructions

Prep your canvas:

Preheat your oven to 400°F and pat those fillets dry with paper towels until they feel almost tacky to touch. This simple step makes all the difference in getting that lovely finish rather than a watery mess.

Season with intention:

Season both sides of your cod with salt and pepper, being a bit more generous than you might think. Fish loves salt, and it will bring all those flavors to life.

Create your magic sauce:

Whisk together that melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice and zest until it looks like liquid gold. The scent alone will make your kitchen feel like a Mediterranean holiday.

Arrange and drizzle:

Lay those fillets in your baking dish like treasures, then spoon that garlic butter mixture over each one, making sure to get some of those garlic bits on every fillet. No part should miss out on the butter bath.

Bake to perfection:

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let it work its magic for 12-15 minutes. You'll know they're done when the fish flakes easily and has lost that translucent look.

Finish with freshness:

Pull it from the oven and immediately scatter that chopped parsley over the top, watching it wilt slightly from the heat. The contrast of the bright green against the golden fillets is almost as wonderful as the taste.

Save

My neighbor Jane, who claimed to hate all seafood, reluctantly tried this at our block party last summer. I watched her take a polite, tiny bite, then immediately cut a much larger piece. She has texted me three times since asking for the recipe again because she keeps misplacing it. Sometimes the simplest dishes make the most surprising converts.

Perfect Pairings

This cod begs for something to soak up that glorious garlic butter sauce. A simple steamed rice does the job beautifully, but for guests, I've served it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes that elevate the entire experience. The contrast between the fluffy potatoes and the flaky fish creates textural magic that makes everyone at the table fall silent for the first few bites.

Make-Ahead Options

While the fish itself is best cooked just before serving, I've found you can prepare the garlic butter mixture up to two days ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just warm it gently before using so it remains pourable. This little time-saver has made this dish my go-to for last-minute dinner guests when I want to seem far more organized than I actually am.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your cod releases too much liquid during baking, creating a watery sauce instead of that luxurious butter bath, try salting the fillets 30 minutes before cooking and blotting them again right before they go in the oven. This drawing-out of moisture makes a remarkable difference in the finished texture and sauce consistency.

• If your garlic starts to brown too quickly, lower the oven temperature to 375°F and extend the cooking time by a few minutes.
• Fresh cod should never smell fishy - if it does, return it immediately as it's past its prime.
• For those watching calories, you can reduce the butter by half and still get wonderful results, though the sauce will be less abundant.

Save

This garlic butter cod reminds me that sometimes the most memorable meals aren't about culinary acrobatics but simple ingredients treated with care. It's become my quiet kitchen confidence booster - a dish that never fails to make me feel like I know exactly what I'm doing.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

The cod is ready when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. This typically happens around 12–15 minutes at 200°C (400°F). Overcooked fish becomes dry, so watch carefully during the final minutes of baking.

→ Can I prepare the garlic butter ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the garlic butter 1–2 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before spooning over the fillets, or drizzle the melted version just before baking for best results.

→ What fish can I use as substitutes for cod?

Haddock, halibut, sea bass, or pollock work wonderfully as alternatives. All have similar mild flavors and flaky textures. Adjust cooking time slightly based on fillet thickness—thinner fillets may need 10–12 minutes instead of 15.

→ How should I serve this dish?

Serve with lemon wedges for added brightness. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad complement the garlic butter fish perfectly. A light white wine pairs well alongside.

→ Is this dish suitable for dietary restrictions?

This dish is naturally gluten-free and pescatarian-friendly. It contains fish and dairy (butter), so those with allergies should verify ingredients. For dairy-free versions, substitute with olive oil or ghee, though the characteristic garlic butter flavor will change slightly.

→ Can I add extra flavors to enhance the dish?

Absolutely. A light sprinkle of paprika adds warmth and color, while red chili flakes bring subtle heat. Fresh herbs like dill or tarragon can replace parsley for variety. A pinch of capers or sun-dried tomatoes adds briny notes that complement the delicate fish.