Baked Cod Garlic Butter Herbs

The way my tiny apartment filled with butter and garlic that first Tuesday evening taught me everything I needed to know about comfort food. I had four cod fillets from the market and no grand plan, just a simple craving for something warm after a long rainy day at work.

My sister visited that weekend and demanded the recipe after polishing off two fillets without saying a word. Now whenever she texts me about a bad day, I send her a picture of melted butter pooling around white fish and she knows exactly what to make.

Ingredients

• Cod fillets: Choose pieces that look opaque and firm, avoiding any that appear watery or have brown edges
• Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter melts more evenly into the garlic and herbs
• Fresh garlic: Mince it right before mixing so the oils stay potent and bright
• Lemon: Both zest and juice are essential because they add two completely different layers of brightness
• Fresh parsley: Flat leaf parsley has more flavor than the curly variety and holds up better to heat
• Fresh dill: This optional herb pairs so beautifully with fish that it becomes non optional once you try it
• Fresh chives: These add a mild onion flavor that rounds out the sharper garlic notes
• Sea salt: Flaky sea salt dissolves slowly into the butter creating tiny bursts of salty flavor
• Freshly ground black pepper: Grind it directly into the butter mixture for maximum aromatic impact
• Sweet paprika: Just enough to add warmth without any heat or smokiness
• Lemon wedges: Extra lemon on the side lets everyone adjust their own brightness level
• Extra herbs: A final sprinkle of chopped herbs makes the dish look as good as it tastes

Instructions

Heat the oven:

Set your oven to 200°C while you grease a baking dish that fits all four fillets without crowding

Prepare the cod:

Pat each fillet completely dry with paper towels and arrange them in a single layer in your prepared dish

Mix the garlic butter:

Whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, chopped herbs, salt, pepper, and paprika until fragrant

Coat the fish:

Spoon the butter mixture generously over each cod fillet, ensuring every inch is covered in the herb mixture

Bake until perfect:

Slide the dish into the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the fish flakes easily and appears opaque throughout

Finish and serve:

Let the cod rest for a minute before adding extra herbs and lemon wedges to the platter

Save

This recipe became my standard for dinner guests because it never fails to make people feel special without requiring any stress or last minute preparation. Something about tender fish in garlic butter turns a regular Tuesday into a small celebration.

Choosing The Best Fish

The fish counter can feel overwhelming but cod is forgiving and readily available at most markets. Look for fillets that appear translucent rather than opaque, and do not be afraid to ask when they were delivered.

Making It Your Own

The garlic butter base works beautifully with different fish depending on what looks freshest or what is on sale. Halibut and haddock need almost the same cooking time while thinner fillets may need a couple minutes less.

Perfect Side Dishes

Roasted new potatoes tossed in olive oil and rosemary pair perfectly with the lightness of the cod. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette cuts through the rich butter sauce without competing with it.

• Steamed asparagus with a squeeze of fresh lemon complements the herbs
• Buttered green beans with slivered almonds add a nice crunch
• Crusty bread for soaking up the extra garlic butter is never optional

Save

Fish cooked simply and served with love has a way of making any dinner feel like a special occasion. May this recipe find its way into your regular rotation the way it has into mine.

Recipe Q&A

→ What type of fish can be used instead of cod?

Haddock, pollock, or halibut make excellent substitutes while maintaining a similar texture and mild flavor.

→ Can I prepare this dish without dairy?

Yes, substitute the garlic butter with olive oil to make a dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor.

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

The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork, usually after 12–15 minutes in a preheated oven.

→ What side dishes pair well with this entrée?

Serve alongside steamed vegetables, new potatoes, or a crisp green salad to complement the light flavors.

→ Can I add white wine to enhance the flavor?

Adding a splash of dry white wine to the baking dish before cooking adds depth and a subtle acidity to the dish.