Baked Cod Garlic Butter Herbs (Print Version)
Tender cod fillets baked with garlic butter and fresh herbs for a quick, flavorful main dish.
# What You Need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 cod fillets (about 5 oz each), skinless and boneless
→ Garlic Butter
02 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
03 - 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
04 - Zest and juice of 1 lemon
05 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
06 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (optional)
07 - 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (optional)
→ Seasonings
08 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
09 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
10 - 1/4 tsp sweet paprika
→ Garnish
11 - Lemon wedges
12 - Extra chopped herbs
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the cod fillets in a single layer.
02 - Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, parsley, dill, chives (if using), salt, pepper, and paprika.
04 - Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets, making sure each piece is well coated.
05 - Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature should reach 145°F).
06 - Remove from oven, garnish with extra herbs and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The garlic butter creates an instant sauce that soaks into every flaky bite
- Twenty five minutes from start to finish means dinner happens before hunger wins
- One baking dish means almost zero cleanup after you eat
02 -
- Overcooked cod becomes rubbery and dry, so pull it from the oven the moment it flakes
- Room temperature fish cooks more evenly than cold fillets straight from the refrigerator
- The butter mixture can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days
03 -
- Pour a splash of white wine into the baking dish before baking for extra depth
- Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy free version that still tastes incredible