Baked Cod with Garlic Butter

I stumbled upon this baked cod recipe during a rainy coastal vacation when fresh fish was plentiful but my cooking inspiration was not. The innkeeper noticed my predicament and jotted down this simple garlic butter method on the back of a receipt. The delicate aroma that filled our rental kitchen that evening instantly transported the gloom outside into something magical.

Last summer, my brother and his family visited during a heatwave, and I needed something light yet impressive that wouldnt heat up the kitchen for long. This cod dish saved dinner, and my nephew who supposedly hated fish actually asked for seconds, sending my sister-in-law into shocked silence before she asked for my recipe.

Ingredients

• Cod fillets: Look for pieces that are uniform in thickness so they cook evenly, and dont worry if theres a slight translucency to fresh cod as it will turn beautifully opaque during baking.
• Unsalted butter: I once accidentally used salted butter and had to adjust everything else, so unsalted gives you better control over the final seasoning.
• Fresh garlic: Pre-minced garlic from a jar works in a pinch, but the oils in freshly minced cloves create an aromatic magic that simply cant be bottled.
• Fresh parsley: Beyond just garnish, it adds a bright pepperiness that cuts through the richness of the butter, transforming each bite.

Instructions

Prep your workspace:

Preheat your oven to 200°C and pat those fillets dry like youre giving them a spa treatment. Fish hates moisture on its exterior when youre trying to get that perfect texture.

Season with intention:

Be generous with salt and pepper on both sides, treating each fillet individually rather than just waving the shaker over the pan. This attention makes all the difference.

Create your butter magic:

Whisk together the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, and zest until its fragrant enough to make your mouth water. The warmth will help the flavors meld together.

Arrange with care:

Place each seasoned fillet in your baking dish with a bit of space between them. Pour that golden butter mixture over each piece, making sure even the edges get some love.

Bake to perfection:

Slide the dish into your preheated oven for just 12-15 minutes. Youll know theyre done when the fish flakes easily with a fork but still looks moist.

Finish with freshness:

Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the hot fish right when it comes out of the oven. The residual heat will release the herbs oils and aroma.

Save

My mother-in-law, who typically critiques everything I cook, fell silent after her first bite of this cod at our holiday gathering. Later that evening, I found her in the kitchen, inspecting my baking dish and discretely running her finger through the remaining sauce when she thought no one was looking. Without a word, we shared a complicit smile that bridged years of kitchen tension.

Serving Suggestions

After many iterations, Ive found this cod pairs beautifully with simple sides that dont compete with its delicate flavor. A bright green vegetable like steamed asparagus or broccoli adds color to the plate, while wild rice or a crusty bread makes the meal complete by soaking up that irreplaceable garlic butter sauce that pools at the bottom of each plate.

Make It Your Own

Kitchen creativity strikes at unexpected moments, like the night I realized I was out of parsley but had a pot of basil on the windowsill. That substitution led to an Italian-inspired variation we now enjoy regularly. Similarly, adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a few red pepper flakes can transform the dish entirely, proving how versatile this simple foundation really is.

Quick Fixes and Alternatives

During the height of winter when fresh fish was scarce, I discovered this recipe works wonderfully with frozen cod fillets that have been properly thawed. The texture differs slightly but the flavor profile remains outstanding, especially if you add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

• If youre cooking for two, simply halve the recipe but keep the baking time the same, watching closely for that perfect doneness.
• For an elegant dinner party presentation, bake individual portions in small gratin dishes and garnish each with a thin lemon slice and sprig of parsley.
• When fresh parsley is unavailable, dried works in a pinch at one-third the amount, though added during the butter melting stage rather than at the end.

Save

This baked cod has become more than just dinner in our home, its our reset button when life gets complicated. Theres something about its honest simplicity that reminds us good things dont always require complexity.

Recipe FAQs

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

The cod is done when it turns opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. This typically takes 12-15 minutes at 200°C. The flesh should be white and no longer translucent.

→ Can I prepare the garlic butter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter mixture several hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature before spooning over the cod.

→ What side dishes pair well with this baked cod?

Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, rice pilaf, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad complement the dish beautifully. The garlic butter sauce pairs especially well with Mediterranean sides.

→ Can I substitute other fish for cod?

Absolutely. Haddock, halibut, sea bass, or tilapia work equally well. Adjust cooking time slightly based on fillet thickness—thinner fillets may need less time.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store cooled baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently at 160°C for 8-10 minutes to avoid drying out the delicate fish.

→ Can I add other herbs besides parsley?

Yes, fresh dill, basil, or tarragon work wonderfully. You can also combine parsley with these herbs for more complex flavor. Sprinkle fresh herbs just before serving for maximum freshness.