Garlic Butter Baked Cod will be ready in 25 minutes! It's one of my most fun Cod Recipes and is so delicious. Try it with any sturdy white fish!
It was only a matter of time before I took the garlic compound butter I use for Italian Garlic Bread and spread it all over cod.
It was a very good idea. I've been making this Garlic Butter Baked Cod any chance I get.
And here's a secret! Any time you get dinner from an Italian restaurant and bring home a little container of garlic butter, you can use it for this baked cod.
But don't worry, it's easy to whip up the garlic butter yourself! You can even use it for Steak with Compound Butter.
Recipe ingredients
Cod: Use fresh or completely thawed cod fillets or loins. (The loins are the thick pieces.) You could substitute any sturdy white fish, such as halibut, pollock, haddock or orange roughy.
Garlic: We're using fresh, chopped garlic here for the most authentic taste. I find one small clove is plenty for one pound of cod, but if you're looking for bolder garlic flavor, feel free to use two cloves.
If you want to substitute garlic powder, you'd need ¼ teaspoon.
Butter: I always use salted butter here. If you go with unsalted butter, you may need to add some salt to the recipe, or else add more lemon juice.
Paprika: I love the hint of sweet, smoky flavor paprika brings and find it's a great accent for cod. I also use it for Baked Parmesan Cod, Grilled Cod and Baked Cod with Ritz Cracker Topping.
I use regular paprika in this garlic butter cod recipe, as opposed to smoked or hot paprika. Use what you enjoy.
How to make it
See the card at the end of this post for the full recipe, but here's an overview.
- Stir softened butter with chopped garlic, Italian parsley and paprika until you have garlic compound butter.
- Place a tablespoon of garlic butter on each piece of cod.
- Spread the butter across the entire surface of the fish.
- Bake the cod on a greased, foil-lined pan until it's flaky and squeeze on lemon juice.
Recipe tips
- Using a greased, foil-lined baking sheet makes for easy clean-up.
- Make sure you pat the fish dry well with paper towels before starting. Thawed cod can have lots of liquid that can make the fish mushy instead of flaky when cooked.
- Using a tablespoon scoop makes it easier to place the garlic butter on the fish.
What to serve with it
Cod with garlic butter begs for bread to be dipped in the pan juices! Try it with Artisan Italian Bread or Crusty Italian Rolls.
Serve it with basic risotto or Italian Roasted Potatoes and a side of cabbage with garlic or tomato salad with onions.
How long to bake cod
I recommend baking cod at 400 degrees F for 15-20 minutes. When you can easily flake it with a fork, the fish is done.
More cod recipes to try
Don't miss my Baked Cod with Bread Crumbs and Butter, Oven-Fried Cod, Pan-Fried Cod, Fried Baccalà, Broiled Cod, and my Nonna's Skillet Cod with Tomatoes.
You also have to try this Oven-Roasted Cod and Pan-Seared Cod, which is ready in less than 20 minutes. Lenten meals don't have to be boring!
Enjoy!
If you try this Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe, please leave a comment and a rating!
Garlic Butter Baked Cod
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh cod
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 small garlic clove (or two for bolder garlic flavor)
- 1 ½ teaspoon chopped Italian parsley (packed)
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- lemon wedges for serving
- salt (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a rimmed baking sheet with oil.
- Rinse the cod and feel for any bones to remove. Pat the cod dry with paper towels, cut it into serving portions, and place the cod on your baking pan. Wash your hands well.
- Place the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl and cover it with wax paper. Soften the butter in the microwave on the defrost setting for just a few seconds. (Don't melt it.) Smash the butter with the back of a spoon.
- Peel and chop the garlic and add it to the bowl of butter. Rinse the parsley and pat it dry. Chop up the leaves and add them to the bowl. Add the paprika and stir all of the ingredients until blended and creamy.
- Place one tablespoon of garlic butter on top of each piece of cod. Spread the butter across the entire surface of the fish with the back of a spoon or a knife.
- Bake the cod on the center rack of the oven for 15 minutes or just until the fish can be easily flaked with a fork.
- Squeeze on lemon juice and serve immediately. Add salt at the table if needed. If desired, serve with bread for dipping in the garlic butter from the pan.
- Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Notes
Nutrition
(Recipe Source: Cooking with Mamma C)
Kathleen H says
This was excellent! The rub added just the amount of flavor without being overpowering. Served with boiled carrots, (just as my Norwegian mother-in-law always did) and parsley basmati rice. So delicious!
Mamma C says
Hi Kathleen - I'm so glad you enjoyed this! Your side dishes sound perfect.
Megan says
Maybe a dumb question.. can I use this recipe with haddock?
Mamma C says
Hi Megan - Yes, you can use haddock. I mentioned that and other options in the post. Enjoy!
Stacey Frank says
One of my favorites! Easy to make and quite flavorful!
Mamma C says
Hi Stacey - That's great to hear! Thanks for leaving a review.
April says
I have made this with both cod and salmon, following exactly as written. Both are fantastic and my home cooked salmon is finally as moist as the restaurant. My son won’t let me make it any other way now. Thanks for the great recipe!
Mamma C says
Hi April - Oh, that's great to know! Thanks for leaving a review!
Kim DeSchepper says
Omgeee delicious! My husband and I loved this! We have fish or salmon atleast once a week, and this will definitely be in the rotation! Thanks for the yummy recipe! ( also going to try it with salmon!)
Mamma C says
Hi Kim - I'm so glad you and your husband loved it! I bet it's delicious with salmon.