Garlic Butter Baked Cod is moist, juicy, flaky whitefish baked in butter, garlic, lemon and savory spices. This cod fillet fish is easy to prepare and delicious. If cooked properly, it is tender with firm texture.
Cod is a mild tasting fish that easily picks up the flavor of herbs and seasonings and cooks in only a few minutes.
Wild-caught Atlantic cod and Pacific cod are available in the US and this baked cod recipe is delicious with both fish.
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Is it healthy to eat cod
Yes, cod is a nutritious fish that is high in protein and rich in omega 3 fatty acid while low in calories and low in fat. Aside from that, it is a good source of some vitamins and minerals.
While some fish contain high amounts of mercury, cod does not. Consuming it in moderation is safe.
If you are looking for other healthy and easy fish recipe, try this Salmon with Lemon and Dill or this Mediterranean Style Salmon in Olive Oil or this Salmon with Lime, Cilantro and Jalapeno.
Ingredients substitute
Fresh Garlic – you can use ½ to ¾ teaspoon garlic powder.
Ground Thyme – substitute with ½ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme.
Fresh Parsley – you can use 1-1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley.
Smoked Paprika – substitute with ½ teaspoon regular paprika.
Note: Cod fish is very versatile when it comes to flavoring with herbs and spices. You can use other fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, tarragon, basil or your favorite herbs.
How to bake cod fillet
If frozen, thaw cod fish overnight in the refrigerator and pat dry with paper towel.
In a small bowl, combine paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground thyme, cayenne pepper and ground pepper.
Mince and crush fresh garlic and chop fresh parsley.
Cut cod in half if too big for a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
Brush cod with olive oil, pour lemon juice and salt to taste.
Sprinkle seasonings, crushed garlic and parsley over cod fish then spread slices of butter on top of fish. Note: You can slice a small lemon and spread it around fish fillet, if desired.
Pre-heat oven at 400 degrees F and bake for 12-14 minutes or until cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Note: The thickest part of the fish should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F using a food thermometer.
Garnish with parsley and serve.
Tips for a perfect tasting baked cod
- Thaw cod fish in refrigerator overnight. Cook as soon as it is thawed for fresh tasting fish. Don’t let it sit uncooked for a long time in the fridge.
- Make sure to pat dry fish with paper towel if washing the fish.
- It gets rubbery when overcooked. Fish should should be moist, juicy and tender.
- Use a meat thermometer to be sure it is perfectly cooked. Temperature should reach 145 degrees F at thickest part of the fish.
- Consume fish within 2 days.
Storing and reheating leftovers
Store leftover baked cod in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. Reheat leftover in the microwave for 30 seconds and increments of 15 seconds until warmed through. Cod fish will get rubbery if reheated for a long time.
FAQ
Either fish will work for this baked cod recipe.
Cod fish will be opaque, white and flake when pressed with a fork. It is best to use a food thermometer placed it in the thickest part of the fish with temperature reaching 145 degrees F.
Overcooked cod fish gets rubbery.
What to serve with baked cod fish
Try other delicious easy fish recipes
Recipe
Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds cod fillet skinless
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground thyme
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 big cloves garlic finely minced and crushed
- 1 fresh lemon juice 3 tablespoons
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt to taste
Instructions
- If frozen, thaw cod fish overnight in the refrigerator. Pat dry with paper towel.
- Pre-heat oven at 400 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground thyme, cayenne pepper and ground black pepper.
- Place cod in a 9x13 inch or bigger casserole dish. Note: Cut the fish in half, if too big for the casserole.
- Brush cod with olive oil, pour lemon juice and salt to taste.
- Sprinkle seasonings, crushed garlic and 1 tablespoon parsley on cod fish, then spread slices of butter on top of fish. Note: You can surround fish with sliced lemon, if desired. This will make it more lemony.
- Place casserole in the middle rack and bake cod fish for 12-14 minutes or until cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Note: The thickest part of fish should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees F using a food thermometer.
- Garnish with remaining parsley and serve.
Notes
- Here are some ingredients substitute:
Fresh Garlic – you can use ½ to ¾ teaspoon garlic powder.
Ground Thyme – substitute with ½ teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme.
Fresh Parsley – you can use 1-1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley.
Smoked Paprika – substitute with ½ teaspoon regular paprika. - Store leftover baked cod in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.
- Reheat leftover in the microwave for 30 seconds and increments of 15 seconds until warmed through. Cod fish can get rubbery if reheated for a long time.
Jane Kilmer
I have all the spices and made it. Delicious! I will use the same recipe with salmon. Thank you
Fortune
It works for salmon too. Glad you liked it!
I. Jones
During Lent we try to eat mostly fish. We love baked cod, it doesn't smell too fishy! Added more lemon and it is delicious.
Fortune
Yeah, I like it lemony too!
Josie V
Cut the seasonings in half for 3 pieces cod and came out perfect!
Fortune
Glad to hear.