Baked Garlic Butter Cod yields tender, flaky fish brightened by rich melted butter and fragrant garlic. Serve it alongside steamed or roasted vegetables for a simple, healthy meal.
Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant main for guests, this garlic butter cod is an easy, flavorful choice. Cod’s mild taste makes it an ideal canvas for garlic and butter without overpowering the fish.
The combination of garlic and butter enhances the delicate texture of cod while letting the fish remain the star. Cod is also high in protein and relatively low in fat and calories, making it a smart option for anyone watching macronutrients.
If you haven’t cooked cod before, this recipe is straightforward and forgiving. It’s flavorful, fast, and may become your go-to fish dinner.
Below are the basic, easy-to-find ingredients and some ideas for customizing the dish.
Ingredients For Garlic Butter Cod:
Cod fillets: Use about 1 pound (16 ounces) total—either several 4-ounce portions or one large filet. Wild-caught frozen fillets or fresh cod both work well.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness and a silky texture. You can reduce the butter and add a little olive oil if preferred.
Fresh garlic cloves: Finely minced garlic combined with butter gives a bright, savory punch.
Garlic powder, sea salt and black pepper: Garlic powder reinforces the garlic flavor, and salt and pepper season the fish to taste. Onion powder is a good optional addition.
There are several easy ways to adapt this recipe—see the suggestions below.
Recipe Adaptations:
- Use Cajun seasoning for a spicy Cajun garlic butter cod.
- Short on time? Melt butter in the microwave and stir in minced garlic instead of sautéing.
- Add fresh lemon juice and zest after cooking for a citrus finish.
- Make an herb butter by stirring in 1 teaspoon of dried herbs or a handful of chopped fresh herbs.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes to the baking dish for roasted tomatoes with the fish.
With the ingredients and variations covered, here’s the method for preparing this simple baked cod.
How to Make Garlic Butter Cod:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Remove cod from packaging and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Place fillets in a baking dish or on a sheet pan. Season both sides with sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
To mellow raw garlic and release its flavor, sauté the garlic briefly in butter and olive oil. Warm a small skillet over medium heat, add the butter, olive oil, and minced garlic, and cook for 2 to 4 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Increase to medium-high only if you watch closely; remove the pan before garlic begins to color.
Spoon the garlic butter over the cod, using the back of the spoon to coat each fillet evenly.
Bake the cod 12–15 minutes, or until the thickest part reaches 145°F (63°C). A meat thermometer is the easiest way to check doneness. Garnish with lemon slices, chopped parsley, or red pepper flakes if you like, and serve with your preferred sides.
Tip: Thin asparagus spears roast in the same time as the cod. Trim the ends, arrange the spears in the baking dish with the fish, drizzle with butter or avocado oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast together. Thicker stalks may need a few extra minutes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Final Cooking Temperature For Cod:
The FDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for fully cooked fish. Some prefer a slightly more tender texture and remove cod at about 135°F (57°C); adjust based on your texture preference.
How Long To Bake Cod in the Oven:
At 375°F, plan on 12–15 minutes. If you bake at 400°F, the fillets will be done in about 10 minutes. Cooking time varies with filet thickness and starting temperature.
Skillet Cooked Cod:
To pan-sear cod instead of baking: pat fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 4 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, then place the fillets in the pan. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until an internal temperature of 145°F is reached. Serve immediately with vegetables.
What to Serve With Cod:
Complement the fish with a vegetable and a starch. Some good options include flavored rice, roasted vegetables, fresh salads, or mashed potatoes. Choose sides you enjoy for a balanced meal.
This simple garlic butter cod is quick to prepare, satisfying, and fits well into a healthy eating plan. Make it for weeknight dinners or any time you want a reliable, delicious seafood option.
Garlic Butter Cod Recipe
Pin
Equipment
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Large baking dish
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cod, cut into fillets
- Sea salt and black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Pat the cod dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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Place the fillets in a baking dish and season both sides with sea salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
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Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the butter, olive oil, and minced garlic and sauté 2–4 minutes until very fragrant but not colored. Increase heat only if you watch closely; remove before the garlic browns.
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Spoon the garlic butter over the cod, coating each fillet evenly.
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Bake 12–15 minutes, or until the thickest part reaches 145°F (63°C). Use a thermometer to check doneness.
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Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite sides. Garnish with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Skillet Instructions:
Pat the cod dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 4 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Place fillets in the hot pan and cook 2–3 minutes per side until cooked through or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Serve with vegetables.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
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