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Garlic Butter Baked Cod

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This easy garlic butter baked cod recipe delivers flaky, moist fish infused with rich garlic butter and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick, healthy dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 oz each), boneless and skinless
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing baking dish)
  • Lemon wedges, for serving
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon capers
  • Optional: 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs tossed with 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  2. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture sit for 1-2 minutes to infuse the butter with garlic flavor.
  4. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets. Use a basting brush or spoon to coat the fish thoroughly. If using, sprinkle bread crumbs, capers, or red pepper flakes over the top.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. For fillets thicker than 1 inch, add 2-3 extra minutes.
  6. Remove from the oven and let the cod rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat the cod fillets dry before baking for the best flaky texture. Let the garlic infuse in the melted butter for extra flavor. For a golden top, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely. Use fillets of similar thickness for even cooking. This recipe is easily adapted for dairy-free or gluten-free diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked cod, garlic butter fish, easy fish recipe, healthy dinner, low carb, weeknight meal, gluten free, keto, seafood, quick dinner

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/garlic-butter-baked-cod-easy-flaky-fish-recipe-for-dinner/