Name: Garlic Butter Baked Cod: 20-Minute Irresistible Dish
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound cod fillets; 1/4 cup butter, melted; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

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Okay, listen up, because I’m about to let you in on a *serious* weeknight dinner win: Garlic Butter Baked Cod. Seriously, this is one of those recipes that I practically live on when I’m short on time but still wanna feel like I’m eating something fancy. I remember the first time I tried something like this – it was at this little seafood shack on vacation, and I was blown away by how much flavor they packed into something so simple.

So, I came home determined to recreate it, and let me tell you, this Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe is even *better* than what I had that day! It’s flaky, it’s buttery, it’s garlicky (duh!), and it’s on the table in like, 20 minutes flat. I’m not even kidding. If you’re anything like me – constantly juggling a million things – you NEED this in your life. Forget takeout, this is way healthier and tastes a million times better. Trust me on this one!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe

Seriously, where do I even start? This recipe is just *chef’s kiss* perfect! You’re gonna be obsessed, I promise. Here’s why:

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Um, hello? 20 minutes from fridge to table! That’s faster than ordering pizza, and way more satisfying. You just can’t beat it when you’re starving after a long day.

Incredibly Flavorful Garlic Butter Sauce

Garlic + butter = pure magic, right? The smell alone will have your mouth watering. It’s rich, it’s savory, and it makes the cod taste unbelievably good.

Healthy and Nutritious

Okay, so it tastes indulgent, but it’s actually pretty good for you! Cod’s packed with lean protein, and the butter gives you some healthy fats. Score!

Simple Ingredients

No fancy-pants ingredients here! You probably already have most of this stuff in your fridge and pantry. That’s my kind of recipe – easy to shop for, easy to make!

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! The beauty of this Garlic Butter Baked Cod is that you probably have most of this stuff already. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound cod fillets, skin on or off – totally your call! I usually go skin off ’cause that’s how my family likes it.
1/4 cup butter, melted, unsalted – Trust me, go with *real* butter here. It makes a HUGE difference. Unsalted lets you control the saltiness.
4 cloves garlic, minced finely – Don’t skimp on the garlic! I mean, it *is* garlic butter cod, after all. Freshly minced is the way to go.
1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed – Bottled stuff just doesn’t have the same zing. Fresh is best, promise!
1/4 teaspoon salt, kosher salt preferred – Kosher salt just has a better flavor, in my opinion. But regular table salt works too, no sweat.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground – Freshly ground pepper is *always* better. It’s got so much more flavor!
1 tablespoon chopped parsley, fresh – This adds a pop of freshness and color. Plus, it just looks pretty!

How to Prepare Garlic Butter Baked Cod: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cooking? This is seriously the easiest thing ever. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have perfect Garlic Butter Baked Cod in no time!

Preparing the Cod Fillets

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Crank it up to 400°F (200°C). You’ll want it nice and hot so the cod gets all flaky and delicious. Now, grab a baking dish – I usually use a glass one. You *can* grease it lightly with some cooking spray if you’re worried about sticking, but honestly, with all that butter, it usually doesn’t stick much. Just arrange your cod fillets in the dish, making sure they’re not overlapping too much. Give ’em a little space to breathe, you know?

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce

This is where the magic happens! In a small bowl, whisk together your melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Seriously, the smell is already amazing at this point, right? Make sure that garlic is minced *finely* – you don’t want big chunks of garlic overpowering everything. Give it a good whisk until everything is combined and looking all glossy and delicious. This is your liquid gold, folks!

Baking the Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Alright, carefully pour that garlic butter mixture *all over* the cod fillets. Make sure each fillet gets a good coating. You want that flavor in every single bite! Now, pop that baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. The timing really depends on how thick your cod fillets are, so keep an eye on them. You’ll know they’re done when the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Don’t overcook it, or it’ll get dry! No one wants dry cod. Err on the side of slightly undercooked – it’ll continue to cook a bit after you take it out of the oven.

Finishing Touches

Once the cod is cooked perfectly, take it out of the oven and sprinkle that fresh chopped parsley all over the top. It adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that really takes this dish to the next level. And that’s it! Seriously, how easy was that? Serve it up immediately and get ready to enjoy the most delicious, garlicky, buttery cod you’ve ever had!

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, but let’s talk about taking your Garlic Butter Baked Cod from “good” to “OMG, this is amazing!” Here are a few of my secret weapons:

Choosing the Freshest Cod

Seriously, this makes ALL the difference. You want cod that looks nice and white, not grey or dull. It should smell fresh, like the ocean – not fishy! If it smells super fishy, steer clear. And if you can, buy it from a reputable fishmonger – they’ll know what’s good!

Preventing Overcooking

This is the #1 sin when it comes to fish! Overcooked cod is dry and rubbery – yuck! Start checking for doneness around 12 minutes. The cod should flake easily with a fork, and be opaque all the way through. It’s better to undercook it slightly than to overcook it. Remember, it’ll keep cooking a bit after you take it out of the oven.

Enhancing the Garlic Butter Flavor

Don’t skimp on the butter! Use a good quality butter – it really does make a difference. I always use fresh garlic, and I like to let it sit in the melted butter for a few minutes before pouring it over the cod. This helps the garlic flavor infuse into the butter. Mmm!

Variations on Your Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Okay, so you’ve mastered the classic, but feeling a little adventurous? This Garlic Butter Baked Cod is like a blank canvas – ready for your creative touch! Here are a few fun ways to mix it up:

Spicy Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Want to kick things up a notch? Just toss a pinch of red pepper flakes into that garlic butter sauce! Or, if you’re *really* feeling brave, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper will do the trick. Careful, though – a little goes a long way!

Herb-Infused Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Parsley’s great, but why stop there? Try adding some fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill to the garlic butter sauce. Each herb gives it a totally different vibe! I especially love dill with cod – it’s a match made in heaven.

Garlic Butter Baked Cod with Parmesan Cheese

Okay, this one’s a game-changer. Right before you pop the cod into the oven, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top. It gets all melty and golden brown and adds a salty, nutty flavor that’s just irresistible! Trust me on this one – you won’t regret it.

Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Alright, so you’ve got this amazing Garlic Butter Baked Cod, but what do you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Honestly, it goes with pretty much anything, but here are a few of my faves. Some fluffy rice is *always* a good call – it soaks up all that delicious garlic butter sauce! Roasted veggies are another winner – broccoli, asparagus, or even just some simple roasted potatoes. And if you’re feeling virtuous, a simple side salad adds a nice bit of freshness.

Storing and Reheating Your Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Okay, so you’ve made this amazing Garlic Butter Baked Cod, but you’ve got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious for another meal.

Proper Storage Instructions

Just pop that leftover cod into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge ASAP. It’ll keep for 3-4 days, tops. Don’t let it sit out at room temperature for too long – that’s just asking for trouble!

Reheating Methods

Wanna enjoy that cod again? You’ve got a couple of options. For best results, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through. This helps keep it moist. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but be careful not to overcook it! Heat it in short bursts until it’s just heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about this Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe:

Can I use frozen cod for Garlic Butter Baked Cod?

Absolutely! Frozen cod is a lifesaver when you can’t get your hands on fresh. Just make sure you thaw it *completely* before cooking. The best way is to pop it in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a rush, you can thaw it in a sealed bag in cold water, but keep an eye on it. Pat it dry with paper towels before baking to get rid of any extra moisture – nobody likes soggy fish!

How do I know when the Garlic Butter Baked Cod is done?

This is *crucial*! You want that cod perfectly flaky, not dry and tough. The easiest way to check is with a fork. Gently poke the thickest part of the fillet. If it flakes easily and is opaque all the way through (no translucent bits!), it’s done! Err on the side of slightly undercooked – it’ll keep cooking a bit after you take it out of the oven. Trust me, a little under is way better than over!

Can I use different types of fish for this Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe?

Totally! While cod is my go-to, this garlic butter sauce is amazing on other types of fish too. Haddock, tilapia, or even salmon would work great. Just adjust the baking time depending on the thickness of the fish. White fish like cod and haddock will cook faster than something like salmon. Experiment and find your favorite!

Nutritional Information for Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Okay, so you’re curious about the nutrition info? Here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, so this is just an estimate! It’ll vary depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use, so don’t take it as gospel, okay?

Enjoy Your Delicious Garlic Butter Baked Cod!

Alright, that’s all there is to it! Seriously, this Garlic Butter Baked Cod is so easy, you’ve gotta try it! And when you do, please, *please* let me know what you think! Leave a comment below or give the recipe a rating – I love hearing from you guys!