Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe | Easy Seafood Dinner

Make your weeknight dinner special with this baked cod recipe. It’s ready in just 25 minutes. This easy seafood dish is perfect for busy days. You can use fresh or frozen cod, and it will always taste amazing.

Key Takeaways

Quick and easy 25-minute seafood dinner
Versatile recipe works with various white fish
Creamy garlic butter sauce adds exceptional flavor
Affordable and budget-friendly meal option
Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions

Introducing This Delicious Seafood Dinner

Get ready for a tasty journey with our Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe. It mixes cod’s mild taste with a zesty garlic butter spread. This makes a top-notch seafood dish perfect for quick weeknights or fancy meals at home.

This recipe cooks in just 25 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). It’s a quick way to get a lot of flavor. The ingredients like unsalted butter, lemon, and garlic powder make a delicious spread that boosts the cod’s taste.

This Garlic Butter Baked Cod will wow your family or guests with its amazing smell and look. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete, tasty seafood dinner that’s both quick and flavorful.

“The garlic butter spread took this baked cod to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress!”

Learn more about this quick fish recipe. Find out why the Garlic Butter Baked Cod is a must-try for your next seafood dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe

Weeknight dinners need to be simple yet tasty. This easy cod recipe fits the bill with its garlic butter topping. It turns plain cod into a dish fit for a restaurant. Plus, it’s an affordable fish meal that won’t empty your wallet.

Perfect for Weeknight Dinners

This quick seafood dinner is ready in under 30 minutes. Just season the cod, make the garlic butter, and bake until it’s golden. It’s a dish that will impress your family and become a favorite.

Restaurant-Quality Results

The garlic butter topping makes this baked cod truly special. The cod comes out flaky and covered in a delicious crust. It’s a meal that rivals what you’d find in a restaurant, but you can make it at home.

Budget-Friendly Meal Option

Cod is an affordable fish, making this easy cod recipe a smart choice for dinner. You can also make more of it for bigger gatherings. Its tasty flavor and low cost make it a great choice for your wallet and taste buds.

“This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. The garlic butter topping takes the cod to the next level, and it’s all ready in under 30 minutes. Definitely a new favorite in our household!”

Essential Ingredients Overview

To make the perfect Garlic Butter Baked Cod, start with the right ingredients. At the center are cod fillets, fresh or thawed, for a tender base. For the garlic butter topping, you’ll need salted butter, olive oil, and minced garlic. Add paprika and fresh parsley for extra flavor and color. A squeeze of lemon makes the dish even brighter.

For a meal that serves 4, you’ll need 1 pound of cod fillets, 4 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 cloves of garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon each of paprika and salt. This mix of ingredients will make a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant.

Ingredient	Amount
Cod Fillets	1 pound
Salted Butter	4 tablespoons
Olive Oil	2 tablespoons
Garlic, minced	4 cloves
Paprika	1/4 teaspoon
Salt	1/4 teaspoon
Fresh Parsley, chopped	2 tablespoons
Lemon, cut into wedges	1

With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious Garlic Butter Baked Cod. It’s sure to impress your family and guests.

Selecting the Perfect Cod for Baking

Choosing the right fish is key to a tasty cod dish. Both fresh cod and frozen cod are great options. They each have their own benefits.

Fresh vs. Frozen Cod Options

Fresh cod is loved for its lively taste and soft, flaky texture. But, frozen cod is a smart choice too. It’s often frozen right after catching, keeping its freshness and nutrients.

How to Choose Quality Fish

Whether you pick fresh or frozen cod, look for bright white fillets. They should feel firm and springy. Stay away from fish that smells too fishy. It’s a sign it’s not fresh.

Proper Storage Tips

Keep fresh cod in the fridge for 1-2 days after buying.
To thaw frozen cod, soak it in cold water for 10-15 minutes.

Choosing top-notch fresh or frozen cod and storing it right will make your baked cod dish both tasty and healthy.

Making the Perfect Garlic Butter Spread

Take your baked cod to the next level with a delicious garlic butter spread. This compound butter adds amazing flavor and richness to your dish. It’s the key to making your cod taste like it’s from a fancy restaurant.

To make the perfect garlic butter, start by softening a pound of unsalted butter. Once it’s soft, mix in 3-4 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, and a teaspoon of paprika. Keep stirring until it’s all mixed up and creamy.

Use softened, unsalted butter for the best texture and flavor.
Mince the garlic finely to evenly distribute the flavor.
Fresh parsley adds a burst of herbaceous notes.
Paprika lends a subtle smoky warmth to the butter.

This garlic butter spread can be made ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze it for months. When you’re ready, just spread it over your cod fillets before baking. You’ll get a seafood dish that’s full of garlic flavor.

“The secret to making restaurant-quality baked cod at home is all in the garlic butter spread. It’s quick to prepare and takes your seafood to the next level.”

Ingredient	Amount
Unsalted Butter, softened	1 lb
Fresh Garlic, minced	3-4 cloves
Fresh Parsley, chopped	2 tbsp
Paprika	1 tsp

By making this garlic butter spread, you can make any seafood dish better. It’s great for baked cod, seared salmon, or grilled shrimp. It’s a tasty and easy way to add a fancy touch to your meals at home.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Preparing the Fish

Begin by rinsing the cod fillets under cold water. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel. This removes excess moisture. Season the cod with salt, black pepper, and paprika for extra flavor.

Creating the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, and paprika. Use a fork to mash until smooth. This creates a delicious garlic butter spread.

Assembly Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Place the seasoned cod in the dish and spread garlic butter on top. Add lemon slices for extra taste.

With these steps, you’ll have a tasty garlic butter baked cod. It’s perfect for impressing your loved ones with its flaky cod and fragrant garlic butter.

Optimal Baking Temperature and Time

Baking cod to perfection is a delicate balance of temperature and time. For the best results, preheat your oven to a toasty 400°F (205°C). This high heat will help create a beautifully golden, flaky exterior while ensuring the fish cooks through thoroughly.

The baking time varies based on the cod fillets’ thickness. As a general guideline, plan to bake the cod for 15-20 minutes. Thinner fillets may be done on the lower end of that range, while thicker cuts may require a few extra minutes in the oven.

To test for doneness, use a digital meat thermometer. Ensure the internal temperature of the cod reaches a safe 145°F (63°C). This will result in moist, perfectly cooked fish every time. Remember, the fish will continue to cook slightly even after you remove it from the oven, so don’t be afraid to pull it out when it’s a touch below your target temperature.

Baking Temperature	Baking Time	Internal Temperature
400°F (205°C)	15-20 minutes	145°F (63°C)

By following these temperature and time guidelines, you’ll ensure your oven-baked cod is cooked to perfection. It will have a delightfully flaky texture and mouthwatering garlic butter flavor in every bite.

How to Tell When Your Cod is Perfectly Cooked

Getting your baked cod just right is key for a great seafood meal. There are a few ways to check if your cod is cooked perfectly.

Visual Indicators

Looking at your cod is a simple way to check if it’s done. It should look opaque and white, with flaky flesh. The fish should flake easily with a fork, into big, moist pieces.

Watch out for any parts that look translucent or raw. These spots mean the cod needs more oven time.

Temperature Guidelines

The best way to know if your cod is cooked is by checking its internal temperature. You want it to be 145°F (63°C). Use a thermometer to check the thickest part of the fillet.

When it hits this temperature, it’s ready to eat. But, don’t let it cook too long. Overcooking can make the cod tough and rubbery.

Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes of baking. This way, you’ll get that flaky texture you’re aiming for.

By paying attention to how it looks and its temperature, you’ll always have perfectly cooked fish. Enjoy your garlic butter baked cod with confidence!

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

The Garlic Butter Baked Cod is a delightful main dish. It pairs beautifully with many side dishes. For a well-rounded and visually appealing meal, consider these tasty accompaniments:

Roasted asparagus and cherry tomatoes
Steamed broccoli or Brussels sprouts with lemon and garlic
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing
Buttery mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potato wedges
Fragrant jasmine or basmati rice
Crusty bread or garlic-herb crostini for soaking up the flavorful garlic butter sauce

Don’t forget to offer lemon wedges on the side. They add a bright, citrusy touch. The mild flavor of the cod pairs well with a variety of vegetable sides, seafood pairings, and cod side dishes.

Side Dish Category	Recommended Options
Vegetables	Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, garlic green beans
Starches	Mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, wild rice pilaf, lemon herb couscous, garlic parmesan orzo
Salads	Mixed greens with citrus vinaigrette, Mediterranean cucumber salad, apple and walnut slaw
Sauces and Condiments	Lemon butter sauce, pesto, remoulade, tartar sauce, gremolata

This Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe is versatile. It lets you create a complete and satisfying seafood dinner. Pair it with a wide array of delicious side dishes.

Flavor Variations and Seasoning Options

This baked cod recipe lets you try out different cod seasonings, fish herbs, and spice blends. You can make it your own with a variety of flavors. Whether you like a simple seafood taste or something more exotic, you can adjust it to your liking.

Herb Combinations

For a fresh taste, mix garlic butter with dill, thyme, or basil. These fish herbs enhance the cod’s mild flavor. Feel free to experiment with different herbs to find your favorite mix.

Spice Alternatives

Want to spice up your cod seasonings? Use Old Bay seasoning, Cajun spice, or Italian seasoning instead of salt and pepper. These spice blends for cod add a nice flavor without overwhelming the fish.

For a Mediterranean flavor, add capers and sliced olives to the garlic butter. Their salty, tangy taste pairs well with the cod, taking you to the coast.

“The beauty of this recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit your personal preferences. Get creative with your fish herbs and spice blends for cod to make it your own!”

Tips for Making Ahead and Storage

Preparing your meal in advance can save you time on busy weeknights. For the tasty garlic butter baked cod, make the garlic butter mixture up to 3 days before. Then, just spread it on the cod and bake as you normally would.

Leftover cooked cod stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave. This way, it stays moist and flavorful.

For longer storage, freeze leftover cooked cod. Put it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Storage Method	Refrigerator	Freezer
Cooked Cod	2 days	1 month
Garlic Butter Mixture	3 days	N/A

Preparing and storing your meal prep fish and garlic butter saves time. Just remember to reheat the cod gently to keep it moist and flaky.

Recipe Substitutions and Alternatives

Seafood dishes need to be flexible. This garlic butter baked cod recipe is tasty and loved by many. But, you can try white fish substitutes and cod alternatives to mix things up in your fish recipe variations.

Tilapia is a great swap for cod. It’s mild and flaky, just like cod, and looks great with the garlic butter sauce. You can also use catfish, sea bass, or haddock for a different taste. Just remember to adjust the baking time based on the fish’s thickness.

For a richer taste, try salmon instead of cod. The garlic butter sauce complements salmon’s bold flavor, making it a tasty mix of savory and buttery.

“The versatility of this recipe is truly one of its standout features. Experimenting with different types of white fish opens up a world of flavor possibilities.”

Choosing a white fish substitute or cod alternative means adjusting the cooking time. Make sure the fish is cooked through. Use a fork to check for flakiness and aim for an internal temperature of 140°F for the best seafood.

With a bit of creativity, you can turn this garlic butter baked cod recipe into many fish recipe variations. It’s all about exploring the world of tasty and healthy seafood options.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Garlic Butter Baked Cod is not just tasty, but also good for you. It has about 260-270 calories, 27g of protein, and 16g of fat. Cod is packed with lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart and brain.

Caloric Content

Each serving of Garlic Butter Baked Cod has about 319.3 calories. It also has 9.6 grams of carbs, 25.8 grams of protein, and 19.8 grams of fat. This makes it a low-calorie, nutrient-rich meal.

Protein and Omega-3 Benefits

Cod is a top-notch protein source, with each fillet having about 40g. It’s also full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart and brain. Adding cod to your diet can help you get more of these important nutrients.

Cod is also low in fat, making it a heart-healthy choice. It’s also rich in vitamin B12, which helps with energy and making red blood cells.

“Cod is not only delicious, but it’s also a nutritious seafood option that provides a valuable source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.”

If you want to improve your health or just enjoy a tasty seafood meal, try the Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe. It’s packed with nutritional benefits.

Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid

When baking cod, it’s important to avoid a few common mistakes. Don’t overcook the fish, as it can become tough and rubbery. Cook it for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness, flipping halfway for even browning.

Also, don’t skip the step of patting the cod fillets dry before seasoning. Excess moisture can make the dish soggy. Make sure your oven is preheated to the right temperature for even cooking.

By following these cod cooking tips and avoiding overcooking fish and baked fish errors, you’ll make delicious baked cod at home.

FAQ

How long does it take to make this Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe?

This Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe is ready in 25 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

What type of fish can I use for this recipe?

You can use other sturdy white fish like halibut, pollock, or haddock. The recipe is versatile.

Why is this Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe a great option for weeknight dinners?

It’s incredibly fast and easy to make. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a restaurant-quality meal at home.

What are the key ingredients in this recipe?

Key ingredients include cod fillets (fresh or thawed), salted butter, olive oil, fresh garlic, paprika, salt, fresh parsley, and lemon.

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, both fresh and frozen cod work well. Frozen cod is often more economical and convenient.

How do I prepare the garlic butter spread?

To make the garlic butter spread, combine softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and paprika. Mix until creamy and well-blended.

What is the best way to bake the cod?

Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Bake the cod for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

How can I tell when the cod is perfectly cooked?

Cod is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

What are some good side dish options for this Garlic Butter Baked Cod?

Serve the Garlic Butter Baked Cod with roasted asparagus and tomatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad. It pairs well with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Can I experiment with different seasonings or herb combinations?

Yes, you can experiment with different herb combinations like dill, thyme, or basil. Try spice alternatives such as Old Bay seasoning, Cajun spice mix, or Italian seasoning.