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Easy Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe

Easy Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe

Tender cod fillets are baked in a simple garlic butter sauce with lemon and paprika for a fast, flavorful dinner. This recipe makes 4 servings and takes approximately 25 minutes from start to finish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 pounds Cod fillets, preferably 4 portions
Garlic Butter Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter, melted
  • 3-4 cloves Garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Garnish and Serving
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
  • as needed Lemon wedges

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Pat the cod fillets very dry with paper towels, then arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  4. Spoon or brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over each cod fillet.
  5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Thin portions may be ready around 10–12 minutes, while thicker pieces may need closer to 15–18 minutes.
  6. Check the thickest part with a food thermometer; the cod is ready at 145°F (63°C) and should flake easily with a fork.
  7. Sprinkle the baked cod with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

Pat the fish dry so the butter sauce adheres well and the cod does not steam in excess moisture. Do not rely only on the clock because fillet thickness affects cooking time. Store leftovers refrigerated and reheat gently to help prevent the lean fish from drying out.