Garlic Herb Baked Cod

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Updated Oct 23, 2024

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This baked cod is an easy and foolproof recipe for perfectly flaky fish, every time. A simple buttery garlic herb topping transforms cod fillets into a delicious, light, and healthy weeknight dinner – in under 30 minutes!

Baked cod with lemon slices in a baking dish.

While baked salmon tends to get a lot of attention, a cod fillet is not one to be overlooked. It’s just as meaty, holds up well in a variety of recipes like today’s garlic herb baked cod and this Mediterranean cod en papillote, and you simply can’t beat that flaky texture.

But what I love most about baked cod is how darn easy it is to make. All you have to do is stir together the garlic herb butter mixture, slather it on top of the cod, and then bake it in the oven. You’ll have one unbelievably flavorful and healthy dinner in less than 30 minutes!

Baked Cod Ingredients

Garlic and butter will always be a dynamic duo when it comes to flavoring seafood. But here are a few other things you’ll need.

Cod: I’m using wild-caught Alaskan cod in this recipe. But if that’s not readily available, you could also use halibut, mahi mahi, or another flaky white fish.
Butter: I use unsalted butter so I can add then season with salt to my preference.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is preferred for the most robust flavor, but you can also use garlic powder in a pinch.
Parsley: Chopped parsley in the garlic butter adds a lovely pop of green. Not a fan of parsley? Try chives, thyme or another tender herbs.
Lemon: Fish and lemon are best friends!
Paprika: Add just a touch of paprika to elevate the flavor profile.

Fresh versus Frozen Cod

If you can’t find fresh cod at the market, don’t fret. Frozen Alaskan cod might be the better option. Why? It’s hard to tell how long the “fresh” cod on ice has been sitting out. Plus, fresh catches of the day can be a bit pricey and hard to come by.

Topping cod fillets with garlic herb butter mixture.

How To Bake Cod Perfectly

Pan searing is one way to achieve a beautiful crust. But I find that baking cod in the oven is hands down the most foolproof method. Here’s how to make it.

Make the garlic herb butter. Stir the butter, garlic, herbs, and seasonings together.
Coat the fish. Smear the garlic herb butter mixture on the cod fillets.
Bake the fish. After 13 to 15 minutes in the oven the fish should be flaky and ready to serve!

Piece of baked cod with lemon slice in a baking dish.

Switch Up The Seasonings

Give this cod recipe a flavor twist by tweaking the seasoning in the garlic butter. Here are a few ideas:

French: Use fresh or dried thyme in place of the parsley, and add a tablespoon of chopped capers. You could also drizzle beurre blanc on top or make this baked cod with orange beurre blanc for a citrus twist!
Cajun: Replace the paprika with your favorite Cajun seasoning blend and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Italian: Swap the parsley for fresh basil, and the paprika for Italian seasoning.
Spanish: Use smoked paprika instead of sweet.
Mexican: Substitute chopped cilantro for the parsley, ground cumin for the paprika, and lime for the lemon.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

To store in the fridge: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2 to 3 days in an airtight container.
To freeze for later: Yes, you can freeze cod! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
For reheating: Simply reheat in the microwave 30 seconds at a time until the fish is warmed through.

More Easy Seafood Recipes To Love

If you’re a seafood lover like, I’m confident you’ll love these recipes as well:

Salmon Patties – these are also great for meal prep!
Creamy Chipotle Shrimp – the chipotle sauce is truly divine.
Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl – a light and fresh poke bowl you’re sure to love.
Garlic Grilled Shrimp Skewers – garlicky shrimp get tossed on the grill for smoky flavor.
Scallops with Citrus Ginger Sauce – this sauce pairs beautifully with scallops.

I hope you enjoy this garlic herb baked cod! If you make it, drop a comment below on how it turned out. Your review will help other readers in the community.