Welcome to a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that will surely become a family favorite. This Baked Garlic Butter Cod is packed with flavors, thanks to a rich garlic and parsley-infused butter that brings out the best in the cod fillets. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish takes only 30 minutes to prepare and cook!
Introduction to Baked Garlic Butter Cod
Cod is a popular white fish known for its mild flavor and tender texture. In this recipe, we bake the cod in a garlic butter sauce, which not only adds richness but also keeps the fish moist and flavorful. If you’re looking for a light and healthy meal that’s also satisfying, this Baked Garlic Butter Cod is the perfect choice. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or a seasoned chef, this dish is a must-try, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, from roasted vegetables to rice.
Ingredients for Baked Garlic Butter Cod
- 4 (6 oz./170g) cod fillets
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt (or to personal taste)
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) smoked paprika (or to taste)
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) butter, softened (not melted)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) minced or crushed garlic (about 3 large cloves)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) minced parsley
- Olive oil for baking dish
- Lemon wedges, optional
Optional Substitutions:
- For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or olive oil.
- If you prefer a different type of fish, such as tilapia or haddock, this recipe can be easily adapted. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
How to Make Baked Garlic Butter Cod – Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly oil a baking dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Season the Cod
Rinse and pat dry the cod fillets. Season both sides with salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and smoked paprika. Set the fillets aside while you prepare the garlic butter.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, stir together the softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley. This fragrant compound butter is the secret to the rich flavor of the dish.
Step 4: Butter the Cod Fillets
Rub the garlic butter mixture generously on both sides of each cod fillet. Make sure they are well coated to ensure maximum flavor during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cod
Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. If you have any leftover garlic butter, add it to the dish for extra flavor. Optionally, add lemon wedges to the baking dish for a burst of citrusy freshness. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cod is cooked, spoon the melted garlic butter sauce from the baking dish over the fillets. Serve with your favorite vegetables or a light salad, and garnish with lemon slices for an extra pop of flavor.
Helpful Tips for Baked Garlic Butter Cod
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic will provide the best flavor. Avoid using pre-minced garlic from a jar as it tends to lose its potency over time.
- Don’t overcook: Overcooked cod can become dry. Keep an eye on the cooking time and check the internal temperature to ensure it doesn’t go over 145°F (63°C).
- Add citrus: Lemon wedges not only enhance the flavor of the cod but also provide a beautiful presentation. Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the fillets before serving for a bright, zesty finish.
Cooking Tips for the Best Baked Garlic Butter Cod
- Pat the fish dry before seasoning: Removing excess moisture from the cod ensures that it sears nicely and holds onto the seasonings better.
- Use a meat thermometer: To avoid overcooking, check the internal temperature of the fish with a meat thermometer. The cod is perfectly done at 145°F (63°C).
- Try parchment paper: For easy cleanup, line your baking dish with parchment paper. This prevents the butter from sticking to the dish and makes for a hassle-free transfer to the plate.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Garlic Butter Cod
This Baked Garlic Butter Cod pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Roasted vegetables: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or zucchini for a light and healthy meal.
- Rice or quinoa: A fluffy bed of rice or quinoa can soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce.
- Mashed potatoes: For a heartier option, try serving the cod with creamy mashed potatoes.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 300mg
This Baked Garlic Butter Cod is not only flavorful but also packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a nutritious choice for any meal. It’s also low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Storage and Leftovers for Baked Garlic Butter Cod
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the cod in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the fish rubbery.
Tip: If you plan to reheat, store the melted garlic butter sauce separately and spoon it over the cod after reheating for maximum flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Baked Garlic Butter Cod
1. Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just make sure to thaw it completely before seasoning and baking to ensure even cooking.
2. What other fish can I use for this recipe?
This recipe works well with other white fish such as tilapia, haddock, or halibut. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative such as olive oil or vegan butter.
4. How can I tell when the cod is done?
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Related Recipes for Baked Garlic Butter Cod Lovers
Conclusion
Thank you for trying out this delightful Baked Garlic Butter Cod recipe! We hope you enjoyed preparing and savoring this dish as much as we do. Don’t forget to leave a comment below with your feedback or any variations you tried. Happy cooking!
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Baked Garlic Butter Cod – Easy and Delicious Recipe
Description
Welcome to a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that will surely become a family favorite. This Baked Garlic Butter Cod is packed with flavors, thanks to a rich garlic and parsley-infused butter that brings out the best in the cod fillets. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish takes only 30 minutes to prepare and cook!
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz./170g) cod fillets
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt (or to personal taste)
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) smoked paprika (or to taste)
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) butter, softened (not melted)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) minced or crushed garlic (about 3 large cloves)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) minced parsley
- Olive oil for baking dish
- Lemon wedges, optional
Optional Substitutions:
- For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or olive oil.
- If you prefer a different type of fish, such as tilapia or haddock, this recipe can be easily adapted. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fillets.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly oil a baking dish and set it aside.
Step 2: Season the Cod
Rinse and pat dry the cod fillets. Season both sides with salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and smoked paprika. Set the fillets aside while you prepare the garlic butter.
Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, stir together the softened butter, minced garlic, and parsley. This fragrant compound butter is the secret to the rich flavor of the dish.
Step 4: Butter the Cod Fillets
Rub the garlic butter mixture generously on both sides of each cod fillet. Make sure they are well coated to ensure maximum flavor during baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cod
Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. If you have any leftover garlic butter, add it to the dish for extra flavor. Optionally, add lemon wedges to the baking dish for a burst of citrusy freshness. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cod is cooked, spoon the melted garlic butter sauce from the baking dish over the fillets. Serve with your favorite vegetables or a light salad, and garnish with lemon slices for an extra pop of flavor.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic will provide the best flavor. Avoid using pre-minced garlic from a jar as it tends to lose its potency over time.
- Don’t overcook: Overcooked cod can become dry. Keep an eye on the cooking time and check the internal temperature to ensure it doesn’t go over 145°F (63°C).
- Add citrus: Lemon wedges not only enhance the flavor of the cod but also provide a beautiful presentation. Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the fillets before serving for a bright, zesty finish.
