The scent of garlic butter wafting through the air is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Imagine perfectly flaky cod fillets, each bite bursting with buttery goodness that dances on your taste buds. This Garlic Butter Baked Cod dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, one that transports you to a cozy seaside cottage with the sound of waves crashing nearby, and maybe even a seagull squawking in approval. hearty Italian wedding soup cozy garlic egg soup
Now, if you’re anything like me, cooking fish can sometimes feel like performing brain surgery—high stakes and a lot of fear involved. But fear not! This recipe will have you feeling like a culinary genius in no time. Whether you’re hosting friends for a casual dinner or just indulging in some self-care with a plate of deliciousness while binge-watching your favorite show, this Garlic Butter Baked Cod is the star of the evening.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
- The flavor profile features rich garlic and buttery notes that elevate the mildness of cod into something extraordinary.
- Visually, the dish presents beautifully with its golden crust and fresh herbs, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- It’s versatile enough to pair with any side dish you have on hand rice, veggies, or even a simple salad.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Cod
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cod Fillets: Look for fresh or frozen fillets that are firm and have a clean smell. They should be about 6 ounces each.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish better.
- Fresh Garlic: Nothing beats fresh garlic for flavor! Aim for around four cloves minced.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances out the richness of the butter.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness; feel free to chop it coarsely or finely based on your preference.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the flavors without overpowering them. For more inspiration, check out this Grilled Salmon with Chimichurri recipe.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Cod
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that oven heats up like a sauna on a summer day, grab your trusty baking dish and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare Your Cod
Place those beautiful cod fillets in your baking dish. Give them a sprinkle of salt and pepper like you’re casting good vibes over them.
Step 3: Make That Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter. Toss in your minced garlic and stir it often until it becomes fragrant but not burnt—nobody wants charred garlic ruining their dinner!
Step 4: Add Lemon Juice & Parsley
Once that garlic is smelling heavenly, remove it from heat and mix in some freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped parsley. This mixture will be like sending your cod off to a tropical paradise.
Step 5: Pour It On
Pour that garlicky butter goodness over your cod fillets evenly so every bite gets its share of flavor.
Step 6: Bake It Up
Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 15-20 minutes or until your cod flakes easily with a fork—like magic!
Transfer to plates and drizzle with any remaining sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
And there you have it Garlic Butter Baked Cod is ready to steal the show at dinner! Serve it alongside some roasted vegetables or fluffy rice, sit back, and enjoy as everyone at your table marvels at your culinary prowess. Bon appétit!
You Must Know
- Garlic butter baked cod is a delightful dish that transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience.
- With its flaky texture and rich flavor, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table while keeping your kitchen time short and sweet.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it warms up, prepare the garlic butter mixture. Sear the cod briefly in a hot skillet for that crispy texture, then transfer it to the oven for finishing. Timing is everything here!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cod for another flaky fish like haddock or tilapia if that’s what you have. For added flair, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving, or toss in a squeeze of lemon juice for zing.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep that lovely texture intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh garlic for maximum flavor it makes a world of difference!
- Let the fish rest after baking; this allows juices to redistribute.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing; give each fillet room to develop a nice crust.
Cooking garlic butter baked cod takes me back to family dinners where everyone would gather around the table, eagerly waiting for their favorite dish. The compliments I received made my heart swell with joy!
FAQs:
What is Garlic Butter Baked Cod?
Garlic Butter Baked Cod is a delicious and easy-to-make fish dish that features tender cod fillets baked in a rich garlic butter sauce. The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs infuses the fish with flavor while keeping it moist. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a gourmet taste without requiring extensive cooking skills.
How long does it take to cook Garlic Butter Baked Cod?
Cooking Garlic Butter Baked Cod typically takes about 20 to 25 minutes in the oven at 400°F (200°C). The exact time can vary based on the thickness of the cod fillets. It’s essential to ensure the fish reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. The baking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring the cod remains flaky and tender.
What can I serve with Garlic Butter Baked Cod?
Garlic Butter Baked Cod pairs well with various sides that complement its rich flavors. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh garden salad. light lemon orzo salad For a heartier meal, mashed potatoes or quinoa work well too. Adding lemon wedges enhances the dish’s brightness and balances the richness of the garlic butter.
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cod for Garlic Butter Baked Cod. However, it’s best to thaw the fish completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper flavor absorption. You can quickly thaw frozen cod by placing it in cold water for about an hour or overnight in the refrigerator. Just be sure to pat it dry before adding it to your garlic butter mixture.
Conclusion for Garlic Butter Baked Cod:
Garlic Butter Baked Cod is a flavorful and straightforward dish that impresses anyone at your dining table. With its rich garlic butter sauce and perfectly baked fillets, this recipe stands out as both healthy and indulgent. seafood lasagna with garlic It takes minimal prep time and pairs wonderfully with various sides, making it versatile for any occasion. Enjoying this delightful seafood dish brings joy to both cooks and diners alike!
Garlic Butter Baked Cod
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Baked Cod is a sumptuous seafood dish that effortlessly combines flaky cod fillets with a rich garlic butter sauce and fresh herbs. This easy-to-make recipe transforms your dinner into a gourmet experience, perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions. With its golden crust and aromatic flavors, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange the cod fillets in the baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and parsley.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet (170g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For an extra crispy texture, sear the cod in a hot skillet for 2 minutes on each side before baking. You can substitute cod with haddock or tilapia if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
