Garlic Butter Baked Cod That Is A Perfect Easy Dinner Delight is one of the simplest meals you can make for a wholesome weeknight dinner. The cod turns out tender and flaky, kissed with rich garlic butter and a hint of lemon that brightens every bite. This recipe is beginner-friendly, quick to prepare, and uses pantry staples you likely already have. It’s a perfect comfort food dinner that fits into any busy schedule. Pair it with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
Why You'll Love Garlic Butter Baked Cod That Is A Perfect Easy Dinner Delight – Quick & Family-Friendly
Enjoy Garlic Butter Baked Cod That Is A Perfect Easy Dinner Delight, a quick homemade meal that's tender, buttery, and family-friendly. Ready in 40 minutes!
- Super easy and quick prep – perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, buttery garlic flavor enhances mild cod without overpowering.
- Healthy, protein-packed, and budget-friendly meal option.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients you probably have on hand.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Cod That Is A Perfect Easy Dinner Delight – Quick & Family-Friendly
Cod fillets: Use fresh if possible for best texture; wild-caught preferred. You can substitute with haddock or tilapia.Butter: Unsalted butter helps control saltiness; substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.
- Cod fillets: Use fresh if possible for best texture; wild-caught preferred. You can substitute with haddock or tilapia.
- Butter: Unsalted butter helps control saltiness; substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Garlic Butter Baked Cod That Is A Perfect Easy Dinner Delight – Quick & Family-Friendly are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Cod That Is A Perfect Easy Dinner Delight – Quick & Family-Friendly
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Make garlic butter sauce: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Arrange cod: Place cod fillets evenly in the baking dish. Spoon the garlic butter sauce evenly over each piece to ensure full coverage.
Expert Tips for Garlic Butter Baked Cod That Is A Perfect Easy Dinner Delight – Quick & Family-Friendly
- Pat cod dry before baking to help the garlic butter stick better.
- If you like a slight crunch, broil the cod for the last 1-2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor or substitute with garlic powder if needed.
Garlic Butter Baked Cod That Is A Perfect Easy Dinner Delight – Quick & Family-Friendly
Enjoy Garlic Butter Baked Cod That Is A Perfect Easy Dinner Delight, a quick homemade meal that's tender, buttery, and family-friendly. Ready in 40 minutes!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds cod fillets, fresh or thawed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh lemon slices
- Chopped fresh chives or dill
- Parmesan cheese for a savory twist
Instructions
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Cod That Is A Perfect Easy Dinner Delight
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Make garlic butter sauce: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Arrange cod: Place cod fillets evenly in the baking dish. Spoon the garlic butter sauce evenly over each piece to ensure full coverage.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and the edges are slightly golden.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Garlic Butter Baked Cod That Is A Perfect Easy Dinner Delight – Quick & Family-Friendly FAQs
Yes! You can prepare the garlic butter sauce and cod ahead, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.
Haddock, tilapia, or halibut work well with this recipe if cod isn’t available.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Overbaking causes dryness. Check the fish at 20 minutes and remove once it flakes easily and is opaque.
Before You Go
If you try this Garlic Butter Baked Cod That Is A Perfect Easy Dinner Delight – Quick & Family-Friendly, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.