Garlic Herb Baked Cod
291 Comments
Updated May 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!
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.
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!
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.
- 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.
Garlic Herb Baked Cod
Description
Equipment
- Casserole Pan You can fit several cod fillets on this pan!
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) cod filets
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chives, thyme or other herbs, finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cod in a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together the butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the compound butter mixture on top of each filet.
- Lay the lemon slices both on top and under the cod filets.
- Bake in the oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Before serving, spoon the juices from the baking dish over the cod.
Nutrition
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Recipe originally published September 2020, but updated to include new information for your benefit!
I made this recipe last night, and it was absolutely delicious! The flavors came together perfectly, and it was so easy to follow. I’ll definitely be making this again—it’s a new favorite in our household! Highly recommend giving it a try.
Thrilled to hear you enjoyed this baked cod recipe, Amy!
I just made this tonight !! It was easy and absolutely delicious!! Thank you .
Happy to hear you’re loving this baked cod recipe, Roopa!
Just tried this recipe and everyone loved it 😊 thank you for sharing 🥰
You’re more than welcome, Myra! So happy you all loved it.
Loved it! Had cod loins and “air Roasted” in my flip Ninja. It took 17 minutes. Will make it again soon
Cod was perfectly seasoned. This is a keeper !
Hi Wanda – Happy to hear you loved this baked cod recipe!
Thanks Lisa!
My family loves this recipe ❤️
Thanks, Maria! I’m happy to hear that!
We chose to use thyme and it was amazing! Thank you! :)
I’m happy you enjoyed this baked cod, Tina!
Hi Lisa:
Just bought fresh cod and plan on this for dinner tonight. This sounds great and I love all your recipes, tried many.❣️
Thanks so much, Lisa! I’m thrilled to hear that. :)
I am looking forward to trying your Garlic Herb Baked Cod recipe! And, I was excited to see that there is a choice of metric measurements. However, I want to let you know that it doesn’t work. Both show the same U.S. customary measurement.
Hi Pat – all of the measurements are the same in imperial and metric except for the fish. The four 6-ounce filets would be about 680 grams total. Hope that helps!
Fast, easy, delicious
Hi Nadja – Happy to hear you love this baked cod!
My wife and I both enjoyed last night with greek salad and garlic bread. A keeper.
Thanks, Wally! I’m happy to hear you both loved the baked cod. :)
Five stars, my husband enjoyed and so did I.
Thanks so much, Ruth!
This was an amazing recipe, so simple and easy to prepare, and the finish product was delicious! I will definitely share this recipe with my friends and family.
Thanks so much, Monica! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it!
I just made this tonight and it was delicious- perfect flavors, perfect cooking time, fish wash just right. So easy- a new favorite!
Thanks so much, Angela! Glad you enjoyed it.
What is the temperature for the cod recipe
What adjustments need to be made to use frozen fish for this recipe?
Hi Sarah – no adjustments needed. Just make sure to thaw your cod in the fridge overnight, then pat dry with paper towels.
Thanx Lisa you’re the best..you never fail me!!!
I trust your informative healthy organized recipes and tips
Thanks for trusting my recipes, Valerie!
I madenthe Garlic Herb Baked Cod. Followed the recipe as written, it was very good. Super easy to make. Served with asparagus. Will make again.
Hi Gayle – Happy to hear you love this baked cod!
4th time doing this dish since I found it a month ago, we love it!
I add tarragon to my herb mix and found a smoked paprika to make this ever more tasty to us.
Easy to do, making fish popular again. Thanks Lisa.
Hi Louise – I’m so happy to hear you’re loving this baked cod recipe!
Brilliant! I lived in England and in Australia but this is one of the best Cods I ever had.
And I am not even a good cook..
Hi Gunter – I’m so glad you love this baked cod recipe!
I made this exactly as directed in the recipe using parsley and green onion for the herbs. It was absolutely delicious! Kids and adults alike loved it and were full of compliments! The fish was moist and tasty. We all dipped our bread in the sauce in the bottom of the pan-pure yum!
Hi Amanda – Happy to hear this baked cod recipe was a success!
Followed to the letter. Amazing doneness Good flavor
Hi Vicki – I’m so glad you enjoyed this baked cod recipe!
How thick should the cod be? (it has to make a difference)
My husband kept raving the whole time he was eating his fish, he said it was yummy and when can I make it again, BTW I also loved it :) keep up the great work!!
Hi Linda – So happy to hear you and your husband love this baked cod!
I made this tonight and it was wonderful!
I bought some fresh cod from my nearby grocery store yesterday and then simply searched for a recipe. I’m grateful to have found this one because it was simple and delicious.
I will definitely be making this again!
Hi James – Happy to hear you’re loving this baked cod recipe!
Living in New England, we are lucky to have fres seafood, and cod is a staple in my rotation. This recipe delish as is!
If you have access to fresh seafood, this baked cod is a must!
This is my go-to recipe for cod and for haddock fillets. I prefer the Italian version, and use home-made Italian seasoning. This recipe is quick, easy and absolutely delicious. I usually serve it with a side of broccoli or asparagus, a green salad and a chickpea salad that i make. We are watching our carbs, so no rice or potatoes with this meal.
Hi Sharon – Happy to hear you’ve been loving this baked cod recipe!
I have been making this every week for the past 5 weeks (since I found this recipe).
We love it, simple to make and delicious.
thank you!
Hi Aleksandra – I’m so glad you’ve been loving this baked cod!
I am on a low sodium diet and I made this recipe without any added salt. It was delicious. There is plenty of flavor without the salt.
Hi Abby – Happy to hear you love this baked cod recipe!
The garlic herb baked cod was delicious. Easy to prepare. Thank you Lisa Bryan
You’re more than welcome, Rosemary! Happy you loved it!
Excellent — easy recipe using ingredients I have in stock in the house. Very tasty and simple way to prepare cod. I used parsley, garlic powder, ground pepper, unsalted butter and olive oil. Eliminated salt due to diet restrictions. Will definitely make this recipe again (and again and again).
Thank you
Happy you loved this baked cod recipe, Sharon!
Absolutely loved this recipe. We didn’t have lemons and substituted lime for the citrus, still really good. Fish was flavorful and flakey. We paired with mushroom risotto and the same herbs as the fish. This will be added to our meal rotation. Thank you!
Hi Beth – I’m glad this still turned out great with lime juice instead!
I’m going to make this tonight. Looks simply delicious.
Thx, TracyAnn
Hope you enjoy this baked cod, Tracy!
Sweet an easy. Looks great and tastes better than my skills at cooking.
I’m glad you enjoyed this garlic herb-baked cod, Marvin!
I have baked this before, just looking for something a bit different. I have been eating garlic all week, my daughter has 4. Something different and without garlic.
I’m glad you’ve enjoyed this baked cod before, Michael. I will soon make more versions!
This was excellent. Perfect flavors. I mixed fresh parsley and fresh chives
Wonderful! I’m glad you enjoyed this herb-baked cod, Mandi.
takes more than 15 minutes to cook at 400 degrees more like 35 minutes
Hi Alan – it sounds like your oven might not be calibrated correctly. I’d recommend buying an oven thermometer to double check. :)
I found the same thing. 425 for 25 min. Maybe my pieces were thicker. I also added minced onion and mushroom to the topping, so that could have taken longer also.
I made the garlic herb and loved it! My toddler wolfed it down as long as there weren’t any pieces of garlic on his bite of fish. We get frozen cod on our Costco runs and are looking forward to making all the other variations of this recipe!
Hi Laura – Happy to everyone loves this baked cod!
Wow! You did it again Lisa!! This recipe is amazing. The fish was so tender, flaky and flavorful. I will be making this dish again at my next dinner party. They are going to love it!!! I have made a lot of your recipes and all have been great! Thanks Lisa!!
Yay, I’m happy you loved this baked cod recipe (and many of my other recipes). :)
Do you have to defrost the fish first?
Yes, you do.
Is it possible to cook this in an airfryer? If yes, method please?
Yes, you can! Although, I haven’t tested cooking cod yet in the air fryer. Stay tuned :)
I think I needed to add more seasoning and less lemon, but this is a great and easy recipe to cook for the whole family. I have used so many recipes from your site. Thanks :)
You can always tweak to your liking :)
Such an easy delicious recipe! This one is on our regular rotation in the summer!
Glad this baked cod has made it into your rotation, Sarah!
Restaurant quality. Quick, delightful perfection! Could easily make this for a dinner party. Served over a bed of blistered cherry tomatoes and sautéed spinach. Chive/thyme combo is yummy. Thank you for a delicious dinner!
Glad you’re loving this baked cod dinner Mary!
This was quick,easy and delicious. We had it with your sautéed garlic swiss chard which is almost the same as the way I’ve been cooking it. It was a delicious healthy dinner. Thank you for sharing
Glad you enjoyed this baked cod, Vicky!
Made the herb garlic cod, really simple and quick. The flavours were amazing, perfect for a quick dinner party 🥳
If there was a facility to post a photo I would 🤗
Thrilled to hear this recipe was perfect for your dinner party Penelope!
So good and really easy! I grabbed a little fresh parsley, chives AND thyme from our garden to mix into the butter (because, why not?). Even my not-fishing-loving teen ate it without a disparaging comment (which I consider a compliment) 😂 We will put this recipe into our regular fish rotation.
Glad you’re loving this baked cod recipe!
I made this meal today and it was amazing! I only made two large pieces of cod as I live alone. I had leftover compound butter so I rolled it in plastic to look like a log and will freeze it until next time! You have got to make this. It was so juicy and tasty. Thanks Liza! You’ve done it again!!!
Yay, happy you loved the recipe!
I made this meal last week and it turned out fantastic. I know its good when my husband asks me where did I buy it from? This turned boring cod into a beautiful meal. Thank you !
Glad this recipe worked out great :)
What can I use instead of butter (I am dairy-free)?
You can use any vegan butter alternative in this recipe.
Loved this GARLIC HERB BAKED COD. Easy & fun to make too. Thank you Downshiftology!
You’re more than welcome, Lisa! So happy you love it!