Baked Cod or White Fish with Garlic Butter Recipe

There’s something truly special about a recipe that feels both luxurious and completely doable on a busy weeknight, don’t you think?

This baked cod, swathed in a rich, aromatic garlic butter, is exactly that kind of dish. It’s a simple preparation that yields a result so elegant, so perfectly flaky and flavorful, you’ll swear it came from a seaside bistro.

And the best part, truly, is how the garlic butter sauce pools around the fish in the pan, creating its own incredible sauce that begs to be drizzled over everything on your plate.

Why This Dish Feels Like a Hug

This isn’t just another fish recipe; it’s a reliable friend for those evenings when you need a meal that’s both comforting and impressively quick.

The process is wonderfully straightforward, and the payoff is immense. In about thirty minutes, you can transform a few humble fillets into a centerpiece that makes an ordinary dinner feel like a small celebration.

It’s the kind of food that makes everyone at the table pause, take a bite, and just smile.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step toward a fantastic meal. The magic, really, is in the combination.

• 4 (6 oz./170g) cod fillets (or other white fish of your choice)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to your personal taste
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon 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 the baking dish
• Lemon wedges, optional, but highly recommended

What’s the Best White Fish to Use Here?

The beauty of this recipe is its incredible flexibility when it comes to the star of the show. While cod is our foundation, you are absolutely not limited to it.

Any mild, flaky white fish will work beautifully. Think of haddock, tilapia, catfish, or even a thicker sea bass fillet.

The key thing to remember is that cooking time will depend entirely on the thickness of your chosen fillets, not just the type of fish. A little visual check goes a long way.

How to make Baked Cod or White Fish with Garlic Butter?

Getting Your Kitchen Ready

First things first, let’s get that oven hot and ready. Preheat it to a steady 400°F (205°C).

Take your baking dish and give it a light coating of olive oil—this little step prevents any sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Now, it’s all about the fish.

Preparing the Fish Fillets

Give your cod fillets a quick rinse under cold water and then pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a secret for getting a nice sear and helping the seasoning stick.

Season both sides generously with the salt, pepper, and that lovely smoked paprika, which adds a subtle, warm depth you’re going to love.

Creating the Garlic Butter Magic

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, the minced garlic, and the fresh parsley. Stir it all together until it’s one beautifully fragrant and unified compound butter.

Using softened butter, not melted, is the trick here—it creates a paste that clings to the fish perfectly, creating a flavorful crust as it bakes.

Coating the Fish with Flavor

Now for the fun part. Take that glorious garlic butter and rub it lovingly onto both sides of each seasoned fillet.

Don’t be shy; coat every inch. This butter is the soul of the dish, infusing the fish with rich, savory flavor from the outside in.

Getting Ready for the Oven

Place the beautifully buttered fillets into your prepared baking dish. If you have any extra compound butter left, just dollop it right around the fish in the pan.

Tuck a few lemon wedges in there, too, if you’re using them. They’ll roast alongside the fish, mellowing and becoming a wonderful, squeezable garnish.

The Baking Process

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let the heat work its magic for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes apart easily with a fork.

For the precision-minded, an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is your target. The aroma filling your kitchen will be your first clue that something wonderful is happening.

Serving Your Masterpiece

Once out of the oven, don’t forget the liquid gold left in the baking dish! Spoon that melted garlic butter sauce over each fillet right before serving.

Pair it with your favorite vegetables, maybe some rice or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce. A final squeeze of the roasted lemon wedge is the perfect, bright finish.

Can You Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

For those who love to plan, you can absolutely get a head start. The compound butter can be made days in advance and kept in the fridge, or even frozen for later use.

You can also prep your side vegetables ahead of time. But for the best texture, it’s ideal to bake the fish fresh, just before you’re ready to sit down and eat.

The actual hands-on time is so short, you can have it in the oven in mere minutes, making “fresh” totally achievable.

Tips

If you find yourself with leftover compound butter, consider it a bonus. Spread it on thick slices of bread for an instant, incredible garlic bread.

Or, melt a pat of it in a pan to cook your morning eggs—it’s a game-changer. Fresh dill is a wonderful addition to the butter, playing so nicely with the garlic and parsley.

And if you see Meyer lemons, grab them. Their fragrant, slightly sweeter juice is absolutely divine with this baked fish.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers?

While this dish is always best enjoyed fresh, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

To reheat, gently warm the fish in a 300°F (150°C) oven until just heated through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the fish rubbery.

You can also flake the cold fish over a salad for a delicious next-day lunch—no reheating needed.