Baked Cod Garlic Butter

There's something almost meditative about baking cod, the way it transforms in the oven from pale and firm to flaky and tender in just minutes. I discovered this recipe on a Tuesday night when I had exactly four fillets, a forgotten stick of butter, and some herbs wilting in my crisper drawer—not exactly inspired circumstances, but somehow the simplest ingredients made something unexpectedly restaurant-quality. That first bite, with the garlic butter pooling around the flake of white fish, made me realize you don't need complicated techniques to impress people at your table.

I made this for my neighbor one evening when she mentioned she was eating sad desk lunches, and watching her face when she tasted it was worth every minute. She kept asking what restaurant I'd gotten it from, and I loved getting to say I'd made it myself in about the time it takes to watch an episode of something. Now she texts me for the recipe every few weeks, which is the highest compliment I could ask for.

Ingredients

• Cod fillets (4, about 170 g each): Look for fillets that are similar in thickness so they cook evenly—thinner pieces cook faster, which can dry them out if you're not careful.
• Unsalted butter (60 g / 1/4 cup), melted: Unsalted lets you control the salt level, and melting it makes whisking with the other ingredients effortless.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here; it's what transforms plain butter into something magical.
• Lemon juice (1 tbsp, freshly squeezed): Fresh lemon is brighter and more alive than bottled—it's the difference between pleasant and memorable.
• Sea salt (1/2 tsp) and freshly ground black pepper (1/4 tsp): Season generously but taste as you go, since the butter and fish need balance.
• Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Parsley adds color and freshness without overwhelming the delicate fish flavor.
• Fresh dill (1 tbsp, chopped): Dill and fish are an old pairing for a reason—it brings an herbal lightness that complements white fish beautifully.
• Fresh chives (1 tbsp, chopped): A whisper of onion flavor without the bite, chives finish the dish with elegance.
• Lemon slices (from 1 lemon, for garnish): These look stunning and give people the option to squeeze extra brightness over their fish.

Instructions

Get your oven ready and prepare the stage:

Preheat to 200°C (400°F) and lightly grease your baking dish—you want the fish to slide out effortlessly when it's done. Use a dish just large enough to hold the fillets in a single layer, so the butter pools around them instead of spreading thin.

Dry your fish properly:

Pat each fillet with paper towels until they're completely dry—moisture is the enemy of browning and even cooking. This small step makes a real difference in the final texture.

Make your golden butter sauce:

Whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until the garlic is evenly distributed. Taste it and adjust the seasoning; this is your moment to get it right.

Bring it all together:

Arrange the cod fillets in the baking dish, then pour the garlic butter over them, making sure each fillet gets its share. The butter will sizzle slightly as it hits the cool dish, which is exactly what you want to hear.

Crown it with fresh herbs:

Sprinkle the parsley, dill, and chives evenly over the top, so every bite has a hint of green freshness. The herbs will brighten as they warm in the oven.

Bake until opaque and flaky:

Slide into the oven for 15–18 minutes—set a timer because the difference between perfectly cooked and overdone is just a few minutes here. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and has turned opaque white throughout.

Finish with brightness:

Remove from the oven and arrange lemon slices over the top before serving. This final touch is both beautiful and functional—people love squeezing fresh lemon over their plate.

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There was a moment, watching someone I care about take that first bite and close their eyes in pleasure, when I understood why so many people light candles and sit down slowly for fish like this. It's not fancy or complicated, but there's something about a simple, well-made dish that feels like an act of kindness.

Why This Method Works So Well

Baking cod in butter and herbs keeps the fish incredibly moist because the butter insulates it and the herbs infuse flavor directly into the flesh as it cooks. The oven's even heat means no fiddling with the stove, no worrying about the bottom burning while the top stays raw—you just set it and let it do its job. I've tried pan-searing cod before, and while it's delicious, it requires more attention and skill; this method feels like a gift to anyone who wants elegant results without the theater.

What to Serve Alongside

This cod sings with simple sides that don't compete with its delicate flavor—roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or cherry tomatoes absorb the garlic butter that pools at the bottom of the dish. A bed of fluffy rice or a light, lemony salad keeps the meal feeling fresh and balanced. I've also served it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that golden sauce, and nobody complained about that choice either.

Swaps and Variations

Cod is mild and flaky, but haddock or halibut work beautifully with this same treatment if you prefer something slightly different. I've added a pinch of chili flakes to the butter on nights when I wanted a whisper of heat, and it's genuinely fantastic—the warmth complements the fish without overpowering the herbs. You can also swap the fresh herbs for whatever you have on hand; tarragon, basil, or even a combination of mint and parsley all work if that's what your kitchen offers.

• For a dairy-free version, use quality olive oil instead of butter and you'll barely notice the difference.
• If your fillets are thicker than average, add 2–3 minutes to the baking time and check for doneness with a fork.
• Make the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it—just let it come to room temperature before baking.

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This recipe has taught me that cooking doesn't always have to be complicated to be special—sometimes the most memorable meals come from knowing how to treat simple, good ingredients with respect. Keep this one in your back pocket for those nights when you want to cook something that tastes like you care, because honestly, you do.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can other fish be used instead of cod?

Yes, haddock or halibut can be substituted for cod, offering a similar texture and flavor when baked with the garlic butter and herbs.

→ How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

The fillets are done when they easily flake with a fork and the flesh turns opaque throughout, usually after 15–18 minutes of baking.

→ Can I prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely, whisk the butter, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to use for convenience.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with this cod?

Roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a fresh salad complement the flaky cod and buttery herb sauce beautifully.

→ Is there an option for a dairy-free version?

To make this dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or a non-dairy alternative while keeping the garlic and herbs intact.