Baked Cod Garlic Butter Herbs (Print View)

Tender cod fillets infused with garlic butter and herbs for a flavorful light main course.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 cod fillets, skinless and boneless, approximately 5 oz each

→ Garlic Butter

02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
05 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest

→ Herbs & Seasonings

06 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
09 - ½ teaspoon sea salt
10 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
11 - ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

→ Garnish

12 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper or grease lightly with oil.
02 - Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them evenly in the baking dish in a single layer.
03 - In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well blended.
04 - Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over each cod fillet.
05 - Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) over the fillets, then top with chopped parsley, dill, and chives.
06 - Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
07 - Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than most takeout orders, and you only need one dish to clean.
  • The garlic butter soaks into the fish just enough to make every bite taste rich without feeling heavy.
  • You can swap the herbs or add vegetables around the fish, so it never gets repetitive.
02 -
  • Don't overbake the cod or it will turn dry and rubbery. Start checking at 15 minutes, especially if your fillets are on the thinner side.
  • If the garlic starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
03 -
  • Use a pastry brush to coat the fish evenly, it makes a real difference in how the flavors spread.
  • Let the butter cool for a minute after melting so it doesn't cook the garlic raw when you mix it in.
  • If you love garlic, add an extra clove, but slice it thin instead of mincing so it roasts slowly and stays sweet.

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