Do you like garlic bread as I do? Do you always have it in your freezer? You’ll love this Garlic Butter Baked Cod. Then I came across some leftover cod filets labeled “garlic butter.”
The buttery, sweet, and creamy garlic flavor perfectly complements the cod filet’s mild, rich taste. As if Garlic Butter Baked Cod needed to be more excellent, it is also straightforward and quick to make. Weeknight dinner perfection!
What’s in GARLIC BUTTER BAKING COD?
This recipe is a literal copy of my Garlic Bread and the topping (butter and olive oil with garlic, parsley, and salt). I added a little paprika for color because baked cod can be very pale. I had a few lemons on hand, so I cut one and sliced it into the baking dish to add a bright flavor and balance the butter. This is the perfect combination of flavors; I can taste it just by typing!
Should I use Frozen or Fresh Cod?
Use fresh or frozen cod, depending on what you have available. If you are using frozen cod, thaw it completely before adding the butter mixture.
HOW TO KNOW WHEN COD IS DONE BAKING
The length of time it takes to bake cod depends on its thickness. However, cod should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 145oF. The flesh should be opaque at this temperature and flake easily with a knife. The cod will become rubbery or challenging if you continue to bake it beyond this point.
To reach the internal temperature, I had to bake my filets for 20 minutes at 400oF. If they are thin, you may only need to bake the filets for 15 minutes. Using a simple instant-read electronic meat thermometer is constructive when determining the time that fish has been baked. You can find the link to the one I use at the bottom of this recipe card.
Is FRESH Parsley a Must?
This recipe does not require you to purchase an entire bunch of fresh parsley. Instead, I recommend using 1 Tbsp chopped parsley. You can use dried parsley instead of fresh parsley if you don’t have any on hand.
Is the lemon necessary?
You can make the recipe without lemons, but the lemon enhances the taste. So, get one! If you are buying lemons by the bag, remember that you can store them in the freezer.
Ingredients
2 Tbsp Butter (At Room Temperature) ($0.26)
1 Tbsp olive oil ($0.16)
Two cloves of minced garlic ($0.16)
1/8 tsp of paprika (0.02)
1/8 tsp salt ($0.01)
Parsley finely chopped, 1 Tbsp ($0.10)
Eight oz. cod (2 4 oz. filets) ($2.48)
Fresh Lemons – 1 ($0.37)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400oF. Combine the butter, parsley, paprika, and olive oil in a small bowl. Stir until the paste is smooth.
Spread a small amount of garlic butter over the surface of a baking dish to prevent the fish from sticking. Add the cod filets to the baking dish, then cover all sides with the remaining garlic.
Add the lemon slices along with the fish to the baking dish. Slice the remaining half lemon into wedges to serve.
Bake the cod in the oven for 20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a knife and the temperature reaches 145oF. Pour any juices left in the pan on top of the fish. Serve the cod with the remainder of the fresh lemon wedges to squeeze the juice on top.
