Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod Recipe

Introduction

This Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy tender, flaky fish. Infused with a zesty garlic butter sauce and a hint of Old Bay seasoning, it makes a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the garlic, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in the lemon juice and remove from heat.
3. Step 3: Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
4. Step 4: Spoon or brush the garlic butter mixture generously over each fillet.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and add a final squeeze of lemon.
7. Step 7: Serve hot with your favorite side dish.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the cod in the garlic butter mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
• Swap cod with other white fish such as haddock or halibut if desired.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a mild spicy kick.
• Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Storage

Store leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through to avoid drying out the fish. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be enjoyed cold in salads as well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cod fillets can be used. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator before baking to ensure even cooking.

What side dishes pair well with baked cod?

This cod pairs nicely with rice, roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a light, satisfying meal.

Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 79 reviews

This Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod is a flavorful and easy seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets baked in a rich garlic butter sauce seasoned with Old Bay, paprika, and fresh lemon juice. Perfectly baked to flaky perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s an ideal healthy dinner option that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the cod from sticking during baking.
2. Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Add the finely minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 minutes to infuse the flavors. Then stir in the lemon juice and remove the pan from heat to keep the sauce warm.
3. Arrange Cod Fillets: Place the 4 cod fillets in a single layer inside the prepared baking dish, ensuring they have enough space and are evenly spread out for even cooking.
4. Apply Garlic Butter: Generously spoon or brush the warm garlic butter mixture over each cod fillet, making sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
5. Bake the Cod: Bake the cod uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked and tender.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top and add an optional final squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Serve the cod hot alongside your favorite side dishes.

Notes

• Ensure cod fillets are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
• Do not overbake to retain the fish’s moisture — check by flaking with a fork.
• Old Bay seasoning adds a characteristic savory and slightly spicy flavor but can be adjusted to taste.
• Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter.
• This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread.

Keywords: Baked cod, Old Bay seasoning, garlic butter, easy seafood recipe, healthy dinner, baked fish