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This Lemon Garlic Baked Cod is flaky, buttery, and ready in 25 minutes. A simple baked cod recipe with fresh lemon and garlic. 🍋🐟 Perfect easy dinner idea!

My Spanish Tilapia is another fish dinner to add to your menu.

Cooked lemon garlic baked cod on a white plate with asparagus and fresh parsley garnish.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It is quick and ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish.
  • The flavor is bright, buttery, and fresh without being heavy.
  • This lemon garlic cod feels fancy but uses simple pantry staples.
  • It works for both busy weeknights and casual dinner guests.
  • The flaky texture makes it a reliable baked cod meal that the whole family can enjoy.
ingredients to make lemon garlic baked cod

🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions

  • cod fillets – substitute with sea bass, halibut, or mahi mahi
  • unsalted butter – if using salted butter, reduce salt to ¾ teaspoon
  • lemon juice – fresh is best; bottled may be used if needed
  • lemon slices – no substitution recommended
  • garlic cloves – substitute with ½ teaspoon dried garlic
  • fresh parsley – substitute with 2 teaspoons dried parsley or fresh thyme, tarragon, or chives
  • salt – no substitution recommended
  • black pepper – no substitution recommended
  • paprika – use sweet paprika for mild flavor or smoked paprika for smoky flavor

✨ Variations

  • Add Parmesan – Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the top before baking for a slightly crisp finish.
  • Make It Spicy – Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
  • Herb Swap – Use fresh thyme, chives, or dill in place of parsley.
  • Citrus Twist – Replace half the lemon juice with fresh orange juice for a softer citrus flavor.
  • Turn It Into Tacos – Flake the baked cod into warm tortillas with slaw and a drizzle of crema.
Glass mixing bowl with butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper, with raw cod fillets and a halved lemon nearby.
Glass bowl with garlic herb butter mixture fully combined, showing flecks of parsley and paprika throughout.
Raw cod fillets arranged in a white baking dish on a marble countertop.
Cod fillets in a white baking dish spread with garlic herb butter mixture before baking.
Cod fillets topped with lemon slices and garlic herb butter mixture in a white baking dish before baking.
Baked cod fillets in a white baking dish surrounded by melted butter sauce with lemon slices on top.

🔥 Tips

  • Pat The Fish Dry – Removing excess moisture helps the butter mixture stick better and improves texture.
  • Use Even Thickness – Try to select fillets of similar thickness so they cook evenly.
  • Do Not Overcook – Cod is done when it flakes easily and reaches 140°F internally.
  • Use Fresh Lemon – Fresh juice gives the best flavor in this baked cod recipe.
  • Spoon The Juices – Before serving, spoon the pan juices over the fish for extra flavor.

If you are making baked cod in the oven for the first time, keep a close eye during the last few minutes of cooking. Fish can go from perfect to overdone quickly.

❓ FAQs

What does cod taste like?

Cod has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a firm yet flaky texture. It is not overly fishy, which makes it great for people who are new to seafood.

Can I use frozen cod?

Yes. Thaw the fillets completely and pat them very dry before baking. Excess moisture can affect texture and cooking time.

How do I know when baked cod is done?

The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. An internal temperature of 140°F ensures it is cooked but still tender.

Can I use another type of fish?

Yes. Halibut, sea bass, or mahi mahi work well as substitutes. Cooking times may vary depending on thickness.

What should I serve with Lemon Garlic Baked Cod?

This baked cod pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, salad, or crusty bread to soak up the lemon butter sauce.

Close up of baked cod showing flaky white interior topped with garlic herb butter and lemon slices.

🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy

Lemon garlic baked cod on a white plate with asparagus and lemon slices
5 from 1 vote
Servings: 4 servings

Lemon Garlic Baked Cod

By Jamie Sherman
Lemon Garlic Baked Cod is a quick oven-baked fish recipe with garlic butter and lemon. Perfect for an easy, healthy dinner.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 4 cod fillets, (6-8 oz. each, about 1-1¼ inches thick)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 6-8 lemon slices

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
    4 cod fillets
  • In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until smooth and well blended.
    6 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Spread about 1½ tablespoons of the butter mixture evenly over the top of each fillet. Drizzle the lemon juice over the fish, then top each piece with 1-2 lemon slices.
    2 tablespoons lemon juice, 6-8 lemon slices
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
  • Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Spoon the pan juices over the fillets before serving, if desired.

Notes

🥡 STORAGE: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
♨️ REHEATING: Oven – Place in an oven-safe dish, top with 1 tablespoon butter, cover, and bake at 250°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals at reduced power until warmed.
Skillet – Warm gently over low heat with a small pat of butter.
Air fryer – Reheat at 300°F for 4-6 minutes.
❄️ FREEZING: Freeze cooked cod in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat.
💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS: Pat the fish dry to help the butter mixture adhere better.
Use evenly thick fillets so they cook at the same rate.
Check early if fillets are thinner than 1 inch to avoid overcooking.
Cook to temperature and remove at 140°F for tender, flaky results.
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS: Air fryer – Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness.
Grill – Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side using a grill-safe pan or foil.
Broiler – Broil 4-6 inches from the heat for 6-8 minutes, watching closely.
♻️ LEFTOVERS: Flake into tacos with slaw and crema.
Add to salads for an easy protein boost.
Stir into pasta with extra lemon butter sauce.
📝 NOTES: Frozen cod can be thawed quickly by placing fillets in a bowl of cool water for 4-5 minutes, changing water as needed until thawed.
Butter should be very soft for easy mixing and even spreading.
Lemon helps brighten flavor and reduce any strong fish aroma.
Cooking time may vary based on fillet thickness.
Thinner fillets will cook faster and may need 10-12 minutes instead of the full time.
Use sweet paprika for a mild flavor or smoked paprika for added depth.
You can mix the butter topping earlier in the day and refrigerate it until you’re ready to use it.
Garnish with extra parsley and fresh lemon slices for a fresh finish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1fillet, Calories: 895kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 161g, Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 432mg, Sodium: 1071mg, Potassium: 3756mg, Fiber: 0.3g, Sugar: 0.3g, Vitamin A: 1178IU, Vitamin C: 15mg, Calcium: 157mg, Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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5 from 1 vote

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1 Comment

  1. Rebecca says:

    5 stars
    I love baked cod with garlic

    Reply