If you’ve ever thought of fish as boring, this recipe might just change your mind. Cod, with its mild flavor and flaky texture, is one of the most versatile seafood options around.
When paired with a vibrant herbed garlic butter and kissed with fresh lemon, it transforms into something truly special—simple enough for a quick weeknight meal, yet elegant enough to serve to guests.
If you’re new to cooking seafood, this is the recipe to start with. It’s forgiving, flavorful, and ready in less than 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Beginner-friendly: Even if you’ve never cooked fish before, this method guarantees success.
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Quick cooking time: From prep to plate in under half an hour.
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Light yet satisfying: The perfect balance of freshness and comfort.
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Flexible flavors: Works with cod or almost any white fish, plus an easy dairy-free option.
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Nutritious choice: High in lean protein, healthy fats, and packed with flavor without heavy sauces.
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Restaurant-quality at home: Elegant presentation, but no complicated techniques.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Each ingredient in this recipe has a purpose. Let’s break them down so you understand how they work and how to make swaps when needed.
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Cod fillets – Cod is affordable, widely available, and cooks quickly. Its mild taste makes it a great base for herbs and lemon. If cod isn’t available, halibut, haddock, rockfish, or tilapia are excellent alternatives. Salmon also works beautifully with this herbed butter but will have a richer taste.
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Tip: The thickness of the fillet determines cooking time. Thin fillets cook in about 10 minutes, while thicker cuts can take 15–18 minutes.
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Butter – Adds richness and keeps the fish moist while baking. For a lighter version, try ghee or half butter/half olive oil. If you’re dairy-free, replace the butter entirely with olive oil.
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Olive oil – A fruity, slightly peppery oil enhances flavor and prevents the butter from burning. Always choose good-quality extra virgin olive oil, especially if making the dairy-free version where it takes center stage.
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Garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds a savory kick that complements the delicate cod. Pre-minced jarred garlic works in a pinch, but fresh really makes a difference.
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Fresh thyme – Mild and earthy, thyme pairs beautifully with fish. Other options: rosemary (use sparingly), dill (fresh and bright), or sage for a more robust fall flavor.
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Fresh parsley – Brings color and freshness, balancing the richness of the butter. If you don’t have fresh parsley, skip it rather than use dried—dried parsley adds little flavor.
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Lemon zest – A secret weapon for bright citrus flavor without overwhelming sourness. Always zest the lemon before slicing it.
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Lemon slices – Baking thin slices directly on the fish infuses gentle citrus flavor. They also look beautiful when served. Any leftover wedges can be squeezed over the top for extra brightness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
This temperature strikes the perfect balance: hot enough for light roasting flavor, but gentle enough to prevent the fish from drying out. -
Prep the ingredients.
Mince the garlic and fresh herbs finely so they spread evenly. Zest the lemon before slicing it—zesting after slicing is tricky and wastes flavor. -
Make the herb mixture.
In a small bowl, combine softened butter (or olive oil), garlic, thyme, parsley, and lemon zest. Mash with a fork until smooth.-
Dairy-free tip: Use olive oil only, or blend olive oil with a little dairy-free butter substitute.
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Prepare the cod.
Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the topping stick and prevents excess moisture while baking. Place fillets in a lightly greased baking dish. -
Add the topping.
Spread the herb butter mixture evenly over the fish. Don’t worry if some slips into the dish—it will melt into a delicious sauce. Lay 1–2 thin lemon slices on each fillet. -
Bake the fish.
Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness. The fish is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). -
Garnish and serve.
Sprinkle with extra fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Spoon any melted butter-herb sauce from the dish over the top before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
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Avoid overbaking: The biggest mistake with cod is leaving it in too long. Pull it out as soon as it flakes easily.
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Use fresh herbs when possible: They brighten the dish in a way dried herbs simply can’t.
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Balance flavors: Don’t skip the lemon zest—it adds brightness that balances the richness of butter.
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Try parchment for special occasions: For a fancier touch, you can wrap the fillets in parchment packets with herbs and bake “en papillote.” It looks impressive and locks in even more steam.
Serving Ideas
This baked cod is versatile and pairs well with countless sides:
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Vegetables: Oven-roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are perfect companions.
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Starches: Creamy mashed cauliflower, mashed potatoes, or herbed rice pilaf soak up the juices.
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Light option: Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.
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Hearty option: Serve alongside buttered noodles or angel hair pasta with olive oil and garlic.
Wine pairing tip: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay complements the lemon-herb flavors beautifully.
Variations to Try
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Garlic-Parmesan Cod: Add 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan to the herb butter mixture before baking.
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Chili-Lime Cod: Swap lemon zest for lime zest and add a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat.
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Mediterranean Style: Add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers to the butter mixture for a bold twist.
FAQs
What temperature should cod be baked at?
400°F is ideal—it gives the fish a delicate roasted flavor without drying it out.
How do I know when cod is done?
It should look opaque, flake easily with a fork, and register 145°F on a thermometer.
Can I use another fish instead of cod?
Absolutely. Halibut, haddock, tilapia, and even salmon work well. Just adjust the cooking time based on thickness.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate baked cod in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, cover lightly with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until just heated through. Avoid microwaving, which can make the fish rubbery.
Can I make this ahead?
You can prepare the herb butter mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just spread it over the fish and pop it in the oven.
Final Thoughts
This baked cod recipe proves that seafood doesn’t need to be complicated to taste amazing. With fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon, you get a dish that’s light, flavorful, and elegant without requiring advanced cooking skills. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or simply looking for a healthier dinner option, this recipe delivers every time.
Serve it with simple sides, a glass of white wine, and watch how quickly it disappears from the table. It’s the kind of recipe that belongs in your regular rotation—a true kitchen staple.