Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod Recipe

Introduction

Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together tender cod fillets and a rich, zesty garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite for seafood lovers.

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 garlic, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in 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, let the cod marinate in the garlic butter mixture for 15 minutes before baking.
• Substitute cod with other white fish like haddock or tilapia if preferred.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the butter sauce for a mild kick.
• Serve with roasted vegetables or steamed rice to complete the meal.

Storage

Store any leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F or in the microwave to avoid drying out the fish. For best texture, consume within 24 hours.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cod, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before baking to ensure even cooking and avoid excess moisture.

Is Old Bay seasoning necessary for the recipe?

Old Bay adds a distinctive blend of spices that enhances the flavor, but you can substitute it with a mix of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if you don’t have it.

Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod Recipe

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4.7 from 97 reviews

This Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod recipe combines tender cod fillets with a flavorful garlic butter sauce infused with Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and lemon juice. Baked to perfection, this dish delivers a deliciously seasoned, flaky seafood meal perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.

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

Ingredients

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Cod and Seasoning

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F 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 butter over low heat. Stir in 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 lemon juice and remove from heat to keep the fresh citrus aroma.
3. Arrange Cod Fillets: Place the cod fillets in a single layer in the greased baking dish, ensuring even spacing for consistent cooking.
4. Apply Garlic Butter: Spoon or brush the prepared garlic butter mixture generously over each cod fillet so that the fish absorbs the rich flavors while baking.
5. Bake the Cod: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is perfectly cooked.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle chopped parsley over the fillets and add a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish before serving immediately.
7. Serve: Serve hot alongside your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Notes

• Ensure not to overcook the cod to keep it moist and flaky.
• Old Bay seasoning can be adjusted to taste if you prefer a milder or stronger spice profile.
• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder will alter the taste profile slightly.
• Supported sides include steamed vegetables, quinoa, or crusty bread to mop up the flavorful garlic butter.
• This dish can be prepared ahead by making the garlic butter sauce in advance.

Keywords: cod, baked cod, Old Bay seasoning, garlic butter fish, healthy seafood recipe, quick fish dinner, baked fish fillets, lemon butter cod