Print

Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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