This flavorful lemon garlic butter baked cod recipe is so easy to make! It's ready in less than 30 minutes and results in the most succulent, tender fish. Cod has never tasted so good!

If you love fish recipes, try my Grilled Cod in Foil, Lemon Garlic Sole, or Crispy Panko Parmesan Baked Halibut.

Lemon garlic butter baked cod fillets in a white bowl, topped with lemon slices.

Garlic Butter Baked Cod Features

Cod is an easy fish to cook and it has a meatier texture to it - making it a great fish for people who are skeptical of fish!
The combination of butter, lemon, garlic, and seasonings is simple but it packs a flavorful punch that pairs beautifully with the cod.
Ready in less than 30 minutes this easy baked fish recipe is perfect for weeknights.

Melted butter, spices, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon juice and zest, and cod fillets on a marble background.

Baked Cod Ingredients

Cod - cod is an easy white fish to cook and it takes on flavor so well. You can use frozen cod for this recipe. Make sure to fully defrost it in the refrigerator and press all the water out of it with a paper towel before placing in the baking dish.
Butter - butter adds a rich flavor and pairs well with the lemon and garlic!
Lemon - you'll use both lemon juice and zest to add maximum citrus flavor.
Garlic - freshly minced garlic adds a fantastic bite to the sauce.
Parsley - a little chopped parsley brightens up the dish and adds some herby flavor.
Seasonings - use paprika, salt, and pepper to season the fish.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Lemon garlic butter baked cod fillets in a white bowl.

If you try this easy baked cod recipe, leave a comment and a star rating below!

Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod

This easy baked cod recipe with a delicious lemony garlic butter sauce is so delicious! It's the best way to make baked cod and it's ready in just a few minutes.

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 18

Total Time: 25

Servings: servings

Author: Emily Wilson

Ingredients

4 cod fillets about 6 ounces each
3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Place them in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over each cod fillet.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork. (Thicker fillets may need an extra 2–3 minutes.)
Sprinkle the baked cod with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately.