This baked cod is my foolproof recipe for perfectly flaky white fish—in under 30 minutes! A simple buttery garlic herb topping transforms cod filets into a delicious, light, and healthy weeknight dinner.

Garlic butter herb baked cod fillets.
Photo: Gayle McLeod

Why I Love This Baked Cod Recipe

When people ask me for my go-to white fish recipe, this is the one I always recommend. The flavor is light, bright, and versatile (which means it pairs with a variety of sides), it’s super easy to make, and the texture is incredibly tender and flaky. In other words, it’s a winner all around! So while my baked salmon tends to get a lot of attention, this baked cod truly deserves a spot in your weekly rotation. It practically melts under that delicious lemon garlic herb butter topping—and who can resist that? Here’s why I make it on repeat in my house:

  • So darn easy. It’s one of my favorite go-to 30-minute dinners.
  • Completely foolproof. This recipe has never failed me.
  • Perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner with the family or a more elevated dinner party situation, it always hits the spot.

Baked Cod Ingredients

Ingredients for garlic butter herb baked cod.
  • Cod: I’m using wild-caught Alaskan cod from my local fishmonger. But you can also use frozen packets of cod from the supermarket (hello, weeknight convenience). Just remember to thaw them before cooking. And if cod is not available, halibut, mahi mahi, or another firm, flaky white fish works beautifully.
  • Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter, so I can then season it with kosher salt to my preference. 
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic gives you the best flavor, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
  • Parsley: Chopped parsley adds herby freshness and a beautiful pop of green. If you don’t have parsley, you could swap in chives, thyme, or another fresh, tender herb. Just stick with fresh herbs over dried for that bright, garden-fresh flavor.
  • Lemon: Fresh lemon adds a clean, citrusy zing that keeps everything feeling light.
  • Paprika: Just a touch adds warmth and depth.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

How To Bake Cod Perfectly

While pan searing is one way to achieve a beautiful crust (I do this with my pan seared scallops), I find that baking cod in the oven is hands down the most foolproof method. Here’s how I make it:

Step two of baked cod: mix the her butter mixture.

First, I always pat the fillets dry. This helps the butter stick and prevents excess moisture in the pan. Then, stir together the garlic herb butter compound mixture.

Step three of baked cod: add butter mixture and lemon on top.

Next, I’ll spread that mixture generously over the cod fillets. Then, add fresh lemon slices on top and beneath each fillet. This will gently infuse the lemon flavor as it bakes!

Baked cod with garlic herb butter.

Lastly, bake the fish at 400°F (200°C) for 13 to 15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork. That’s it! How easy was that?

Switch Up The Seasonings

To keep your weeknight meals feeling fresh, you can tweak the seasoning in the garlic butter.

  • French: Swap parsley for thyme and add chopped capers. You could even drizzle beurre blanc sauce on top, or make this orange beurre blanc baked cod for a citrusy twist.
  • Cajun: Replace the paprika with Cajun seasoning and add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
  • Italian: Use fresh basil and oregano instead of the parsley.
  • Spanish: Swap sweet paprika for smoked paprika.
  • Mexican: Use chopped cilantro instead of parsley, ground cumin instead of paprika, and lime instead of lemon.

What To Serve With Cod

Because this baked cod has bright garlic herb flavors, I love pairing it with simple sides that let the fish shine. Roasted vegetables like roasted asparagus, broccolini, green beans, or zucchini are always an easy win, especially with just a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. 

If I’m craving something a little heartier, I’ll add roasted potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes. And if I’m serving this for guests, I’ll usually round things out with a fresh arugula salad or cucumber salad!

Storage & Reheating Tips

Leftovers store surprisingly well in the fridge for 2 to 3 days, which makes this recipe even more weeknight-friendly. 

I also freeze any extras for up to 3 months, though I personally prefer it fresh since fish can dry out a bit after freezing. After thawing, I’ll warm it gently either in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a low oven (about 300°F) just until heated through. The key is not to overcook it the second time around!

Baked cod recipe.

More Easy Seafood Recipes

If you try this baked cod recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re looking for more healthy food inspiration, join my free newsletter here or follow me on Pinterest!

Garlic herb butter baked cod recipe.

Garlic Herb Baked Cod

Author: Lisa Bryan
4.97 from 214 votes
Read 458 Comments
Serves 4
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
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Description

This baked cod is an easy and foolproof recipe for perfectly buttery, garlicky, and flaky fish every time!

Equipment

Ingredients 
 

  • 4 (6-ounce) cod filets
  • 3 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons parsley, chives, thyme or other herbs, finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions 

  • Place the cod. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cod in a baking dish.
    Step one of baked cod: pat the fillets dry.
  • Stir the compound butter. In a small bowl, mix together the butter, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
    Step two of baked cod: make the butter mixture.
  • Spread it on the cod. Spread the compound butter mixture on top of each filet.
    Step three of baked cod: add the butter mixture on top.
  • Add the lemon. Lay the lemon slices both on top and under the cod filets.
    Step four of baked cod: add the lemon slices.
  • Bake the cod. Bake in the oven for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Before serving, spoon the juices from the baking dish over the cod.
    How to make baked cod.

Lisa’s Tips

  • Make sure to pat the fish very dry! This helps the butter stick and prevents excess moisture in the pan.
  • Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a 300°F oven until just warmed through. You can freeze for up to 3 months, though the texture is best when enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition

Calories: 258kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 169mg | Potassium: 760mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 622IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg

©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @downshiftology or tag #downshiftology!

This recipe was originally published September 2020, but updated to include new photos and information for your benefit!

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About the author

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

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4.97 from 214 votes (24 ratings without comment)

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458 Comments

  2. Guess I’m the only person who didn’t like this dish. I don’t think there is anything wrong with the recipe. This is my first time trying cod and I don’t think I like it. It was very wet and I like my fish dry weird I know. The texture was odd to me… very firm. I like salmon and talipia but I dont think cod is for me.

    Reply

  3. I made this recipe last night, and it was absolutely delicious! The flavors came together perfectly, and it was so easy to follow. I’ll definitely be making this again—it’s a new favorite in our household! Highly recommend giving it a try.5 stars

    Reply

  6. Loved it! Had cod loins and “air Roasted” in my flip Ninja. It took 17 minutes. Will make it again soon5 stars

    Reply

  10. Hi Lisa:
    Just bought fresh cod and plan on this for dinner tonight. This sounds great and I love all your recipes, tried many.❣️

    Reply

  11. I am looking forward to trying your Garlic Herb Baked Cod recipe! And, I was excited to see that there is a choice of metric measurements. However, I want to let you know that it doesn’t work. Both show the same U.S. customary measurement.

    Reply

    1. Hi Pat – all of the measurements are the same in imperial and metric except for the fish. The four 6-ounce filets would be about 680 grams total. Hope that helps!

      Reply

  15. This was an amazing recipe, so simple and easy to prepare, and the finish product was delicious! I will definitely share this recipe with my friends and family.5 stars

    Reply

  16. I just made this tonight and it was delicious- perfect flavors, perfect cooking time, fish wash just right. So easy- a new favorite!5 stars

    Reply

    1. Hi Sarah – no adjustments needed. Just make sure to thaw your cod in the fridge overnight, then pat dry with paper towels.

      Reply

  19. Thanx Lisa you’re the best..you never fail me!!!
    I trust your informative healthy organized recipes and tips5 stars

    Reply

  20. I madenthe Garlic Herb Baked Cod. Followed the recipe as written, it was very good. Super easy to make. Served with asparagus. Will make again.5 stars

    Reply

  21. 4th time doing this dish since I found it a month ago, we love it!
    I add tarragon to my herb mix and found a smoked paprika to make this ever more tasty to us.
    Easy to do, making fish popular again. Thanks Lisa.5 stars

    Reply

  22. Brilliant! I lived in England and in Australia but this is one of the best Cods I ever had.
    And I am not even a good cook..5 stars

    Reply

  23. I made this exactly as directed in the recipe using parsley and green onion for the herbs. It was absolutely delicious! Kids and adults alike loved it and were full of compliments! The fish was moist and tasty. We all dipped our bread in the sauce in the bottom of the pan-pure yum!

    Reply

  26. My husband kept raving the whole time he was eating his fish, he said it was yummy and when can I make it again, BTW I also loved it :) keep up the great work!!5 stars

    Reply

  27. I made this tonight and it was wonderful!
    I bought some fresh cod from my nearby grocery store yesterday and then simply searched for a recipe. I’m grateful to have found this one because it was simple and delicious.
    I will definitely be making this again!5 stars

    Reply

  28. Living in New England, we are lucky to have fres seafood, and cod is a staple in my rotation. This recipe delish as is!

    Reply

  29. This is my go-to recipe for cod and for haddock fillets. I prefer the Italian version, and use home-made Italian seasoning. This recipe is quick, easy and absolutely delicious. I usually serve it with a side of broccoli or asparagus, a green salad and a chickpea salad that i make. We are watching our carbs, so no rice or potatoes with this meal.5 stars

    Reply

  30. I have been making this every week for the past 5 weeks (since I found this recipe).
    We love it, simple to make and delicious.

    thank you!5 stars

    Reply

  31. I am on a low sodium diet and I made this recipe without any added salt. It was delicious. There is plenty of flavor without the salt.5 stars

    Reply

  33. Excellent — easy recipe using ingredients I have in stock in the house. Very tasty and simple way to prepare cod. I used parsley, garlic powder, ground pepper, unsalted butter and olive oil. Eliminated salt due to diet restrictions. Will definitely make this recipe again (and again and again).

    Thank you5 stars

    Reply

  34. Absolutely loved this recipe. We didn’t have lemons and substituted lime for the citrus, still really good. Fish was flavorful and flakey. We paired with mushroom risotto and the same herbs as the fish. This will be added to our meal rotation. Thank you!5 stars

    Reply

  37. I have baked this before, just looking for something a bit different. I have been eating garlic all week, my daughter has 4. Something different and without garlic.4 stars

    Reply

    1. Hi Alan – it sounds like your oven might not be calibrated correctly. I’d recommend buying an oven thermometer to double check. :)

      Reply

    2. I found the same thing. 425 for 25 min. Maybe my pieces were thicker. I also added minced onion and mushroom to the topping, so that could have taken longer also.

      Reply

    3. I made the garlic herb and loved it! My toddler wolfed it down as long as there weren’t any pieces of garlic on his bite of fish. We get frozen cod on our Costco runs and are looking forward to making all the other variations of this recipe!5 stars

      Reply

  40. Wow! You did it again Lisa!! This recipe is amazing. The fish was so tender, flaky and flavorful. I will be making this dish again at my next dinner party. They are going to love it!!! I have made a lot of your recipes and all have been great! Thanks Lisa!!5 stars

    Reply

  43. I think I needed to add more seasoning and less lemon, but this is a great and easy recipe to cook for the whole family. I have used so many recipes from your site. Thanks :)5 stars

    Reply

  45. Restaurant quality.  Quick, delightful perfection!  Could easily make this for a dinner party.  Served over a bed of blistered cherry tomatoes and sautéed spinach.  Chive/thyme combo is yummy.  Thank you for a delicious dinner!5 stars

    Reply

      1. This was quick,easy and delicious. We had it with your sautéed garlic swiss chard which is almost the same as the way I’ve been cooking it. It was a delicious healthy dinner. Thank you for sharing5 stars

  46. Made the herb garlic cod, really simple and quick. The flavours were amazing, perfect for a quick dinner party 🥳
    If there was a facility to post a photo I would 🤗5 stars

    Reply

  47. So good and really easy! I grabbed a little fresh parsley, chives AND thyme from our garden to mix into the butter (because, why not?). Even my not-fishing-loving teen ate it without a disparaging comment (which I consider a compliment) 😂 We will put this recipe into our regular fish rotation. 5 stars

    Reply

  48. I made this meal today and it was amazing! I only made two large pieces of cod as I live alone. I had leftover compound butter so I rolled it in plastic to look like a log and will freeze it until next time! You have got to make this. It was so juicy and tasty. Thanks Liza! You’ve done it again!!!5 stars

    Reply

  49. I made this meal last week and it turned out fantastic. I know its good when my husband asks me where did I buy it from? This turned boring cod into a beautiful meal. Thank you !

    Reply