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Tender and flaky cod fillets baked with a flavorful garlic butter sauce seasoned with Old Bay and paprika, accented with fresh lemon juice and parsley. A quick, versatile, and comforting seafood dish inspired by the Chesapeake Bay flavor profile.

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
  4. Stir in minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper; simmer gently for 2 minutes.
  5. Stir in lemon juice and remove the garlic butter from the heat.
  6. Place cod fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer without crowding.
  7. Generously spoon or brush the garlic butter mixture over each fillet, coating all sides.
  8. Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork (about 145°F internal temperature).
  9. About halfway through baking, spoon more melted butter over the fillets to baste them.
  10. Remove cod from the oven and let rest for a couple minutes.
  11. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the cod and squeeze additional lemon juice over the top before serving.

Notes

Use fresh minced garlic for best flavor., Watch baking time carefully to avoid drying out the cod., Baste halfway through baking to keep fish moist., Add lemon juice just before serving to brighten the dish., Let cooked cod rest briefly to allow flavors to meld., Pat fillets dry before cooking for better texture., Leftover cod can be flaked into salads, chowders, or tacos., Use a meat thermometer to check for 145°F internal temperature., Dairy-free option: substitute butter with olive oil and add garlic powder., Alternative fish options include tilapia, haddock, or halibut., Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired., Serve with buttery mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Mid-Atlantic Coast

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cod fillet (approximately 6 ounces)
  • Calories: Approximately 350 calories per serving
  • Fat: Approx. 22 grams per serving
  • Carbohydrates: Approx. 1 gram per serving
  • Protein: Approx. 35 grams per serving