This Garlic Herb Baked Cod is a light, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dish made with tender cod fillets, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon. Ready in under 25 minutes, this oven-baked recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a quick healthy dinner.
With a delicious blend of garlic, herbs, and olive oil, this dish is juicy, flaky, and packed with Mediterranean-style flavor. Serve it with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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.
- 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.
🥗 Full Recipe
⏱️ Time:
20–25 minutes
🍽️ Servings:
2–3 people
🛒 Ingredients:
- 2–3 fillets cod
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Prepare Sauce
In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Prepare Fish
Place cod fillets in a baking dish lined with parchment paper.
4. Add Flavor
Brush or pour the garlic herb mixture over the fish evenly.
5. Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Serve
Garnish with fresh lemon slices and serve warm.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
- With steamed rice or quinoa
- Side of roasted vegetables
- Fresh green salad
💡 Tips:
- Don’t overcook—cod becomes dry quickly
- Add butter for richer flavor
- Use fresh herbs for extra aroma
