Baked Cod (with Butter & Garlic)

A light, flaky cod fillet baked under a generous layer of garlic-herb butter and a squeeze of lemon. The butter melts into the fish, making every bite rich and savory, yet clean-tasting.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz / ~170 g each).
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened.
• 2 Tbsp olive oil (or sometimes only butter, depending on recipe)
• 2–4 cloves garlic, minced.
• 1–2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for freshness)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, adds color & a little warmth)
• Lemon (juice and/or slices) for bright flavor: many recipes use lemon wedges or juice.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 200 °C / 400 °F.
2. In a bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Mix well into a rough paste.
3. If using lemon, you can add lemon juice or zest into this butter mixture (depending on the recipe).
4. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels.
5. Season both sides of the cod with salt, pepper (and paprika if using).
6. Place the fillets in a lightly oiled or buttered baking dish.
7. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on top of each cod fillet.
8. (Optional) Place lemon slices or lemon wedges around or under the cod for a citrusy flavor.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for around 15–20 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork.
10. Internal temperature (if you use a thermometer) should reach about 63 °C / 145 °F.
11. Spoon any melted garlic butter from the baking dish over the cod when serving.
12. Serve with lemon wedges, and, if desired, garnish with more parsley.