Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod: Easy Weeknight Seafood Delight

Ever stared at a piece of fish in your refrigerator, wondering how to transform it into something extraordinary without hours of effort? I’ve been there too! This Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas tender, flavorful cod fillets bathed in a savory garlic butter sauce and seasoned with the iconic Old Bay blend.

Hi, I’m Michael, the heart behind FoodyDish! As someone who believes in the power of simple ingredients to create memorable meals, I’ve perfected this cod recipe to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. After countless seafood experiments in my kitchen, this buttery, herb-infused cod has become a staple that brings everyone to the table with smiles.

In this recipe guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect cod fillets, creating that mouthwatering Old Bay garlic butter, and achieving that perfectly flaky texture every time. Plus, you’ll find pro tips, serving suggestions, and answers to common questions about cooking cod.

Why This Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod Works

• Uses affordable cod that’s readily available in most grocery stores
• Requires just 5 minutes of prep time for a busy weeknight win
• Creates restaurant-quality flavor with basic pantry ingredients
• Perfect for seafood lovers and those new to cooking fish
• Naturally gluten-free and low-carb friendly

Choosing the Right Cod for Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod

Best Cod Options for This Recipe

Fresh Atlantic or Pacific cod works beautifully for this baked dish. Look for thick fillets (about 1-1.5 inches) as they’re more forgiving during baking and less likely to overcook. While fresh is wonderful, don’t hesitate to use high-quality frozen cod fillets – just make sure they’re fully thawed before baking.

Buying Tips

When shopping for cod, seek out fillets that have:

• A translucent, pearly white appearance
• Firm texture that springs back when touched
• Mild, clean ocean scent (avoid any strong “fishy” smell)
• No discoloration or dry edges

Substitutions

If cod isn’t available, try these alternatives:

• Haddock similar mild flavor and flaky texture
• Pollock budget-friendly with slightly stronger flavor
• Halibut premium option with firmer texture
• Mahi-mahi holds up well with the garlic butter

Ingredients & Prep for Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod

Cod Prep Essentials

Before cooking, pat your cod fillets dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures the butter sauce adheres properly and helps achieve a better texture. If your fillets have skin, you can either remove it before cooking or easily slide it off after baking.

Old Bay Garlic Butter Mixture

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl until well blended. This can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator (bring to room temperature before using).

Pantry Staples

For maximum flavor, have these on hand:

• Extra virgin olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
• Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
• Additional fresh herbs like dill or chives (optional garnish)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod

Pre-Cooking Prep for Cod

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Lightly oil a baking dish large enough to hold all cod fillets without overcrowding.
3. Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels.
4. Place fillets in the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly.

Cooking Method for Baked Cod

1. Spread the Old Bay garlic butter mixture generously over each cod fillet, covering the entire surface.
2. For thicker fillets, make a few shallow slashes on top to help the butter penetrate.
3. Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness of fillets.

Doneness Check for Baked Cod

The cod is perfectly cooked when:

• It flakes easily when tested with a fork
• The internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C)
• The fish appears opaque throughout
• The butter sauce is bubbling around the edges

Resting Your Baked Cod

Allow the baked cod to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This brief rest allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod

Avoiding Dry Cod

• Don’t overcook! This is the number one cause of dry, rubbery fish.
• Consider using a meat thermometer to precisely monitor doneness.
• For extra insurance against dryness, add 2 tablespoons of white wine or chicken broth to the bottom of the baking dish.

Tool Recommendations

• Glass or ceramic baking dish (conducts heat evenly)
• Fish spatula for easy serving
• Instant-read digital thermometer
• Microplane for finely grating garlic

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftover cod in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently in a 275°F oven until just warmed through (about 10 minutes).
• Leftover cod also makes excellent fish tacos or can be flaked into salads!

Looking for more seafood inspiration? Check out my collection of mouthwatering fish recipes on Pinterest each one tested and perfected in my own kitchen!

Flavor Variations for Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod

Spicy Twist

Kick up the heat by adding ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to your butter mixture, or incorporate 1 tablespoon of finely minced jalapeño for a fresher spice profile.

Mediterranean Version

Transform the flavor profile with:

• 1 tablespoon capers
• 2 tablespoons diced sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped olives

Herb Garden Delight

Create a fresh herb explosion by replacing Old Bay with:

• 2 tablespoons mixed fresh herbs (dill, parsley, chives, tarragon)
• Zest of one lemon
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Serving Suggestions for Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod

This versatile cod pairs beautifully with:

• Sides: Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, garlic mashed potatoes, or lemon rice pilaf
• Starches: Crusty bread for soaking up the garlic butter sauce, quinoa, or roasted baby potatoes
• Salads: Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or cucumber tomato salad
• Garnishes: Fresh lemon wedges, additional chopped parsley, or a light sprinkle of paprika

FAQs About Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod

Can I use frozen cod fillets?
Yes! Just ensure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before baking. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator rather than using a quick-thaw method.

What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?
You can make a simple substitute with: 1 teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, and celery salt, plus a pinch of cayenne and ground bay leaves.

How can I tell if my cod is done without a thermometer?
The fish should flake easily when gently pressed with a fork, and the flesh should be opaque all the way through. When in doubt, it’s better to slightly undercook than overcook, as residual heat will continue cooking the fish.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the garlic butter mixture up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. You can also arrange the fish in the baking dish and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking – just bring everything closer to room temperature before baking.

Final Thoughts on Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod

This Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod proves that impressive seafood dishes don’t require culinary school training or hours in the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

The magic happens in that perfect balance of garlic, butter, and Old Bay seasoning, creating a sauce that complements the delicate cod without overpowering it. I encourage you to make this recipe your own – adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences, experiment with the herb combinations, and find your perfect side dish pairings.

Give this recipe a try tonight and join thousands of home cooks who’ve discovered how simple and rewarding seafood cooking can be. Your family will thank you, and this just might become your new go-to fish recipe!

Baked Old Bay Garlic Butter Cod: Easy Weeknight Seafood Delight

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• Author: Michael
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Tender, flaky baked cod fillets smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce and seasoned with Old Bay  a simple, flavorful seafood dish that’s ready in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)

3 tbsp melted butter

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them in the prepared baking dish.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets.

5. Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

6. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a little heat.

Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

This recipe also works well with haddock, pollock, or tilapia.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: baked cod, garlic butter cod, Old Bay seafood, easy fish recipe, healthy dinner