1-First: rinse the cod, remove any bones, and pat it dry thoroughly to ensure even cooking.

2-Next: cut the 1 pound of fresh cod fillets or loins into serving portions and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

3-Then: soften 4 tablespoons of salted butter without melting it, and mix in 1 small chopped garlic clove (or 2 for stronger flavor, or ¼ teaspoon garlic powder), 1 ½ teaspoons of packed chopped Italian parsley, and ¼ teaspoon of paprika until creamy.

4-Spread about 1 tablespoon of the garlic butter mixture evenly over each cod piece for that flavorful coating.

5-Bake the cod on the middle rack for 15 to 20 minutes, until it flakes easily with a fork the total prep time is around 10 minutes, making the whole process about 25 minutes.

6-Before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish and add salt if desired to enhance the taste.

7-Serve immediately, optionally with bread for dipping in the pan juices, and enjoy the fresh flavors right away.