Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a light, flaky, and flavorful seafood dish that’s simple to prepare yet elegant enough for dinner guests. The cod is baked to tender perfection and bathed in a rich lemon butter sauce with hints of garlic and herbs. It’s quick, healthy, and pairs beautifully with veggies, rice, or salad.

ingredients

this Recipe

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

cod fillets (fresh or thawed)unsalted butterlemon juicelemon zestgarlic (minced)paprikasaltblack pepperfresh parsley (for garnish)olive oil

directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.

Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them in the prepared dish. Season with salt, pepper, and a light sprinkle of paprika.

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt butter. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic.

Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the cod fillets.

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.

Optional: Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for a slightly golden top.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 12–15 minutesTotal time: 17–20 minutes

Variations

Add capers for a briny twist.

Sprinkle with Parmesan before baking for a cheesy crust.

Use lime instead of lemon for a tropical variation.

Top with sliced cherry tomatoes for color and flavor.

Substitute cod with haddock, halibut, or tilapia.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking.Best enjoyed fresh due to the delicate texture of the fish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod?

Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before baking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, naturally gluten-free with no flour or breadcrumbs.

What sides go well with lemon butter cod?

Steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, just adjust the added salt to taste.

How do I know when cod is fully cooked?

It should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque all the way through. Internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C).

Can I prepare this in advance?

You can prep the sauce and season the fish ahead of time, but bake just before serving.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free seafood dish that brings out the best in simple ingredients. With its tender texture and zesty, buttery finish, it’s a perfect weeknight meal or special occasion entrée. Serve it up with your favorite sides for a clean, satisfying dinner everyone will love.

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