If you’re craving a simple yet utterly satisfying seafood dish, this Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It takes humble ingredients like cod fillets, butter, and lemon and transforms them into a bright, buttery, flaky masterpiece that feels both elegant and comfortingly homey. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe brings a burst of fresh citrus paired with rich, golden-baked cod that practically melts in your mouth. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy fish without any fuss, relying on straightforward techniques that reward you with maximum flavor every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture for this dish. Each component plays a simple but vital role in building that luscious lemon-butter taste and achieving a crispy, light crust that complements the tender cod inside.
- 2 lb cod fillet: Choose fresh or thawed white fish for mild flavor and flaky texture.
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps the coating brown beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds refreshing brightness and cuts through the richness of butter.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Forms a delicate crust when seasoned and baked with the fish.
- Dash(es) paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth and lovely color to the top of the fish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances natural flavors and balances the seasoning perfectly.
How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cod and Lemon Butter Sauce
Start by cutting your cod fillets into individual serving-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and makes plating effortless. Next, melt the butter gently—either on the stove or in the microwave—to create your lemon butter sauce. Stir in the fresh lemon juice to that luscious melted butter, mixing well to develop a bright, tangy base for coating the fish.
Step 2: Coat the Fish
Dip each cod piece into the lemon butter mixture, making sure it’s well coated to absorb those fresh flavors. Then, toss the fish in the seasoned flour, which should be lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, creating a thin, crispy layer that will bake to golden perfection. This coating traps moisture inside the fish while giving you a satisfying texture on the outside.
Step 3: Arrange and Season
Place the coated cod fillets neatly in a buttered baking dish. Drizzle with any reserved lemon butter sauce to keep them moist during baking. Sprinkle a dash or two of paprika over the top—this not only adds a pop of color but delivers a gentle, smoky warmth that elevates the entire dish.
Step 4: Bake Until Flaky and Golden
Pop your dish into a preheated oven and bake until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, usually about 15-20 minutes depending on thickness. This results in tender, juicy cod perfectly balanced by the crunchy coated crust and infused with that irresistible lemon butter sauce.
How to Serve Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can truly brighten this dish. A sprinkle of chopped parsley or dill adds a lovely herbaceous note and vibrant green color, contrasting beautifully with the golden cod. Thin lemon slices or wedges on the side are perfect for guests who like an extra burst of citrus.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up that buttery sauce, or a crisp green salad to provide a refreshing crunch. Steamed asparagus or roasted vegetables also complement the flavors and keep your meal balanced and colorful.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving your cod on a rustic wooden board with fresh lemon wedges and herbs instantly elevates the meal. Alternatively, place fillets over a bed of sautéed spinach or a light quinoa salad to impress at your next dinner. No matter how you plate it, the lemon butter sauce always shines, making every bite special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to two days without losing too much of their flavor or texture.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze baked cod too. Wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap and foil or place them in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the cod in a low oven (around 275°F or 135°C) until warmed through. This method helps maintain moisture and prevents the fish from drying out. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to toughen the delicate fish texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cod is wonderful for its flaky texture and mild taste, you can easily substitute other white fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia. Just adjust the baking time based on thickness.
Do I need to use fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for its bright, natural flavor. Bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch but might lack the same fresh citrus zing that makes this dish stand out.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan margarine or olive oil. The lemon juice will still provide the essential brightness to balance the richness.
How do I know when the cod is done baking?
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through. Cooking times vary depending on thickness, but 15 to 20 minutes at moderate oven temperatures usually does the trick.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake later?
You can coat the fish in lemon butter and flour in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. This makes it great for meal prep or last-minute entertaining.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe is one of those dishes that just feels like home and impresses like a fine restaurant meal all at once. It’s fresh, flavorful, and straightforward enough for any weeknight, yet elegant enough to serve guests without stress. If you love a perfectly balanced seafood dish with a buttery citrus twist, dive into this recipe—you won’t regret it!
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Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to prepare white fish. Tender cod fillets are coated in a zesty lemon butter sauce, then dredged in seasoned flour and baked to a golden brown, flaky perfection. It’s a quick and healthy dish perfect for a light dinner.
Ingredients
Fish
- 2 lb cod fillet (or any firm white fish)
Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Coating and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Dash(es) paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the fish: Cut the cod fillets into serving-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy serving.
- Make the lemon butter sauce: Melt the butter or margarine in a small saucepan or microwave, then mix in the lemon juice to create a bright, flavorful sauce.
- Coat the fish: Dip each piece of cod first into the lemon butter sauce, ensuring it is well coated, then dredge it in the all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Arrange and season: Place the coated fish pieces into a baking dish. Drizzle any remaining lemon butter sauce over the top and sprinkle with a dash of paprika for color and mild smokiness.
- Bake the fish: Bake the cod in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the fish is golden brown on top and flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh cod fillets or any firm white fish like haddock or pollock.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste, adding more for a tangier flavor.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- Ensure the fish is not overcrowded in the baking dish for even cooking.
- You can substitute margarine with butter for richer flavor or use a dairy-free option to make it lactose-free.
