If you’re looking for a fresh, zesty main dish that comes together in under half an hour, Lemon Butter Baked Cod is about to become your new obsession. This recipe brings together tender, flaky cod fillets with a buttery lemon-garlic sauce that seeps into every bite, creating a light yet satisfying dinner option. It’s the kind of meal you can whip up on a busy weeknight, yet it feels special enough for entertaining guests. Let’s dive right in and discover why this Lemon Butter Baked Cod deserves to be your new weeknight staple!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, clean flavors are the secret to making Lemon Butter Baked Cod absolutely shine. Each ingredient is chosen to complement the delicate fish, adding brightness, creaminess, and just a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Cod fillets (4, about 6 oz each): Choose fresh, firm white cod for the best flaky texture and mild flavor that soaks up all the buttery goodness.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons, melted): Adds rich, silky flavor while keeping the fillets beautifully moist as they bake.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens every bite and balances the creaminess of the butter; freshly squeezed makes all the difference here!
- Lemon zest (2 teaspoons): Delivers an aromatic punch of lemon oil, boosting both flavor and color.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the butter sauce with savory depth and a gentle bite.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a little color and smoky warmth, making the whole dish more inviting.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings the flavors together and enhances the natural sweetness of the cod.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick that livens up the finished fish.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Just before serving, this herb adds a burst of color and freshness.
- Lemon slices (for garnish): The prettiest finishing touch, and perfect if anyone wants extra citrus zing.
How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish & Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with a little butter or a spritz of cooking spray. This step ensures the cod fillets won’t stick, and it helps create a beautiful, glossy finish on the fish once baked.
Step 2: Dry the Cod Fillets
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture gives you perfectly flaky fish and prevents the sauce from getting watered down. Arrange the fillets in a single layer in your greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each one for even cooking.
Step 3: Mix the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The combination of lemon and butter becomes silky, fragrant, and absolutely irresistible. You’ll want every bit of this sauce on your cod!
Step 4: Dress the Fillets
Spoon the lemon butter mixture generously over each cod fillet. Make sure the entire surface is covered so the flavors seep in while baking. The sauce will pool slightly around the fish, which is exactly what you want—those juices are pure gold.
Step 5: Bake to Flaky Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The magic number is when your Lemon Butter Baked Cod flakes easily with a fork and looks perfectly opaque. Don’t overbake—this fish is best when it’s soft and just cooked through!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the cod with chopped fresh parsley. Serve each fillet with a couple of lemon slices on the side for an extra burst of freshness. The result: a Lemon Butter Baked Cod that’s bursting with color and inviting aromas.
How to Serve Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Garnishes
The right garnish can turn your Lemon Butter Baked Cod into an eye-catching centerpiece. Always finish with chopped fresh parsley—its pop of green looks gorgeous against the golden fish. A few thin lemon slices add extra brightness and let guests squeeze more citrus over their portion as desired.
Side Dishes
This is a versatile main course, so you can keep things light with steamed vegetables or a vibrant arugula salad—or make it heartier by pairing with fluffy white rice or garlicky mashed potatoes. For the perfect gluten-free, low-carb pairing, try some roasted asparagus or a side of sautéed spinach to soak up all that delicious lemon butter sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the plate and try serving your Lemon Butter Baked Cod atop a bed of wilted greens, or assemble individual cod parcels baked in parchment for a dramatic table-side reveal. Serving family style? Present the cod fillets on a large platter, drizzle the buttery juices over the top, and scatter with extra herbs for a feast-worthy display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Lemon Butter Baked Cod left (though it tends to disappear fast!), let the fish cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors actually deepen a little overnight, making for a delightful next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze Lemon Butter Baked Cod, though the texture may be a little less delicate after thawing. Place cooled fillets in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separated by parchment paper. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
To warm up leftover Lemon Butter Baked Cod without drying it out, place the fillets in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Add a splash of fresh lemon juice or a dab of butter to revive the brightness of the sauce, and avoid microwaving as this can toughen the fish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod fillets for Lemon Butter Baked Cod?
Yes, just make sure to thaw the cod completely and pat it dry before baking. Removing excess water ensures the sauce sticks to the fish rather than becoming diluted.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Chopped dill or chives work well instead, each adding their own unique flavor to the dish. Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, but fresh herbs definitely bring the brightest taste and color.
How can I tell when my cod is done baking?
Your Lemon Butter Baked Cod is ready when the fish flakes easily with a fork and is completely opaque. Take care not to overcook, as cod can become dry when left in the oven for too long.
Is Lemon Butter Baked Cod suitable for a gluten-free or low-carb diet?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates, making it a great choice for a wide range of dietary needs—just be mindful of your side dishes.
Can I add other spices or toppings?
Feel free to experiment! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the fillets before baking for a savory twist. The recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your favorite flavors.
Final Thoughts
With its bright, simple ingredients and quick cooking time, Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a joy to make and even better to eat. I hope you’ll invite it into your kitchen soon—whether for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with this Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe. Tender cod fillets infused with a zesty lemon butter sauce, baked to perfection, and garnished with fresh parsley. A simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Cod Fillets:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Garnish:
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the cod: Pat the cod fillets dry and place them in the baking dish.
- Make the lemon butter sauce: In a bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the fillets: Spoon the lemon butter mixture over the cod fillets.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
- Finish: Sprinkle with parsley before serving. Garnish with lemon slices.
Notes
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad.
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or Parmesan before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
