Craving a restaurant-quality seafood dish that’s easy to make at home?
Say hello to baked lemon butter cod!
This simple yet flavorful recipe combines tender, flaky cod fillets with a luscious lemon butter sauce that’s guaranteed to elevate your dinner game.
Packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and a fresh burst of citrus, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or a fancy dinner party.
Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or trying cod for the first time, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Lemon Butter Cod Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Healthy and Nutritious: A lean source of protein and rich in heart-healthy omega-3s.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like butter, garlic, and lemon.
- Versatile: Perfect for a casual dinner or an elegant meal for entertaining.
Ingredients Needed for Lemon Butter Cod
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need:
- Cod Fillets: Fresh or frozen, thawed and patted dry (about 6 ounces each).
- Unsalted Butter: For that rich, creamy sauce.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds tanginess and brightens the flavors.
- Garlic: Minced for a fragrant, savory touch.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the fish.
- Paprika: Optional, for a touch of color and mild spice.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish.
Optional Add-ins:
- Capers for a briny flavor.
- Fresh thyme or dill for a herbal touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray. - Prepare the Cod:
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika if desired. - Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and mix in the fresh lemon juice. - Assemble the Dish:
Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the fillets. - Bake the Cod:
Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). - Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Tips for the Best Baked Lemon Butter Cod
- Choose Fresh Cod: Fresh fillets have a mild aroma and firm texture. Frozen cod works well but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the fish to prevent it from drying out. It’s done when it flakes easily.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or drizzle a little honey for sweetness.
- Pair It Right: Serve with fresh lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick.
What to Serve with Lemon Butter Cod
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or sautéed spinach.
- Grains: Rice pilaf, quinoa, or couscous.
- Low-Carb Options: Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Bread: Crusty bread to soak up the lemon butter sauce.
You can find more side dishes here.
FAQ’s
Can I use frozen cod fillets?
Yes! Just thaw them completely and pat dry before baking to remove excess water.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
How do I reheat baked cod without drying it out?
Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave in short intervals with a damp paper towel covering the dish.
Baked Lemon Butter Cod (25-Minutes)
Baked lemon butter cod is a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions and ready in just 25 minutes.This American cuisine favorite features tender, flaky cod fillets baked in a rich, garlicky lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 6-ounce cod fillets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Optional:
- 1 tablespoon capers or a few sprigs of fresh thyme/dill
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Prepare the Cod:
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika if desired.
Make the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and mix in the fresh lemon juice.
Assemble the Dish:
- Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the fillets.
Bake the Cod:
- Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.