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.