If you’re craving a dish that is both delightfully simple and bursting with bright, comforting flavors, this Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe is an absolute must-try. Tender, flaky cod fillets are bathed in a luscious lemon butter sauce, infused with garlic and a touch of paprika, then baked to perfection. It’s a quick, healthy, and elegant main course that feels like a special treat any night of the week. Once you discover how effortlessly this recipe comes together, it will surely become one of your favorite go-to meals to impress family and friends without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe are wonderfully straightforward, yet each one plays a vital role in creating that signature fresh, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. From the creamy unsalted butter to the zesty lemon and the gentle warmth of paprika, these elements combine beautifully to make the cod sing on your palate.
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each): Use fresh or thawed cod for the best flaky texture and mild flavor.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: This adds richness and helps keep the fish moist during baking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Balances the butter with a light fruity note and prevents sticking.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant punch that complements the lemon perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and a refreshing tang that wakes up the dish.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor with aromatic oils from the lemon peel.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers a subtle smoky warmth and lovely color contrast.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate fish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of spice to balance the soft butter and lemon.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped: Gives a fresh herbal touch and a pop of green to finish the dish.
How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Dish
Heat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish to ensure the cod won’t stick. This initial step sets you up for easy cleanup and perfectly cooked fish.
Step 2: Arrange the Cod Fillets
Pat each cod fillet dry with paper towels. Drying the surface helps the butter mixture stick better and ensures even cooking. Then, place the fillets evenly spaced in the greased baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together your melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will be the flavorful magic that seeps into the cod as it bakes.
Step 4: Spoon the Mixture Over the Cod
Evenly distribute the lemon butter sauce over each fillet, making sure to coat them generously for maximum flavor. This step ensures every bite is rich and aromatic.
Step 5: Bake Until Flaky and Opaque
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cod flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque. The fish should be tender but not dry.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the cod from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a vibrant, fresh finish that brightens the dish both visually and taste-wise.
How to Serve Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley works wonders, adding color and a light herbal note. You can also add thin lemon slices on top of the fillets before baking for an extra citrusy presentation that impresses.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, fluffy rice to soak up the buttery sauce, or a crisp mixed green salad that adds freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cod over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside garlic butter sautéed spinach for a deliciously elegant plate. Drizzling a little of the pan juices over the top just before plating adds a glossy finish that’s simply irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Cod remains tender and flavorful for up to 2 days when kept properly chilled.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked cod in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn and preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a low oven at 300°F or in the microwave on a low setting to prevent drying out the fish. Adding a small pat of butter or a splash of olive oil before reheating can help keep the cod moist and tasty.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe?
Absolutely! While cod is ideal for its mild flavor and flaky texture, other white fish like haddock, tilapia, or halibut work wonderfully with this lemon butter preparation.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, this Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients, making it a safe choice for those avoiding gluten.
Can I prepare the lemon butter mixture ahead of time?
You sure can! The lemon butter sauce can be mixed up to a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature before spooning it over the fish.
How can I tell when the cod is perfectly cooked?
Cod is done when it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking, as the fish can become dry. The recommended 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F usually hits the sweet spot.
Any tips for enhancing the flavor even more?
Try adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or dill along with the parsley. Also, serving the dish with a squeeze of extra lemon juice right before eating lifts the bright citrus notes beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe is a shining example of how simple, fresh ingredients can create something truly special. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for guests, making it a versatile favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, healthy seafood meal that feels like a warm hug on your plate.
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Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a simple and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets baked in a zesty lemon butter sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines fresh garlic, lemon juice, and herbs to create a healthy and satisfying main course perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 cod fillets, about 6 ounces each
Sauce & Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. This sets the stage for perfectly cooked cod.
- Arrange Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Make Lemon Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all flavors.
- Coat the Cod: Spoon the lemon butter mixture evenly over each cod fillet, ensuring they are well coated to absorb the flavors during baking.
- Bake the Fish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for added color and freshness. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
- For extra flavor and presentation, add thin lemon slices on top of the cod before baking.
- Pair this dish with roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Make sure not to overcook the cod to keep it moist and tender.
