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
Scale
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.
