If you’re looking for a flavorful, healthy, and effortless way to enjoy seafood, this Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender cod fillets baked to perfection with a luscious lemon garlic butter sauce create a dish that’s bright, buttery, and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat, this recipe combines the lightness of the ocean’s best with the warmth of rich, garlicky butter and zesty citrus, producing a meal that’s every bit as comforting as it is elegant.

Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple staples that come together to create a mouthwatering harmony of flavors and textures. Each element plays a crucial role, from adding richness and depth to introducing brightness and sparkle on your plate.

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each): The star of the dish, cod is a mild, flaky white fish that bakes beautifully and pairs well with bold flavors.
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Provides the creamy, rich base for the lemon garlic sauce that cloaks the cod perfectly.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent and aromatic punch that’s essential to the garlic butter experience.
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Delivers a refreshing citrus tang that brightens the dish immensely.
1 tsp lemon zest: Offers concentrated lemon oils and aroma to elevate the lemon flavor even more.
1/2 tsp paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and a beautiful hint of color to the fish.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the cod just right.
1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a touch of gentle heat and complexity.
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley: Provides fresh herbal notes and a pop of green color for garnish.
Lemon wedges, for serving: Ideal for squeezing over the finished fish for an extra burst of brightness.

How to Make Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the delicate cod fillets from sticking. This simple but crucial step ensures your fish comes out perfectly cooked and easy to serve.

Step 2: Arrange the Cod Fillets

Place the cod fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. This allows the heat to circulate evenly around each piece, ensuring consistent cooking for tender, flaky fish every time.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture forms the heart of your dish, infusing the cod with a rich, buttery flavor perfectly balanced by bright citrus and savory garlic.

Step 4: Coat the Cod Fillets

Spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over each fillet. Try to cover the entire surface, as this will help lock in moisture and flavor while the fish bakes.

Step 5: Bake to Flaky Perfection

Bake the fillets for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. This precise timing ensures the fish stays tender and juicy without drying out.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the fillets with the freshly chopped parsley to add color and a hint of freshness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of tangy goodness.

How to Serve Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes elevate this dish effortlessly. Fresh parsley adds a vibrant green contrast, while a few extra lemon wedges provide that inviting dose of citrus. You can also sprinkle a pinch of paprika on top for a subtle hint of color and flavor to finish the presentation.

Side Dishes

This baked cod pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the lemon garlic butter sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add both color and crunch. For a lighter option, a crisp, refreshing salad helps balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a bit creative, try serving the cod on a bed of herbed quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Another idea is to plate the fillets over sautéed spinach or garlic green beans. You could even drizzle a little extra lemon garlic butter sauce on the side to turn the dish into a beautiful, restaurant-style experience right at your own table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Try to consume within two days for the best flavor and texture. The cod will remain moist, but baking it fresh is always preferable.

Freezing

While baked cod is best eaten fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Use within one month for optimal taste. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the cod in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 10 minutes, covered lightly with foil to prevent drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave, but do so in short bursts at medium power to keep the fish from becoming rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cod is ideal for its flaky, mild texture, you can substitute with haddock, halibut, or even tilapia. The lemon garlic butter sauce works wonderfully with many white fish varieties.

Is this Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as no flour or breadcrumbs are used. Always check your butter and seasonings just to be sure they don’t contain additives if you have gluten sensitivity.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious and vibrant thanks to the garlic and lemon.

How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

Cooked cod should flake easily with a fork and be opaque all the way through. If you have a thermometer, an internal temperature of 145°F signals perfectly done fish.

Can I prepare the lemon garlic butter sauce in advance?

Yes, you can mix the sauce up to a day ahead. Keep it covered in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before spooning it over the fish to ensure even coating and baking.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe is a delightful way to bring fresh, vibrant flavors to your table with minimal effort. Its combination of buttery richness and citrus brightness makes it an instant family favorite and a fantastic option to impress guests without stress. I encourage you to give it a try and discover just how simple and satisfying seafood dinners can be!