Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

This Lemon Butter Baked Cod is the kind of dish that quietly steals the spotlight. It’s tender, flaky, and practically melts in your mouth. The bright zing of lemon paired with the rich, velvety butter creates a sauce that feels luxurious without being heavy. Best of all? It’s a breeze to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this beautiful dish on the table in under 25 minutes. It’s weeknight-friendly, elegant enough for guests, and absolutely loaded with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Elegance: This dish feels fancy, but it’s actually super simple to pull off—even on a busy Tuesday night.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, lemon, and butter turns mild cod into something truly crave-worthy.
• Healthy & Light: Cod is a lean protein, and the simple ingredients keep this dish fresh and wholesome.
• One Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to wash, more time to enjoy dinner. Everything comes together in one baking dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is proof that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make something amazing. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Cod fillets: Mild, flaky white fish that soaks up all the delicious lemon butter flavor.
• Lemon juice: Adds a bright, citrusy kick that cuts through the richness of the butter.
• Butter: Creates a luscious, silky sauce that keeps the fish moist while baking.
• Garlic: Minced for a punch of savory depth—don’t skip it!
• Paprika: Just a sprinkle for subtle warmth and a hint of smokiness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavor of the fish.
• Fresh parsley: A final flourish for color and a fresh, herby finish.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to play around with these ideas:

• Add a Crunch: Sprinkle the top with seasoned breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.
• Herb Swap: Try fresh dill or thyme instead of parsley for a different herbaceous note.
• Citrus Twist: Swap lemon for lime or even orange for a slightly sweeter take.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the butter mixture.
• Different Fish: This method also works beautifully with haddock, halibut, or tilapia.

How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to fit your cod fillets in a single layer.

Step 2: Arrange the Fish

Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels—this helps them bake up flaky instead of soggy. Place them in the baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and stir in the lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the cod. Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon, then serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Cod: Cod is delicate—check it around the 15-minute mark to avoid drying it out.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: The flavor difference is worth it. Bottled juice just doesn’t compare.
• Dry the Fish Well: This helps it absorb flavor better and bake more evenly.
• Bake Time Varies: Thicker fillets need a bit more time, thinner ones will cook faster—keep an eye on it.

How to Serve

This dish shines with simple sides that let the lemon butter sauce be the star:

Rice or Grains:

Serve over a bed of jasmine rice, couscous, or quinoa to soak up all that glorious sauce.

Veggies:

Pair with roasted asparagus, green beans, or sautéed spinach for a vibrant, balanced meal.

Bread:

A warm slice of crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any extra lemon butter on the plate—trust me, you won’t want to leave a drop.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cod can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers make a great light lunch.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked cod, the texture can become slightly mushy when thawed. If freezing, wrap tightly and eat within 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F or in a covered skillet over low heat. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to overcook delicate fish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before baking. Excess moisture can prevent the fish from cooking evenly and dilutes the flavor.

What if I don’t have cod?
No problem. This method works wonderfully with haddock, pollock, tilapia, or any mild, flaky white fish.

How do I know when the cod is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and be opaque all the way through. If you’re using a thermometer, look for 145°F at the thickest point.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or olive oil. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful, and foolproof seafood dinner, this Lemon Butter Baked Cod is it. The tender fish, zesty lemon, and rich buttery sauce come together like magic, with barely any effort. It’s a beautiful recipe to keep in your back pocket for weeknights or whenever you want to impress without the stress. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked!

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