If you’ve ever craved a dinner that’s equal parts elegant and effortless, you have to try Lemon Butter Baked Cod. This is that magical weeknight recipe that feels like a treat but comes together in just minutes. Imagine tender, flaky cod fillets bathed in a buttery lemon sauce, kissed with garlic and a touch of paprika—bright, light, and impossibly satisfying. It’s no wonder Lemon Butter Baked Cod has become a favorite for families and dinner guests alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Lemon Butter Baked Cod is how such simple ingredients transform into a flavor-packed dish. Each one plays a starring role: adding freshness, richness, or just a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.
- Cod fillets: Choose fresh, firm white fish for the best flaky texture and mild flavor.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Creates the luscious base for your lemon sauce, letting you control the salt perfectly.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brings brightness and tang that wakes up all the flavors.
- Lemon zest: Adds a burst of citrus aroma and a lovely, subtle bite.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with irresistible savory depth—you can even add extra if you’re a garlic lover!
- Paprika: Just a touch lends a gentle warmth and beautiful golden color.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor, making every ingredient pop.
- Black pepper: Gives a little hint of spice without overwhelming the fish.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Sprinkled over the top, this herb adds color and a garden-fresh lift at the end.
- Lemon slices (for garnish): Serve alongside for even more zippy, zesty notes.
How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Cod
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), then lightly grease a baking dish to keep your fillets from sticking. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels—this helps the sauce cling and ensures the fish bakes up tender, not watery. Arrange the fillets in your dish, making sure they’re spread out in a single layer for even cooking.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine your melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until everything’s well-mixed and the fragrance hits you—you’ll know this is going to taste amazing. This sauce is the flavor heart of your Lemon Butter Baked Cod!
Step 3: Top the Cod with the Sauce
Take a spoon and generously drizzle the lemon butter mixture over each cod fillet, making sure to coat them evenly. Don’t be shy—the more coverage, the more flavor with every bite. Any extra sauce should be spooned right over the fish so none goes to waste.
Step 4: Bake the Cod
Pop the dish in your preheated oven and let it bake for 12–15 minutes. The cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork—don’t overbake! The sauce should be bubbling and slightly golden, and the kitchen filled with a citrusy aroma that signals dinner is almost ready.
Step 5: Finish with Parsley and Serve
Once out of the oven, immediately sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over your Lemon Butter Baked Cod for a splash of color and freshness. Add a few lemon slices on the side for extra brightness. Serve while hot for best texture and taste!
How to Serve Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! A handful of chopped fresh parsley looks vibrant and adds an herbal lift, while thin lemon slices or wedges on the side amp up the citrusy vibes and let everyone customize their perfect plate of Lemon Butter Baked Cod.
Side Dishes
This dish is a dream for pairing—a simple pile of steamed vegetables (think green beans, asparagus, or broccoli) is classic, but it’s also wonderful with fluffy rice or a fresh garden salad. The lemon butter sauce seeps in just enough to tie everything together.
Creative Ways to Present
For a little dinner party flair, serve the cod fillets atop a swirl of cauliflower puree or in individual parchment packets for tableside drama. Or flake the finished fish over a lemony quinoa salad for a playful twist on a seafood bowl. Lemon Butter Baked Cod is easy to dress up or keep homey.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Lemon Butter Baked Cod, let it cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days. The fish will stay moist, and you’ll still have that lovely flavor ready for next time.
Freezing
While cod freezes fairly well, the texture can change slightly after thawing. If you do freeze, wrap the baked and cooled fillets tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and use within one month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Lemon Butter Baked Cod, place the fillets (with their sauce) in a covered baking dish and warm gently in a 300°F oven just until heated through—usually about 10 minutes. Adding a few fresh squeezes of lemon can help brighten the flavors all over again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the fillets completely and pat them very dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture and achieve the ideal flaky texture for Lemon Butter Baked Cod.
What other fish can I substitute for cod?
Haddock, pollock, or even halibut work well if cod is not available. Just choose a mild, firm-fleshed white fish so the lemon butter sauce still shines.
How do I know when the cod is done baking?
The best sign is when the fish flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque all the way through. Overcooking can make fillets dry, so watch closely during the last few minutes.
Is Lemon Butter Baked Cod gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free—no flour or breadcrumbs required. It’s a perfect main dish for gluten-sensitive or low-carb eaters.
Can I add more spices or herbs?
Of course! Lemon Butter Baked Cod welcomes your personal flair—try adding crushed red pepper flakes, a pinch of dill, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to make it your own.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dinner, you really can’t go wrong with Lemon Butter Baked Cod. Give it a try—your kitchen will smell incredible, and you’ll have a crowd-pleaser that fits any night of the week!
Print
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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick and healthy seafood dinner. Tender cod fillets are bathed in a tangy lemon butter sauce and baked to perfection, creating a delicious and light meal option.
Ingredients
Cod Fillets:
4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Lemon Butter Sauce:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted), 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped), lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the cod fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them in the prepared dish.
- Make the lemon butter sauce: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover the cod fillets: Spoon the lemon butter mixture evenly over the fillets.
- Bake the cod: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with lemon slices on the side for added freshness.
Notes
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad for a complete meal.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan before baking.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *