If you’re craving a dish that’s both elegant and effortless, Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter is about to become your new obsession. This recipe delivers tender, flaky cod bathed in a lush, citrusy butter sauce that’s bursting with garlic and fresh herbs. It’s the kind of meal that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a flavorful weeknight dinner. The best part? You can have it on the table in less than half an hour, making it an instant favorite for busy cooks and seafood lovers alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter is all in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, infusing the fish with flavor and keeping the preparation stress-free. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Cod fillets: Mild and flaky, cod is the perfect canvas for bold flavors and bakes beautifully in the oven.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Gives the sauce a rich, velvety texture and helps carry the garlic and lemon flavors.
- Garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant, savory punch that pairs perfectly with the brightness of lemon.
- Fresh lemon juice: Lifts the whole dish with its zesty tang and keeps the fish tasting fresh.
- Lemon zest: Packs in even more citrus flavor, intensifying the lemony essence without extra acidity.
- Paprika: Lends a subtle smokiness and a gentle hint of warmth to the butter sauce.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the fish and sauce.
- Black pepper: Adds just a touch of heat to balance the brightness of the lemon.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Brings a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish to the plate.
- Lemon slices (for garnish): Not only do they look gorgeous, but their juice can be squeezed over the top for a final burst of flavor.
How to Make Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Cod
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, pat your cod fillets dry with paper towels. This little step is a game-changer—it helps the fish get that beautifully baked texture instead of steaming in the oven. Arrange the fillets in a single layer inside a baking dish, making sure there’s a little space between each one for even cooking.
Step 2: Whip Up the Lemon Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper. The aroma at this stage is out of this world! You’re creating a sauce that’s equal parts bright, savory, and rich, and it’s going to seep into every bite of the cod.
Step 3: Smother the Cod
Pour the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets. If you want to add even more flavor, slip a few thin slices of lemon underneath the fish before baking. This infuses the cod with extra citrus and makes for a stunning presentation when you serve it up later.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and let the cod bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of your fillets, so keep an eye out: the fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it’s ready. Overbaking can dry it out, so trust your instincts and check early if you’re unsure.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Once your Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter is perfectly cooked, sprinkle it generously with chopped fresh parsley and arrange a few lemon slices on top. The vibrant green and yellow make this dish truly pop, and that final squeeze of lemon right before serving is pure magic.
How to Serve Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley and a few extra lemon slices turn this simple dish into a restaurant-worthy centerpiece. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dash of extra paprika over the top adds a touch of flair and flavor.
Side Dishes
Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Think fluffy white rice, nutty quinoa, or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up that incredible sauce. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or green beans, also make a crisp and colorful addition to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try plating the cod atop a bed of sautéed spinach or lemony couscous for an eye-catching presentation. Or, for a casual family meal, serve the fillets straight from the baking dish with a big spoonful of sauce, encouraging everyone to dig in family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to two days and is just as delicious the next day, especially when gently reheated.
Freezing
While cod can be frozen, the texture is best when enjoyed fresh. If you do need to freeze leftovers, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results, and keep in mind the sauce may separate slightly upon reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the cod and any remaining sauce in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven until just heated through. Avoid microwaving, which can make the fish rubbery, and always reheat gently to preserve that tender, flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?
Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before baking. This helps the Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter bake evenly and prevents excess moisture from diluting the sauce.
What other herbs can I use besides parsley?
Dill, chives, or even a sprinkle of fresh basil work beautifully with the lemon garlic butter flavors. Mix and match to suit your taste and what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a high-quality dairy-free alternative or a light olive oil for a similar richness and a slightly different flavor profile.
How do I know when the cod is done?
The cod is ready when it’s opaque all the way through and flakes easily with a fork. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd?
Yes, simply use a larger baking dish and arrange the fillets in a single layer. Double the sauce ingredients and bake as directed, keeping an eye on the doneness since thicker or more crowded fillets may need a couple extra minutes.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy to love and quick to make, Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter is a must-try. The combination of flaky fish, zesty lemon, and savory garlic will win over anyone at the table—plus, it’s perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular star in your dinner rotation!
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Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter 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
Delicious and healthy Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter features tender cod fillets baked to perfection with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Garnish
- lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cod evenly.
- Prepare Cod: Place the cod fillets in a baking dish and gently pat them dry with paper towels to help the butter mixture stick and to ensure even cooking.
- Make Lemon Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to blend all the flavors thoroughly.
- Coat Fillets: Pour the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over each cod fillet, making sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and add lemon slices for garnish before serving to add a fresh, citrus aroma and bright presentation.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, try placing thin lemon slices underneath the cod fillets before baking.
- This dish pairs beautifully with sides such as rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables to make a well-rounded meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (6 ounces)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
