If you’re craving a dinner that’s bright, buttery, and bursting with fresh flavors, this Lemon Butter Baked Cod is destined to become your new weeknight staple. With every forkful, you’ll savor juicy, flaky fish swaddled in a luxurious lemon-infused butter sauce, laced with fragrant garlic and a touch of paprika for a gentle kick. It’s everything you want in a simple yet elegant seafood dish—quick to prepare, family-friendly, and so satisfying you might just find yourself making it again tomorrow! Try it once and Lemon Butter Baked Cod is guaranteed to earn a spot on your favorites list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Lemon Butter Baked Cod lies in its short, carefully selected roster of ingredients. Every item brings something delicious to the table, from brightness to richness—and there’s nothing fancy or fussy here. Let’s break down what you need and why each is essential.
- Cod fillets: Mild, flaky, and perfect for soaking up all the buttery, lemony goodness—aim for 6-ounce portions for even cooking.
- Unsalted butter: Using melted butter is the secret to that silky sauce; unsalted lets you control the seasoning.
- Fresh lemon juice: The zingy centerpiece—fresh is best for that pop of flavor.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Adds aromatic depth and a subtle kick; mince it finely for even dispersal in the sauce.
- Lemon zest: For an extra citrus punch, zest only the yellow part—this layer delivers amazing aroma.
- Paprika: A gentle hint of spice and a beautiful blush of color atop the fish.
- Salt: Crucial for bringing out every flavor and seasoning the cod just right.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground is best for a warming edge that balances the lemon.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): A sprinkle adds color and a garden-fresh note right before serving.
- Lemon slices (for garnish): Not just pretty—they let each diner add extra zing to taste.
How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Begin by getting your oven nice and hot—preheat to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with a little oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking. This little step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your Lemon Butter Baked Cod lifts right out in gorgeous, perfect pieces.
Step 2: Prep and Arrange the Cod Fillets
Pat your cod fillets dry with paper towels. This might sound like a minor detail, but it’s key for achieving that perfectly flaky texture. Arrange the fillets in a single layer in your prepared baking dish, giving each one enough room to bask in the buttery lemon goodness.
Step 3: Mix the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This vibrant, savory sauce is the flavor backbone for Lemon Butter Baked Cod—super simple, yet totally transformative.
Step 4: Coat the Cod and Bake
Pour your fragrant lemon butter sauce evenly over the fillets, letting it pool into the corners so every bite is infused with flavor. Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Your cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh turns opaque, signaling perfect doneness.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Lemon
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and immediately scatter chopped fresh parsley on top. Add a few lemon slices as a garnish, making your Lemon Butter Baked Cod look just as good as it tastes!
How to Serve Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Garnishes
A generous shower of freshly chopped parsley brings color and freshness, while thin lemon slices add brightness and a beautiful presentation. For a subtle touch of heat, try a pinch of red pepper flakes or even a scattering of capers for briny depth.
Side Dishes
Lemon Butter Baked Cod pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Classic options like herbed rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes soak up the savory sauce, while a crisp green salad or steamed veggies make dinner feel extra light and healthy. Don’t forget warm, crusty bread for scooping up every last drop!
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner-party-ready twist, try serving the cod atop a bed of wilted spinach or a vibrant vegetable medley. Stack the fillets over creamy mashed cauliflower for a low-carb delight, or tuck the fish into warm tortillas for the freshest, most flavorful fish tacos ever. However you plate it, Lemon Butter Baked Cod always impresses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Store Lemon Butter Baked Cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep any sauce with the fish to help it retain moisture and flavor.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze it, simply wrap the cod tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep its best quality for up to one month. For the freshest taste, add a little extra squeeze of lemon after reheating.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat Lemon Butter Baked Cod in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can dry out the fish. Add a bit more melted butter or fresh lemon before serving if desired.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod for Lemon Butter Baked Cod?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat dry the fillets first. Moisture is the enemy of golden, flavorful fish, so take the extra moment to dry them thoroughly.
Is it okay to substitute another white fish?
Yes! Lemon Butter Baked Cod works beautifully with other mild, flaky fish like haddock or halibut. The cooking time should stay about the same—just check for flakiness and opaque flesh.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
Your cod is ready when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking can make the fish dry, so start checking at the 12-minute mark. If in doubt, a quick poke in the thickest part should reveal pearly, juicy flesh.
What can I use instead of fresh parsley?
Fresh dill or chives make fantastic stand-ins, lending their own unique herby notes that pair beautifully with the lemon butter sauce. If you only have dried parsley, use a smaller amount—about a teaspoon.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the butter for a good vegan alternative or use olive oil for a lighter approach. The flavors of Lemon Butter Baked Cod will still shine with the citrus and spices.
Final Thoughts
If you love meals that taste restaurant-special but come together effortlessly, you owe it to yourself to try Lemon Butter Baked Cod. Bright, buttery, and irresistibly tender, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make on repeat—whether you’re impressing guests or just spoiling yourself at dinnertime.
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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 delightful way to enjoy tender, flaky cod infused with zesty lemon flavors and buttery richness. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ 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: Pat the cod fillets dry and place them in the baking dish.
- Make the lemon butter sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the cod: Pour the butter mixture over the cod fillets.
- Bake: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, garnish with lemon slices, and serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
- This recipe is versatile and can be made with haddock or halibut as well.
- Pair the baked cod with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
