When it comes to effortless elegance on a plate, the Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe truly delivers. This dish combines flaky, tender cod fillets with a zesty lemon butter sauce that brings a bright, fresh flavor to your dinner table. It’s a recipe that feels both comforting and light, perfect for any night of the week when you want a wholesome, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just venturing into fish dishes, this baked cod is bound to become a favorite in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All of the ingredients in this Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe are simple, straightforward, and carry big flavor punches. Each component enhances the dish, from the richness of the butter to the lively citrus notes of the lemon, creating a beautifully balanced and colorful final plate.
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each): Choose fresh or thawed fillets for the best flaky texture.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Provides creamy richness that perfectly complements the cod.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and tang to cut through the buttery sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses depth and aromatic warmth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus flavor with a fragrant touch.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle smoky note and lovely color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Lends a gentle heat that balances the dish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and vivid green color.
- Lemon slices (for garnish): A classic visual and flavor boost to brighten every bite.
How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for gently baking the cod until it flakes perfectly without drying out. Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup later.
Step 2: Arrange the Cod Fillets
Place the cod fillets in a single, even layer inside the prepared baking dish. This helps the fish cook uniformly and makes sure each fillet gets coated with the sumptuous lemon butter mixture.
Step 3: Whisk the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and aromatic—this sauce is the magic that turns simple cod into an extraordinary dish.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce and Bake
Evenly pour the lemon butter sauce over each cod fillet, making sure every bit is covered for that perfect burst of flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork, signaling that it’s cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the cod for a pop of color and freshness. Add a few lemon slices on the side to enhance the citrus vibe and let guests squeeze extra juice if they like.
How to Serve Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is classic here, but you can also add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat or capers for a salty tang. Lemon slices are always a winning garnish, brightening both the plate and the palate.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the buttery sauce. Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, add a delightful crunch and complement the fish’s tender texture. A crisp mixed green salad freshens things up and balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more vibrant presentation, serve the cod on a bed of sautéed spinach or atop a creamy cauliflower purée. You might also plate it alongside a colorful medley of heirloom tomatoes and olives to add Mediterranean flair and variety to every forkful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover lemon butter baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2 days to enjoy the freshness and flavor at their peak.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the cod, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and then place them inside a freezer-safe bag. Use the frozen portions within 1 month for the best quality, as the texture of the fish can change over longer storage.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the cod in a low oven at 275°F (135°C) or microwave it in short intervals to avoid overcooking. Adding a fresh squeeze of lemon juice before serving helps revive the bright flavors of the original dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cod is ideal for its mild flavor and flaky texture, other white fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia can also work well with the lemon butter sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe contains no gluten ingredients, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
How do I know when the cod is cooked perfectly?
The fish should easily flake apart with a fork and look opaque all the way through. Be careful not to overcook, as cod can become dry if in the oven too long.
Can I prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the sauce a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature before pouring it over the cod to ensure even cooking.
What can I add to make the dish more flavorful?
Try adding crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, capers for tangy bursts, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe is truly a gem to have in your culinary repertoire. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve guests. The balance of buttery richness and fresh lemon zest lifts the humble cod into something memorable and delicious. Give it a try tonight—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delightful seafood can be!
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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: Gluten Free
Description
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe features tender, flaky cod fillets baked to perfection in a zesty lemon butter sauce infused with garlic and paprika. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a healthy and quick weeknight dinner, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a bright finishing touch.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the fish from sticking.
- Arrange Cod Fillets: Place the cod fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they have enough space for even cooking.
- Prepare Lemon Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk melted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create the flavorful lemon butter sauce.
- Coat Cod Fillets: Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the cod fillets, making sure each piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake Fish: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the cod, and serve with lemon slices for an added burst of citrus aroma and taste.
Notes
- For added heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the fish before baking.
- Enhance flavor by topping the cod with capers prior to baking.
- Serve this dish alongside rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
