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
Scale
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.
