Name: Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); lemon slices (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for a fast, flavorful, and downright refreshing dinner, look no further: Lemon Butter Baked Cod is the seafood recipe my friends and family ask for over and over again! Succulent cod fillets soak up golden melted butter and zesty fresh lemon, while a sprinkle of garlic and paprika create a fragrant crust that’s irresistible. The result is a dish that’s bright, tender, and seriously easy — perfect for a busy weeknight yet elegant enough for company.

Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Lemon Butter Baked Cod lies in just how effortless and unfussy the ingredients are. Every component brings its own magic here — whether it’s the juicy burst of lemon or the richness of butter, each one is absolutely essential to making this dish sing.

Cod fillets: Choose fresh or thawed boneless cod for the flakiest, most tender results. If available, try to select thicker fillets so they stay juicy.
Unsalted butter (melted): Butter infuses the fish with luxurious richness and helps create that golden, luscious finish.
Fresh lemon juice: The acid brightens the dish, balancing out the butter and really letting the cod shine.
Lemon zest: Just a teaspoon adds layers of citrus flavor — a little goes a long way.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic gives gentle heat and savory depth; don’t skip it!
Paprika: This not only adds subtle earthiness, but gives a lovely hint of color to the baked fillets.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors; taste and adjust as you like.
Black pepper: Adds mild spice and warmth to every bite.
Fresh parsley (chopped): A sprinkle of parsley right before serving adds a fresh, herbal pop.
Lemon slices (for garnish): Not just decorative — they offer extra perfume and a colorful finishing touch.

How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C), which is the perfect temperature for gently baking the cod without drying it out. Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and prevent any sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic. This combination is what transforms the dish — each spoonful infuses the cod with bright, buttery flavor that soaks right in.

Step 3: Arrange and Coat the Cod Fillets

Place your cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, spacing them out so they bake evenly. Brush the lemon butter mixture generously over the top of each piece, making sure to cover every surface for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Season the Fish

Sprinkle the fillets evenly with paprika, salt, and black pepper. This simple step enhances the natural flavors of the cod while adding color and a gentle kick of seasoning.

Step 5: Bake to Tender Perfection

Slide your baking dish into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The Lemon Butter Baked Cod is ready when it’s opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The reward: moist, delicate fish every single time.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish each fillet with chopped fresh parsley and a couple of vibrant lemon slices. This is the moment where your kitchen feels like a cozy seaside bistro!

How to Serve Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh parsley and a few thin lemon slices are more than just pretty; they add aroma and a touch of luxury that elevates every plate. If you have extra fresh herbs on hand, like dill or chives, feel free to sprinkle them on for a burst of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

The gentle, buttery flavors of Lemon Butter Baked Cod pair beautifully with simple sides. Try fluffy steamed rice, crisp green beans, or a medley of roasted vegetables. A light salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette works wonderfully to round out the meal, or consider classic mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by serving each fillet over a bed of sautéed spinach or wilted greens, or nestle the cod into parchment parcels with thin-sliced veggies for an elegant touch. For a dinner party, place the fillets on a long platter, garnish with plenty of lemon slices and herbs, and let guests help themselves family-style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare in my house), transfer the cooled Lemon Butter Baked Cod to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will keep well in the fridge for up to two days — just be gentle when reheating to maintain the tender texture.

Freezing

While cod generally freezes well, it’s best to freeze the fish on its own, without the garnishes, as they can become mushy. Place individual portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cod in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and warm in a low oven (around 300°F) for 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can overcook and toughen the delicate fillets; gentle reheating keeps the Lemon Butter Baked Cod deliciously flaky.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod fillets for Lemon Butter Baked Cod?

Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the cod fillets in the refrigerator and pat them dry with paper towels before baking. This helps prevent excess moisture, ensuring your baked cod comes out perfectly flaky and flavorful.

What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?

While fresh lemon juice really makes the dish pop, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. You may want to add a little extra zest for brightness, since fresh lemons have a more vibrant flavor.

Is it possible to make this dairy free?

Yes! Simply swap the butter for a good-quality olive oil to create a dairy-free version of Lemon Butter Baked Cod. Olive oil adds lovely richness and works beautifully with the bright lemon and aromatic garlic.

Can I substitute another fish for cod?

Definitely. This recipe is very versatile and works great with any mild, flaky white fish such as haddock, halibut, or even tilapia. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for thicker or thinner fillets.

How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork; a quick-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 145°F. Be careful not to overbake, as cod cooks quickly and can easily become dry if left in the oven too long.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste the vibrant freshness and comfort of Lemon Butter Baked Cod, it’ll earn its place on your regular dinner rotation! It’s so simple but feels special every time, and you’ll love how effortless it is to bring restaurant-worthy fish right to your table. Give it a try — I bet it’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen too!

Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe is a simple and flavorful way to prepare tender cod fillets in a tangy buttery sauce with a hint of fresh lemon. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Cod Fillets:

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)

Lemon Butter Mixture:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 cloves garlic (minced)

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
lemon slices (for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish.
Mix Lemon Butter: Combine melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic in a bowl.
Coat and Season Cod: Place cod fillets in the baking dish, brush with the lemon butter mixture, and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until fish is cooked through.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon slices before serving.