Name: Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each); Salt and pepper to taste; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 3 cloves garlic (minced); Juice of 1 lemon; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped); 1/4 teaspoon paprika; Lemon slices for garnish

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Let me introduce you to the Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter—a dish that hits all the high notes of a weeknight wonder and a dinner-party dazzler! This recipe is all about tender, flaky cod fillets bathed in a silky, aromatic lemon garlic butter sauce, baked to perfection, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Not only does it burst with bright, fresh flavors, but it also comes together with incredible ease, making it an absolute go-to for any seafood lover searching for a wholesome, satisfying meal that feels effortless yet impressive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of this dish: the ingredient list is refreshingly short, but each component truly shines. Every item serves a purpose, contributing vibrant flavor, perfect texture, or gorgeous color that makes Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter something truly special.

Cod Fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets for a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth result and subtle oceanic taste.
Salt and Pepper: A simple yet crucial seasoning duo—these two bring out the cod’s natural flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter forms the luxurious base of the garlic-lemon sauce; unsalted lets you control the saltiness.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with wonderful savory aroma and depth.
Lemon Juice: The acidity brightens up the entire dish, balancing the richness of the butter.
Lemon Zest: For bursts of citrus oil and fragrance that makes every bite pop.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds color and a hint of herbal freshness.
Paprika: Just a touch offers color and a subtle smoky note.
Lemon Slices: These are more than just garnish; they add a final flourish of color and tang.

How to Make Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter

Step 1: Prep the Cod and Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Start by gently patting the cod fillets dry using paper towels—this helps seasonings stick and ensures a beautifully baked texture. Season both sides of each fillet with salt and pepper to bring out their inherent flavor, then nestle them into a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking dish, making sure they have a little room between each one for even cooking.

Step 2: Mix Up the Lemon Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, you’ll combine that luscious melted butter with minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, parsley, and a dusting of paprika. Whisk well! The resulting mixture will smell absolutely irresistible—zesty, buttery, and deeply savory—which means it’s perfectly primed for draping over those seasoned cod fillets.

Step 3: Assemble and Spoon Over the Sauce

Carefully spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over each cod fillet in the baking dish. Be generous! The sauce will not only infuse the fish with flavor, but as it bakes, it melds with the cod’s natural juices for an ultra-tender result. If you love a saucier finish, make sure to scoop some from the sides of the dish before serving.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know your Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter is ready when the fish flakes apart easily with a fork and the sauce is bubbling gently around the edges. Keep an eye out toward the last few minutes to avoid overcooking, as cod is delightfully delicate.

Step 5: Garnish and Finish

Pull your masterpiece from the oven and finish it off with a flourish of fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley. This touch not only boosts color and fragrance but also signals that something amazing is about to hit the table. Serve immediately, spooning a little extra sauce from the dish onto each fillet for maximum flavor.

How to Serve Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter

Garnishes

Garnishing is more than just window dressing for Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter—it’s your chance to layer on extra color and fresh vibrancy! Try scattering lots of fresh parsley over the top, nestling extra lemon slices alongside each fillet, or adding a light dusting of paprika for that elegant finishing flair. A sprig of dill can also work wonderfully if you have it on hand.

Side Dishes

This recipe begs for simple, wholesome accompaniments. Think of serving alongside steamed green beans, roasted baby potatoes, or a bright, lemony quinoa salad. If you’re keeping things low-carb, cauliflower rice is a fantastic choice—it soaks up the lemon garlic butter sauce beautifully while letting the cod really shine. Even a crusty hunk of bread to mop up the extra sauce wouldn’t go amiss!

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a dinner party? Present your Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter on a large platter, embellished with extra citrus wheels and herbs for a stunner of a centerpiece. For an intimate meal, plate each fillet individually and drizzle with pan juices, pairing with contrasting sides like vibrantly colored veggies or herbed rice. Want to dress things up even further? Use ramekins for individual portions, letting guests break into their own mini cod bake!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up, and try to store any extra sauce separately for easy reheating and added moisture.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze baked cod in a pinch. Allow the fillets to cool, then wrap each individually in plastic wrap or foil before placing in a freezer-safe container. For peak quality, consume within one month, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the cod in a covered baking dish in a 275°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or just until heated through. Spoon over reserved sauce or add a splash of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of butter to restore its luscious texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it’s prone to drying out delicate fish.

FAQs

Can I substitute a different white fish for cod?

Absolutely! This lemon garlic butter technique works brilliantly with other mild white fish such as haddock, halibut, or tilapia. Just keep an eye on thickness and baking time to ensure a flaky, tender result.

How will I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?

Your cod should turn opaque and easily flake with a fork. Overcooking turns it rubbery, so check it at the 12-minute mark—if a fork twists easily in the thickest part, it’s done!

Is Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter gluten-free?

Yes, Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter is naturally gluten-free as written. Always double-check packaged ingredients to confirm, but there are no gluten-containing components in this recipe.

Can I make the lemon garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

You can absolutely mix the lemon garlic butter sauce a few hours ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator, then warm gently (or let it come to room temp) before baking so it spreads smoothly over the cod fillets.

What’s the best way to avoid a fishy smell in the kitchen?

Fresh cod minimizes odor, but you can also bake with a few slices of lemon both under and over the fish to keep things fragrant. A little white vinegar simmered in water after cooking neutralizes lingering smells effectively!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about gathering around the table to enjoy Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter. It’s comfort food with a bright, fresh spin, and it couldn’t be simpler to prepare. Whether you’re treating yourself or your favorite people, I can’t wait for you to experience how truly fabulous, flavorful, and foolproof this recipe is!

Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

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

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Description

Delight your taste buds with this succulent Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter recipe. Tender cod fillets are infused with a savory blend of butter, garlic, and zesty lemon, creating a dish that is both simple to prepare and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Cod Fillets:

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon Garlic Butter:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Garnish:

Lemon slices for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Place them in a baking dish.
Make the Lemon Garlic Butter: In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and paprika. Spread this mixture over the cod.
Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with lemon slices and parsley before serving.