Description
This baked garlic butter Cajun cod recipe offers a flavorful and healthy seafood dinner option. Tender cod fillets are coated in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with Cajun spices, then baked to perfection. The dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal, delivering a spicy, buttery taste with a fresh lemony finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Garlic Butter Cajun Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, depending on seasoning blend)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, paprika, salt (if using), and black pepper until well combined, ensuring all flavors meld together.
- Prepare Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Coat Cod with Sauce: Spoon or brush the garlic butter mixture generously and evenly over each cod fillet, fully coating them to infuse the flavors during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cod for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for optimal doneness.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the cod from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately with lemon wedges for an added fresh citrus boost.
Notes
- Serve this Cajun cod with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter mixture before baking.
- Adjust the salt according to your Cajun seasoning as some blends may already contain salt.
- Make sure not to overcook the cod to keep it tender and moist.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and low-carb.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
