Name: Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

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A simple and flavorful Lemon Butter Baked Cod, featuring tender white fish bathed in a luscious lemon butter sauce with garlic and herbs. I love this recipe because it’s perfect for a healthy, light dinner that’s quick to prepare and always impressive on the plate.

Ingredients

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them in a lightly greased baking dish.

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper.

Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets.

Optional: Place a lemon slice on top of each fillet for extra flavor and presentation.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.

Remove from the oven and serve immediately, spooning some of the buttery sauce over the fillets.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 5 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake, totaling roughly 20 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

I sometimes swap the dried parsley for fresh dill or thyme to give the dish a slightly different herbal note. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture gives it a nice little kick if I want some heat. For a crunchier topping, I occasionally sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan over the fillets before baking.

Storage/Reheating

I recommend storing leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I gently warm the fillets in a low oven (around 275°F/135°C) for about 10 minutes to avoid drying them out. Alternatively, reheating in a microwave on low power works if I’m in a hurry, but the texture might be slightly less tender.

FAQs

How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

I look for the fish to turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked cod.

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, I usually thaw frozen cod completely before baking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

What can I serve with lemon butter baked cod?

I like to serve it alongside steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a light green salad for a balanced meal.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. All ingredients in this dish are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I double this recipe?

Definitely! I just use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, but usually, 15 minutes is enough even for a bigger batch.

Conclusion

I find Lemon Butter Baked Cod to be a wonderfully easy way to enjoy fresh fish with bright, buttery flavors. It’s quick, healthy, and versatile, making it one of my go-to recipes for an effortless yet impressive dinner. Give it a try when I’m craving something light but satisfying.

Recipe:

Lemon Butter Baked Cod

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A simple and flavorful baked cod dish featuring tender white fish in a luscious lemon butter sauce with garlic and herbs, perfect for a quick, healthy, and impressive dinner.

Ingredients

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them in a lightly greased baking dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets.
Optional: Place a lemon slice on top of each fillet for extra flavor and presentation.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
Remove from the oven and serve immediately, spooning some of the buttery sauce over the fillets.

Notes

Variations include using fresh dill or thyme instead of parsley, adding red pepper flakes for heat, or topping with panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan for crunch.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave on low power to maintain texture.

Ensure cod is fully thawed if using frozen before baking for even cooking.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.