Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s both light and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Lemon Butter Baked Cod. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant, melt-in-your-mouth meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. The cod’s flaky texture soaked in luscious lemon butter sauce creates a harmony of zest and richness that feels like a warm hug from the inside. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, Lemon Butter Baked Cod makes every bite a delightful celebration of taste and comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod requires just a handful of ingredients that are easy to find yet essential for creating that perfect balance of flavors. Each item plays a crucial role—bringing brightness, creaminess, or seasoning that complements the tender fish beautifully.
- 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each): Choose fresh or thawed fillets with firm texture for the best flaky result.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a creamy richness that carries the lemon and herbs throughout.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Provides the bright, tangy punch that defines this dish’s flavor profile.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a subtle heat and aromatic depth without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus notes with its fragrant oils.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Offers a mild herbal touch for an inviting color contrast.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the lemon’s acidity.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and slight bite to the dish.
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving): Perfect for those who love an extra burst of fresh lemon.
How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Butter Sauce
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot for perfectly baked cod. While the oven heats up, melt your butter either in the microwave or on the stove. This creates the luscious base of your lemon butter sauce.
Step 2: Combine the Flavorful Ingredients
Once the butter is melted, whisk in fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. This mixture balances bright citrus with savory and herbal notes, creating the perfect coating for your fish.
Step 3: Coat the Cod Fillets
Place the cod fillets in a baking dish in a single layer. Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over each piece, making sure every fillet is well coated with all those delicious flavors.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the fish in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cod flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque and tender. This quick bake ensures the fish stays moist and the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Let It Rest and Prepare to Serve
After removing the cod from the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes. This short pause allows the juices to settle, ensuring each bite is irresistibly juicy and flavorful.
How to Serve Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Garnishes
Adding vibrant garnishes really elevates your Lemon Butter Baked Cod presentation. Fresh lemon wedges on the side not only look inviting but also give guests the option to add an extra citrus kick. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill brightens up the plate and complements the buttery sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs amazingly well with simple, fresh sides. Think fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce, crisp steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans for a healthy crunch, or even creamy mashed potatoes to keep things cozy. Each side adds its own texture and flavor, rounding out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or when you want to impress loved ones, serve your Lemon Butter Baked Cod atop a bed of garlic-infused couscous or nestled among roasted cherry tomatoes and olives. You can also dress it up with a drizzle of herb oil or a scattering of toasted pine nuts for texture. These little touches make the dish feel extra special without much effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors again without losing the flaky texture and vibrant lemon butter taste.
Freezing
Freezing cooked cod with the lemon butter sauce isn’t ideal since the texture may become a bit watery once thawed. If you want to freeze, it’s better to freeze the raw cod fillets separately and prepare the lemon butter sauce fresh before baking.
Reheating
Reheat your Lemon Butter Baked Cod gently in a low-temperature oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. Cover the dish lightly to retain moisture and warm just until heated through—this keeps the cod tender and the sauce luscious.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish instead of cod?
Absolutely! While cod’s mild flavor and flaky texture work beautifully in this recipe, you can try similar white fish such as haddock, tilapia, or halibut. Cooking times might vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Is fresh lemon juice necessary, or can I use bottled?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for its bright, natural flavor and zestiness, which really makes the Lemon Butter Baked Cod sing. Bottled lemon juice is convenient but may be less vibrant and slightly more acidic.
How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?
The key sign is that the fish flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque appearance all the way through. Overcooked cod becomes dry and rubbery, so stick to the suggested baking time and check for doneness near the end.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or a vegan butter substitute. This will slightly change the richness but still give you a delicious and flavorful dish.
What wine pairs well with Lemon Butter Baked Cod?
A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or an unoaked Chardonnay complements the bright citrus and delicate fish without overpowering the dish. These choices highlight the fresh and buttery notes perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a meal that’s quick to prepare but feels like a celebration on your plate. Lemon Butter Baked Cod checks all those boxes with its wonderful blend of buttery richness and zesty brightness. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a simple weeknight dinner or to impress guests effortlessly. Give this recipe a try—you might just discover a new favorite that brightens your dinner routine with every bite!
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Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe features tender, flaky cod fillets baked in a zesty lemon butter sauce infused with garlic and herbs, making it a quick and delicious healthy dinner option.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 fillets cod (6 ounces each)
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
To Serve
- Serving lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cod perfectly.
- Melt Butter: In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter using the microwave or stovetop until fully liquid.
- Prepare Lemon Butter Mixture: Whisk in the fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper into the melted butter until everything is well combined.
- Coat Cod Fillets: Place the cod fillets evenly in a baking dish and pour the lemon butter mixture over the fish, making sure each fillet is coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Bake: Bake the coated cod fillets in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Rest: Remove the dish from the oven and allow the fish to rest for a couple of minutes to let the flavors settle.
- Serve: Plate the cod fillets and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an additional fresh, zesty burst of flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
- Check the fish at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking; thickness can affect cooking time.
- Unsalted butter allows better control over the saltiness of the dish.
- Cod can be substituted with other white fish such as haddock or halibut if preferred.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (6 ounces)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Lemon Butter Cod, Baked Cod, Easy Fish Recipe, Healthy Dinner, Lemon Garlic Fish
