Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a light, flaky, and flavorful dish that’s quick to make and feels effortlessly elegant. The cod bakes gently in a buttery lemon sauce that’s infused with garlic and herbs, resulting in tender fish with bright citrusy notes and rich, comforting flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish manages to be both incredibly simple and restaurant-worthy. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, yet tastes like something special. The lemon butter sauce keeps the cod juicy and flavorful, and I can pair it with almost anything—rice, potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cod fillets (fresh or thawed frozen)
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh lemon juice
- Garlic (minced)
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
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I place the cod fillets in the dish and season them with salt, pepper, and paprika.
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In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, I melt the butter and stir in the lemon juice and minced garlic.
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I pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the cod and lay a few lemon slices on top for extra flavor.
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I bake the cod for 15–18 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
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I garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for a healthy and fast weeknight dinner.
Variations
- I sometimes add a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth of flavor.
- For a bit of crunch, I top the cod with a mix of breadcrumbs and parmesan before baking.
- Swapping in other white fish like haddock or halibut works beautifully.
- I’ve added capers or olives for a briny Mediterranean twist.
Storage/reheating
Leftover cod can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. I reheat it gently in the oven at 300°F or in a covered skillet with a splash of water to keep it moist. I avoid microwaving too long, as it can dry the fish out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, I just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry before baking to avoid excess moisture.
How do I know when cod is done baking?
I check that it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. An internal temperature of 145°F means it’s fully cooked.
What side dishes go well with this?
I usually serve it with steamed veggies, rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. It’s super versatile.
Can I use ghee or oil instead of butter?
Yes, ghee gives a rich, nutty flavor, and olive oil works well for a lighter version. I adjust the amount slightly to taste.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Cooked cod doesn’t freeze well in my experience—it tends to become watery. I prefer making it fresh or storing in the fridge short-term.
Conclusion
Lemon Butter Baked Cod is one of those recipes I come back to again and again. It’s light, flavorful, and so easy to pull together with just a handful of ingredients. Whether I’m cooking for family or need a quick solo dinner, it never fails to satisfy.
Print
Lemon Butter Baked Cod
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a quick and easy seafood dinner featuring tender, flaky cod baked in a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a healthy weeknight meal or a light yet elegant dinner.
Ingredients
- Cod fillets (fresh or thawed frozen)
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Place cod fillets in the dish and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, then stir in lemon juice and minced garlic.
- Pour the lemon butter sauce over the cod fillets and top with lemon slices.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Add a splash of white wine to the lemon butter sauce for extra depth.
- For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan over the cod before baking.
- Swap cod with haddock or halibut if preferred.
- Capers or olives make a great Mediterranean twist.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently to avoid drying out.
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