If you’re craving something light, buttery, and incredibly satisfying, look no further than Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter. This dish transforms humble cod fillets into a gorgeously flavored meal, thanks to the zesty brightness of lemon, the savory depth of garlic, and the richness of melted butter. Best of all, it’s quick enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough to serve guests, with a texture so tender it practically melts in your mouth. Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter is proof that with just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create something truly memorable!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient, from sweet butter to zippy lemon zest, plays an essential role in creating balanced flavor and an inviting appearance. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Cod fillets: Choose fresh or thawed cod; their flaky, mild texture allows the sauce to shine.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps the cod stay juicy and tender as it bakes.
- Garlic, minced: Lends depth and an aromatic, savory kick to the sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish and balances the buttery notes.
- Lemon zest: Reinforces citrus flavor and speckles the fish with gorgeous color.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a lovely hint of color to your cod.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every ingredient pop.
- Black pepper: Brings a gentle spice and balance to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Sprinkled on top, it delivers freshness and a burst of green.
- Lemon slices, for garnish: Not just pretty; they invite guests to squeeze on extra tartness if they wish.
How to Make Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give your baking dish a quick coat of nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your delicate fish lifts out easily after baking.
Step 2: Arrange the Cod Fillets
Lay your cod fillets in a single layer in the prepared dish. Make sure none of the fillets are overlapping so each piece cooks through evenly and gets its fair share of the delicious sauce.
Step 3: Whisk the Lemon Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good whisk until it’s well combined. The aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling heavenly!
Step 4: Pour and Spread the Sauce
Spoon the lemon garlic butter mixture generously over the tops of the cod fillets. Make sure to coat each fillet so that every bite is infused with all those bright, buttery, and garlicky flavors. If you want a little extra richness, dot the top of each fillet with a tiny pat of butter before baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the cod to turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. The sauce will bubble gently, infusing the fish and creating irresistible pan juices to spoon over the fillets before serving.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Take the dish out of the oven and use a spoon to drizzle a bit of those buttery pan juices over each fillet. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and garnish with a few lemon slices. Your Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter is ready to dazzle!
How to Serve Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter
Garnishes
Dress up your Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter with a generous shower of vibrant fresh parsley and a scattering of thinly sliced lemons. These not only add a burst of color but also invite guests to enjoy a squeeze of extra brightness right before their first bite. If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes makes a lively finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish truly shines when paired with simple sides that don’t overwhelm its delicate flavors. Think fluffy jasmine rice, roasted baby potatoes, or a pile of garlicky sautéed green beans. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette beautifully complements the buttery sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner party, serve each fillet on individual plates with a spoonful of the pan sauce, a wedge of lemon, and a sprig of fresh parsley. If you’re going family-style, arrange the fillets on a large platter, drizzle with extra lemon garlic butter, and surround with roasted veggies or colorful salad greens. You can even flake the fish gently and serve over warm grains or pasta for a stylish twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter should be cooled to room temperature before storing. Transfer the fillets and any sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. While the cod is best enjoyed fresh, it will still taste delicious the next day, especially when gently reheated.
Freezing
Baked cod can be frozen, but keep in mind that the delicate flakes may lose a bit of texture upon thawing. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the cod and any reserved sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-12 minutes. This gentle heat will keep the fish moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the cod or make it rubbery.
FAQs
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
Your cod is perfectly cooked when it turns opaque all the way through and flakes easily with a fork. If you have a thermometer, it should register 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
Can I use frozen cod?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your cod fillets completely in the refrigerator and gently pat them dry with paper towels before following the Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter recipe. Excess moisture can dilute the delicious sauce.
What can I substitute for cod?
If cod isn’t available, other white flaky fish such as haddock, halibut, or even tilapia work beautifully in this lemon garlic butter recipe. Just adjust the baking time for thicker or thinner fillets as needed.
Is Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe as written is naturally gluten-free. Just be mindful of any sides or additions you may serve with it to keep the entire meal gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Certainly! Prepare as many fillets as you need, and double (or triple) the sauce ingredients. Use a larger baking dish or several trays, ensuring the fish is still in a single layer for even cooking and maximum flavor immersion.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter enough. With its dreamy sauce and quick prep, it’s the kind of recipe that makes any dinner feel special—no fuss required. I hope you give it a try and discover just how delightful homemade fish can be!
Print
Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy a delightful meal with this easy and flavorful recipe for Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter. Tender cod fillets are baked to perfection with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, creating a dish that is both light and satisfying.
Ingredients
Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (5–6 oz each)
Lemon Garlic Butter:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish.
- Prepare the Cod: Arrange cod fillets in the baking dish in a single layer.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Butter: In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the Cod: Spoon the lemon garlic butter over the cod fillets.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cod is cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- Serve with steamed veggies, roasted potatoes, or over rice.
- For extra richness, add a pat of butter on each fillet.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be gently reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
