If you are looking for a dish that feels light yet indulgently flavorful, the Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This beautiful main course combines tender, flaky cod fillets with a rich lemon-garlic butter sauce that sings with brightness and warmth. Each bite offers a perfectly balanced harmony of buttery richness and zesty citrus, making it a healthy, satisfying, and easy way to enjoy a fresh seafood dinner any night of the week. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s as simple to prepare as it is impressive on the plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that come together effortlessly to create incredible flavor. Every element plays a crucial role in building the texture, taste, and vibrant color contrast that make this dish special.
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each): Choose fresh, firm fillets for the best flaky texture after baking.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Butter adds luscious richness and carries the garlic and lemon flavors.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: The brightness essential to cut through the butter’s richness.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic provides a warm, aromatic depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Adds a concentrated lemony aroma and subtle texture contrast.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a hint of smoky sweetness and enhances the color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the cod and the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right gentle heat to balance the richness.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish with herbaceous notes and vibrant green color.
- Lemon slices (for garnish): Adds an elegant look and extra citrus kick at the table.
How to Make Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to create the perfect cooking environment for the cod. Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. These simple preparations set the stage for beautifully cooked fish that won’t dry out or cling to the dish.
Step 2: Ready the Cod Fillets
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is key for getting a lovely texture and ensuring the lemon garlic butter sauce clings to the fish. Place the fillets evenly spaced in your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Mix the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is where the magic of the Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe truly happens—the vibrant notes of lemon and garlic combine with butter and spices to create a luscious coating.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the cod fillets, making sure every piece gets a generous brush of flavor. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. The cod is done when it’s opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork, signaling perfect tenderness without overcooking.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the fillets. This final touch adds freshness and vibrant color. Serve immediately with lemon slices on the side for an extra pop of citrus to brighten each bite.
How to Serve Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh parsley and lemon slices elevate this dish with bursts of color and aroma. A sprinkle of finely chopped chives or a few capers can also add exciting texture and flavor contrasts without overpowering the delicate fish.
Side Dishes
The light yet rich nature of Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the extra sauce, roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for hearty greens, or a crisp, simple green salad to keep the meal fresh and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, plate each cod fillet on a pool of the lemon garlic butter sauce and garnish with a lemon twist or microgreens. Serving over a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside quinoa tossed with herbs offers a colorful, nutritious upgrade that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the cod moist and flavorful, drizzle a little reserved lemon garlic butter or olive oil over the fillets before sealing and refrigerating.
Freezing
Freezing baked cod is possible but best done before baking. Place raw fillets in a freezer-safe bag with the lemon garlic butter mixture and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as usual for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can toughen the fish and diminish the flavor of the lemon garlic butter sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before baking to achieve the best texture and allow the lemon garlic butter to adhere properly.
What can I substitute for fresh parsley?
If fresh parsley is not available, chopped fresh cilantro or chives work nicely, providing a fresh herbal note. Dried parsley can be used but should be added earlier in the cooking process to release its flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Absolutely! This Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe uses only naturally gluten-free ingredients, making it perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes, firm white fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia can be used as alternatives. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness and moisture content of the fish.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork. Overcooking can dry out the fish, so watch carefully toward the end of the baking time.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter Recipe will quickly show you how delightful and easy a seafood dinner can be. Its bright, buttery flavors combined with tender fish feel both comforting and fresh. Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is a lovely way to celebrate simple, vibrant ingredients that come together beautifully every time. Give it a go—you might just find a new favorite for your weeknight dinners!
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: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter is a simple yet delicious seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets baked in a flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce. The combination of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic herbs creates a bright and savory meal perfect for a healthy dinner.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare cod fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and place them evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish.
- Make lemon garlic butter sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Apply sauce and bake: Pour the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets, making sure each piece is coated. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the fish for 12 to 15 minutes or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and serve immediately with lemon slices on the side for extra brightness.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the baking dish before baking to infuse more aroma.
- This recipe pairs excellently with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
