If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both elegant and effortless, Lemon Butter Baked Cod is your new best friend. This dish brings together tender, flaky cod fillets with a luscious lemon butter sauce that’s bright, buttery, and utterly irresistible. Every bite is infused with fresh citrus, savory garlic, and a hint of paprika, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner party. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and comes together in under 30 minutes, so you can savor a restaurant-quality meal without ever leaving your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Lemon Butter Baked Cod lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in the final flavor and texture. Fresh, quality components truly make this dish shine, so don’t skimp on the essentials!
- Cod fillets: Choose fresh or well-thawed fillets for the best flaky texture and mild flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter forms the base of the sauce and adds rich, creamy goodness to every bite.
- Fresh lemon juice: Squeezed just before using, this gives the dish its signature zesty brightness.
- Lemon zest: Adds an extra pop of citrus aroma and flavor—don’t skip it!
- Garlic (minced): Brings savory depth and pairs beautifully with the lemon and butter.
- Paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and a gorgeous hint of color to the sauce.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering the delicate fish.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): A bright, herbal finish that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
- Lemon slices (for garnish): Beautiful on the plate and perfect for an extra squeeze of juice at the table.
How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold your cod fillets in a single layer—this ensures even cooking and helps keep the fish beautifully moist.
Step 2: Arrange the Cod Fillets
Pat your cod fillets dry with a paper towel and place them in the prepared baking dish. Lining them up in a single layer gives each piece plenty of space to cook properly and soak up all that delicious sauce.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended—the aroma alone will have your mouth watering!
Step 4: Pour and Coat
Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the cod fillets, making sure each piece is generously coated. This step is key for infusing the fish with all those bright, buttery, and garlicky flavors.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque throughout. Be careful not to overbake so the fish stays tender and juicy.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Spoon some of the pan sauce over each fillet for extra flavor, then sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Garnish with lemon slices before serving to add a pop of color and a burst of brightness right at the table.
How to Serve Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Garnishes
Finish your Lemon Butter Baked Cod with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley and a few vibrant lemon slices. Not only do these garnishes add a fresh look, but they also boost those zesty, herbal notes in every bite. If you’re feeling fancy, try a light dusting of extra paprika for a hint of color.
Side Dishes
This dish is fabulously versatile when it comes to sides. You can serve it over fluffy rice, alongside roasted vegetables, or paired with a crisp green salad. The luscious lemon butter sauce is perfect for spooning over anything that can soak up its flavors—think steamed asparagus, quinoa, or even a pile of buttery mashed potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make your Lemon Butter Baked Cod truly stand out, try serving it family-style on a large platter with the sauce pooled underneath and lemon slices artfully arranged on top. For a dinner party, plate each fillet individually with a nest of sautéed greens, a lemon twist, and a sprinkle of microgreens for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Lemon Butter Baked Cod left, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making leftovers just as delicious for lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover cod for up to one month, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after thawing. For best results, place cooled fillets in a single layer in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the cod and any remaining sauce in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This gentle reheating method helps maintain the fish’s delicate texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fish rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod for Lemon Butter Baked Cod?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw the cod completely and pat it very dry before baking. This helps prevent excess moisture and ensures the fish bakes up tender and flavorful.
What other fish can I use if I can’t find cod?
Haddock, tilapia, or halibut are all great substitutes for cod in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets.
Is Lemon Butter Baked Cod healthy?
Absolutely! Cod is a lean source of protein, and the recipe uses a moderate amount of butter and fresh ingredients. It’s a lighter dinner option that’s still big on flavor and naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time?
You can whisk together the lemon butter sauce a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply give it a quick stir and let it come to room temperature before pouring over the fish.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod is ready when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If you have a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Lemon Butter Baked Cod enough for busy weeknights or as a special treat when you want something both easy and elegant. The flavors are bright, fresh, and comforting—guaranteed to win over anyone at the table. Give it a try, and let it become a new staple in your kitchen!
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Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe offers a simple, flavorful way to enjoy tender, flaky cod fillets bathed in a zesty lemon butter sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s a healthy and gluten-free main course that pairs beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the cod from sticking.
- Arrange cod fillets: Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer, ensuring even cooking.
- Mix lemon butter sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour sauce over fish: Evenly pour the lemon butter mixture over the cod fillets, coating them well to infuse flavor.
- Bake the cod: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Serve: Spoon some of the pan sauce over the cod before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices for added freshness and color.
Notes
- Serve this baked cod with rice, roasted vegetables, or a green salad for a balanced and complete meal.
- If using frozen cod fillets, make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to avoid excess moisture during baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (approximately 6 ounces)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
