There’s something magical about the combination of flaky cod, rich butter, and bright lemon. It’s simple, elegant, and full of fresh, zesty flavors. Lemon Butter Baked Cod is one of those recipes that feels fancy but takes minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights or a light, delicious weekend meal. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes!
If you’re looking for an easy seafood recipe that’s healthy, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying, this is the one. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making the perfect Lemon Butter Baked Cod at home!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Butter Baked Cod
- Fast & Easy: Less than 10 minutes of prep, and the oven does the rest!
- Healthy & Light: Cod is a lean, protein-packed fish with essential nutrients.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The buttery lemon sauce brings out the best in the mild, slightly sweet cod.
- Versatile: Serve it with rice, pasta, or veggies for a complete meal.
What Does Lemon Butter Baked Cod Taste Like?
If you love delicate, mild white fish with a touch of richness, this recipe is for you! Cod has a subtle sweetness and a firm but flaky texture. The butter gives it a luscious, silky coating, while the lemon adds a pop of brightness. A little garlic and paprika bring depth, making every bite absolutely irresistible!
Health Benefits of Cod
Cod isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with nutritional benefits:
- High in protein: Helps keep you full and supports muscle growth.
- Low in fat: A great choice for a lean, heart-healthy meal.
- Rich in vitamins & minerals: Cod provides essential nutrients like B12, phosphorus, and selenium.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Supports brain and heart health.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create this flavorful dish:
- Cod fillets – Fresh or frozen (thawed), about 4–6 ounces each
- Butter – Melted, for that rich, silky coating
- Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed for the best flavor
- Garlic – Minced, to add depth
- Paprika – A touch of warmth and color
- Salt & pepper – Essential seasonings
- Fresh parsley – For garnish and a pop of color
- Lemon slices – Optional, for extra zest and presentation
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Baking dish or sheet pan
- Small mixing bowl
- Basting brush or spoon
- Sharp knife
- Citrus juicer (optional but helpful!)
Substitutions & Additions
Want to mix things up? Here are some ideas:
- Swap the cod: Try haddock, halibut, or tilapia.
- Make it dairy-free: Use olive oil or ghee instead of butter.
- Add some heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne adds a spicy kick.
- Boost the herbs: Thyme, dill, or rosemary pair beautifully with cod.
- Make it extra lemony: Zest the lemon before juicing for even more citrus flavor.
How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them absorb all the delicious flavors.
3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together:
- Melted butter
- Fresh lemon juice
- Minced garlic
- Paprika
- Salt & pepper
4. Coat the Fish
Brush or spoon the lemon butter mixture generously over the fillets. Place them in the baking dish and top with lemon slices for extra flavor.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If you have a food thermometer, the internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C).
6. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides!
What to Serve with Lemon Butter Baked Cod
This dish is incredibly versatile. Here are some perfect pairings:
- Rice & grains: Serve with fluffy white rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the buttery sauce.
- Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts complement the light flavors beautifully.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy potatoes balance the bright lemony taste.
- Pasta: A light garlic butter pasta pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Pro Tips for the Best Lemon Butter Baked Cod
- Use fresh fish if possible – It will have the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overcook it – Cod can dry out quickly, so keep an eye on it.
- Let it rest – After baking, let the fish sit for a couple of minutes before serving to absorb the flavors.
- Add extra lemon at the end – A fresh squeeze of lemon just before serving makes all the difference!
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes (covered to prevent drying out).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator and pat it dry before baking.
How do I know when cod is fully cooked?
It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If using a thermometer, check for 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prep the sauce and coat the fish in advance. Keep it in the fridge and bake just before serving.
What can I use instead of butter?
Olive oil or ghee work well as substitutes.
A Light, Flavorful Dinner You’ll Want to Make Again & Again!
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. It’s easy, healthy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or a light seafood dinner for guests, this dish is sure to impress!
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to save it on Pinterest so you can make it again.
More Delicious Recipes to Try:
- Carrot Walnut Cake – A moist and spiced treat perfect for dessert lovers.
- Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake – A protein-packed, fruity delight for a healthy breakfast.
- Layered Red Velvet Cheesecake Bundt Cake – The ultimate indulgence for cheesecake and red velvet fans.
Happy cooking! 🍋🐟✨
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Lemon Butter Baked Cod – A Simple & Flavorful Dinner
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a quick and easy seafood dish that’s packed with flavor! Flaky, tender cod fillets are baked in a rich, garlicky lemon butter sauce, creating a light yet satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this dish pairs beautifully with rice, roasted veggies, or a simple salad.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (4–6 ounces each)
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, sliced (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to help them absorb the flavors.
- Make the lemon butter sauce by mixing melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Coat the cod by brushing or spooning the sauce over each fillet. Arrange the fillets in the baking dish and top with optional lemon slices.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C).
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides!
Notes
- If using frozen cod, ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before baking.
- For extra flavor, zest the lemon before juicing and add it to the butter mixture.
- Substitute butter with olive oil or ghee for a dairy-free version.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Keywords: Lemon Butter Baked Cod, Baked Cod Recipe, Easy Cod Recipe, Healthy Fish Recipe, Lemon Garlic Cod