Zesty Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe: Juicy & Flavorful Catch

Seafood enthusiasts swoon over this delectable lemon butter baked cod that melts in your mouth with incredible flavor.

The tender fish pairs perfectly with bright citrus notes and rich buttery undertones.

Crisp herbs and a golden-brown crust make this dish shine on any dinner table.

Each bite reveals layers of delicate seasoning that complement the cod’s natural sweetness.

Simple ingredients come together to create a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily prepare at home.

Quick and elegant, this recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable culinary experience.

Savor every moment as you serve this mouthwatering seafood delight that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Lemon Butter Baked Cod Dinner

• Cod Fillets: Delicate white fish with a mild, sweet flavor that absorbs seasonings beautifully; choose fresh, firm fillets without any fishy smell for the best taste and texture.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Luxurious combination that creates a rich, silky sauce while adding depth and moisture to the fish.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy elements that cut through the richness and add a zesty, fresh dimension to the cod.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses the dish with a warm, pungent undertone.

• Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful reddish hue to the dish.
• Thyme: Earthy, slightly minty herb that complements the delicate fish perfectly.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that elevates and balances all the other flavors.

• Fresh Parsley: Vibrant green herb that adds a fresh, crisp finish and visual appeal to the baked cod.
• Lemon Slices: Decorative and functional garnish that provides an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Kitchen Tools for Lemon Baked Cod Success

• Baking Dish: A rectangular or square dish to hold and bake the cod fillets.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending the lemon butter sauce smoothly.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing the sauce ingredients together.
• Measuring Spoons: Essential for accurate seasoning measurements.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing lemon zest and chopping parsley.
• Sharp Knife: Used for slicing lemons and chopping herbs.
• Oven Mitts: Crucial for safely handling hot dishes from the oven.
• Spatula or Serving Spoon: Helpful for transferring baked cod to plates.

Instructions for Cooking Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Warm Up The Cooking Space

Crank your oven to 400 degrees and lightly coat a baking dish with a quick spray of oil.

• Craft Your Flavor

Blend melted butter, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, crushed garlic, zesty lemon shavings, a sprinkle of paprika, fragrant thyme, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl.

• Position Your Sea Treasure

Gently lay cod fillets into the prepared dish, creating a single cozy layer. Lavish the fillets with your zesty butter mixture, ensuring every inch gets kissed by the sauce.

• Transform In The Heat

Slide the dish into the hot oven and let the cod bake for 12-15 minutes. Watch for the fish turning from translucent to opaque and becoming delicately flaky when touched with a fork.

• Dress And Delight

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and add bright lemon slices. Serve immediately alongside fluffy rice, crisp vegetables, or a vibrant salad for a complete meal that sings with ocean-fresh flavor.

Creative Touches for Lemon Baked Cod Flavor

• Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent excess moisture during baking.
• Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill, rosemary, or basil to add unique flavor profiles to the lemon butter sauce.
• Use gluten-free certified ingredients and serve with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a celiac-friendly meal.
• Replace traditional sides with roasted low-carb vegetables like zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash for a keto-friendly version.
• Substitute cod with other white fish like halibut, tilapia, or sea bass while maintaining the same delicious lemon butter sauce preparation.

How to Serve Lemon Cod with Simplicity

• Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Chop a mix of dill, parsley, and chives to scatter over the baked cod, adding bright, fresh flavors and a beautiful green color contrast.
• Mediterranean Platter Pairing: Serve alongside warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a crisp cucumber salad to create a Mediterranean-inspired meal that highlights the delicate fish.
• Zesty Side Companion: Prepare a quick lemon-garlic quinoa or couscous as a complementary side dish that echoes the citrusy notes of the cod and soaks up the delicious butter sauce.
• Wine and Dine Suggestion: Pair this delicate fish with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the lemon and herb flavors of the dish.

Storing Lemon Butter Cod After Dinner

• Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum 2-3 days. Keep seafood chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual cod portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen fish stays delicious for up to 3 months when sealed properly.
• Gently warm cod in the oven at 275F to prevent drying. Splash a few drops of water or remaining lemon butter sauce to retain moisture and original flavor profile.
• Prepare lemon butter sauce ahead of time and store separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This technique saves cooking time and allows flexible meal planning for busy schedules.

FAQs

• Is cod a healthy fish to eat?

Cod is an excellent source of lean protein, low in calories, and rich in vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. It supports heart health and provides essential nutrients with very low mercury levels.

• What type of cod works best for this recipe?

Fresh or thawed cod fillets are ideal. Choose firm, white fish fillets with no discoloration. Atlantic or Pacific cod work perfectly, and they should be similar in thickness to ensure even cooking.

• Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cod is perfectly acceptable. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight, pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, and ensure the fillets are at room temperature before baking for best results.

• How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

The cod is done when it turns opaque white and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. Avoid overcooking, as cod can quickly become dry and tough when baked too long.

Succulent Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Lemon Butter Baked Cod promises Mediterranean coastal flavors with delicate white fish. Fresh herbs and citrus notes enhance this simple seafood classic you can easily prepare at home.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cod fillets (6 oz / 170 g each)
• ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 tbsps fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon slices, for serving

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Lemon Butter Blend: Whisk together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined, creating a fragrant and flavorful sauce.
3. Fish Arrangement: Place cod fillets in a single layer within the prepared baking dish, generously coating them with the lemon butter mixture to ensure complete coverage and maximum flavor infusion.
4. Baking Process: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, checking for doneness by gently testing with a fork – the fish should become opaque and easily flake when prodded.
5. Finishing Touch: Garnish the baked cod with freshly chopped parsley and delicate lemon slices, serving immediately alongside complementary accompaniments like steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.

Notes

Choose Fresh Cod: Select high-quality, fresh cod fillets with firm, translucent white flesh and minimal fishy odor for the best flavor and texture.

Control Moisture: Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels before seasoning to prevent steaming and ensure a crisp, golden exterior when baking.

Monitor Baking Time: Watch cod closely during cooking; overcooking leads to dry, tough fish, so remove from oven when fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Adjust Seasoning Flexibility: Customize lemon butter sauce by experimenting with herbs like dill, rosemary, or adding red pepper flakes for extra heat and personal preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg