Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Bright, buttery, and beautifully flaky every time.

There’s something truly comforting about a piece of white fish baked in a bath of melted butter, fresh lemon juice, and garlic. It’s delicate, light, and rich without being heavy. Cod is perfect here—it’s mild and flaky, and it soaks up flavor like a dream.

This recipe has been in my regular rotation for years because it checks all the boxes: quick, healthy-ish, and impressive enough for guests (but chill enough for a weeknight dinner in PJs). The lemon and butter combo does all the heavy lifting, and the oven handles the rest.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light, flaky, and flavorful – Cod practically melts in your mouth.
• Minimal ingredients – Just pantry staples + fresh lemon.
• Quick cooking – Done in under 25 minutes, start to finish.
• One pan = less mess – Fewer dishes, more dinner.
• Customizable – Add herbs, capers, or swap the cod for your favorite white fish.

Prep Time and Servings

Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~260
Protein: 28g | Carbs: 2g | Fat: 15g

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (5–6 oz each), fresh or thawed if frozen
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced (plus extra slices for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a subtle smoky note)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Optional Add-Ons:

• A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon capers
• Thin lemon slices for layering over the fish
• Fresh thyme or dill

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment for easier cleanup.

2. Pat the cod dry

Use paper towels to gently pat the cod fillets dry. This helps them bake up flaky and not watery.

Place fillets in a single layer in the prepared dish.

3. Mix the lemon butter

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.

Taste and adjust lemon/salt to your preference.

4. Pour and bake

Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the cod fillets. Add lemon slices on top if using.

Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque.

Tip: Don’t overbake—cod cooks quickly and can dry out if left too long.

5. Garnish and serve

Remove from the oven, spoon some of the sauce over the top, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

How to Serve

Pair your lemon butter baked cod with:

• Steamed or roasted veggies – asparagus, broccoli, or green beans
• Rice or couscous – to soak up that buttery sauce
• Mashed potatoes – for a comfort food twist
• Simple salad – arugula with lemon vinaigrette is perfect
• Crusty bread – because that sauce deserves it

Tips for Success

1. Don’t skip drying the fish – It makes a big difference in texture.
2. Use fresh lemon juice – Bottled can taste flat or bitter.
3. Adjust bake time based on thickness – Thicker fillets may need a minute or two more.
4. Add lemon slices on top – For a beautiful, bright presentation.
5. Let it rest 1–2 minutes – This helps the juices settle and the fish finish cooking gently.

Variations

• Herb Butter Cod – Add chopped fresh thyme, dill, or tarragon to the sauce.
• Parmesan Crusted Cod – Sprinkle with a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan in the last 5 minutes of baking.
• Spicy Lemon Cod – Add extra chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the butter.
• Mediterranean Style – Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers to the dish before baking.

Storage & Reheating

To Store:
Cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:
Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F or in the microwave in short intervals with a splash of extra lemon or butter to keep it moist.

To Freeze:
You can freeze cooked cod, but the texture may become slightly softer. Best enjoyed fresh.

FAQ

Can I use frozen cod?
Yes! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before baking.

Is cod a strong-flavored fish?
Not at all—cod is mild and perfect for soaking up flavors like lemon and butter.

What other fish can I use?
Halibut, haddock, or tilapia all work great in place of cod.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—swap the butter for a plant-based alternative or all olive oil.

Conclusion

This Lemon Butter Baked Cod is simple, bright, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of weeknight recipe that feels elegant but is easy enough for a beginner. Juicy, flaky fish with a buttery citrusy sauce you’ll want to scoop up with everything on your plate.

Make it once, and you’ll be hooked. (Pun absolutely intended.)

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