Baked Lemon Butter Cod

This Baked Lemon Butter Cod is exactly what you need when dinner calls for something fresh, quick, and incredibly flavorful. It comes together in just 20 minutes with very little prep, featuring tender cod fillets drenched in a garlicky lemon butter sauce with a touch of heat. This light and healthy fish dish feels special but is easy enough for a busy weeknight.

I first made this recipe when I was pressed for time and it became an instant favorite in our household. Now it’s one of those dishes that feels gourmet without any stress.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Four cod fillets or any firm white fish of choice about six ounces each: fresh if possible for best texture
• Quarter cup unsalted butter melted: provides that rich, creamy sauce base without overpowering the fish
• Two cloves garlic minced: fresh garlic adds an intense, aromatic flavor that garlic powder alone can’t match
• One teaspoon garlic powder: enhances the garlic flavor and gives depth
• One teaspoon onion powder: balances and rounds out the seasoning
• Zest from one lemon: adds bright citrus oils for a fresh kick
• Two tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: the acidity lifts the dish and brightens the butter sauce
• Quarter teaspoon red pepper flakes: wakes up the flavors with mild heat
• One tablespoon fresh parsley chopped: adds freshness and color for garnish
• One lemon sliced: for baking on and around the fish, infusing subtle citrus notes

How to Make It

Sear the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for baking the fish quickly and evenly without drying it out

Mix the Lemon Butter Sauce:

In a medium bowl combine the melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes Thoroughly mix these ingredients so the butter absorbs all the flavors

Coat the Cod:

Add your cod fillets to the bowl with the lemon butter sauce Toss them gently until well coated This step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor

Arrange in Baking Dish:

Place the coated cod fillets in a nine by thirteen inch baking dish Pour any remaining lemon butter sauce over the top Then lay lemon slices around and on the fish This not only adds extra lemon aroma but looks beautiful

Bake Until Perfect:

Pop the dish into the preheated oven Bake the cod for ten to fifteen minutes depending on thickness The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the baked cod Serve immediately for the best texture and taste

I love the fresh lemon zest in this recipe it takes the sauce from ordinary to vibrant every time. One of my fondest memories with this dish was making it for a family gathering when my picky eaters surprised me by devouring seconds and asking for the recipe.

Flavor Boosters

Storage Tips Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days Reheat gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or in short bursts in the microwave to avoid overcooking

Serving Suggestions

Pair this baked cod with steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans and a side of fluffy rice or quinoa for a complete meal A light salad with a vinaigrette cutoff balances the richness of the butter sauce nicely

Creative Twists

Ingredient Substitutions If you cannot find cod any firm white fish such as haddock or tilapia works well Butter can be replaced with olive oil for a dairy-free version Fresh parsley can be swapped with cilantro or chives for a different fresh herbal note Cultural Context Fish baked with lemon and butter is a classic preparation found broadly across Mediterranean cooking traditions It highlights simple, fresh ingredients letting the quality of the fish shine through Seasonal Adaptations Add sliced cherry tomatoes or capers for summer twists Swap lemon juice for lime in fall or winter variations to tweak the flavor profile slightly Success Stories Many home cooks have told me this recipe became their go-to for stress-free weeknight dinners The ease of prep combined with sophisticated flavors impresses guests with minimal effort Freezer Meal Conversion This dish freezes well but for best quality freeze only the baked fish without garnish Wrap tightly in freezer safe foil or containers Label with date and consume within two months to avoid freezer burn

This recipe balances fresh flavors with simplicity making it perfect for any weeknight meal.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you ensure the cod is flaky when cooking?

Pat the cod dry with paper towels before coating it in the lemon butter sauce to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a flaky texture.

→ Can I use frozen cod for this dish?

Yes, but thaw frozen cod overnight in the refrigerator or under cool running water for best results. Avoid warm water to maintain texture.

→ What spices enhance the lemon butter sauce?

Garlic cloves, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes add depth and a gentle kick to the butter lemon sauce.

→ How do I avoid burning the butter sauce?

Let the melted butter cool slightly before adding the fish to prevent it from cooking the outer layer too quickly or burning.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F or a low-power microwave setting to preserve texture.

→ What garnishes complement this dish?

Fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices add a bright, fresh finish that complements the rich lemon butter flavors.