Recipe Overview
This Baked Cod with Lemon Butter is a simple fish dinner made with tender cod fillets, melted butter, fresh lemon, garlic, and basic seasonings. First, the cod bakes in a light lemon butter sauce until flaky and opaque. Then, the extra sauce is spooned over the fish for a bright, buttery finish. As a result, this recipe works well for busy weeknights, lighter dinners, or a simple seafood meal with vegetables, rice, or potatoes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with simple, fresh ingredients
- Ready in about 25 minutes
- Light, buttery, and lemony
- Also works well for weeknight dinners
- Baked in one dish for easy cleanup
- Easy to serve with rice, vegetables, potatoes, or salad
- In addition, the seasonings can be adjusted to your taste
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cod fillets, about 6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices, optional, for baking and serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Next, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Then, pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels.
- Once dry, place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Afterward, season the fish with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Meanwhile, add the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley to a small bowl.
- Whisk the lemon butter mixture until evenly combined.
- Then, pour about two-thirds of the lemon butter mixture over the cod fillets.
- If using lemon slices, place them around or over the fish.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the cod fillets.
- The cod is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, looks opaque in the center, and flakes easily with a fork.
- Finally, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and spoon the remaining lemon butter mixture over the baked cod before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Before baking, pat the cod dry so the seasonings and lemon butter sauce cling to the fish better.
- For even cooking, choose cod fillets that are close in size and thickness.
- Because cod is delicate, avoid overbaking it or it may become dry.
- If the fillets are thicker than 1 inch, add a few extra minutes and check the internal temperature.
- For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled lemon juice.
- After baking, spoon the pan sauce over the cod so every fillet stays moist and flavorful.
Recipe Variations
- For a slightly richer version, add 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese over the cod before baking.
- Alternatively, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- For extra herb flavor, use fresh dill, chives, or thyme instead of parsley.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add 1 extra minced garlic clove.
- For a crisp topping, sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs over the cod before baking.
- Instead of cod, use haddock, pollock, halibut, or another mild white fish with a similar thickness.
What to Serve with Baked Cod with Lemon Butter
Baked Cod with Lemon Butter pairs well with white rice, brown rice, roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, quinoa, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, green beans, sautéed spinach, or a simple salad. For a fresh side dish, serve it with my Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad. In addition, the lemon butter sauce is especially good with rice, couscous, or crusty bread.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover Baked Cod with Lemon Butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the cod in a covered baking dish and warm it at 300°F for 8–10 minutes, or microwave it in short intervals at lower power until warmed through. If needed, add a small splash of water, broth, or extra lemon butter sauce to help keep the fish from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cod for baked cod with lemon butter?
Yes. However, thaw the cod completely in the refrigerator first. Then, pat it dry well before seasoning and baking.
How do I know when baked cod is done?
Cod is done when it reaches 145°F in the thickest part, looks opaque in the center, and flakes easily with a fork.
Can I use another type of white fish?
Yes. Haddock, pollock, halibut, or tilapia can work well. However, baking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can mix the lemon butter sauce up to 1 day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. For the best texture, bake the cod shortly before serving.
Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Yes. For example, thin asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes can bake alongside the cod. Cut vegetables into smaller pieces so they cook in the same amount of time.
Is Baked Cod with Lemon Butter gluten-free?
Yes. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. However, always check packaged seasonings and butter if you need to avoid gluten completely.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Rest Time: None
Total Time: 22–25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets, about 6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices, optional, for baking and serving
Instructions
- First, preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Next, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- Then, pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels.
- Once dry, place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Afterward, season the fish with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Meanwhile, add the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley to a small bowl.
- Whisk the lemon butter mixture until evenly combined.
- Then, pour about two-thirds of the lemon butter mixture over the cod fillets.
- If using lemon slices, place them around or over the fish.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the cod fillets.
- The cod is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, looks opaque in the center, and flakes easily with a fork.
- Finally, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and spoon the remaining lemon butter mixture over the baked cod before serving.
Storage: Store leftover Baked Cod with Lemon Butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered baking dish at 300°F or in the microwave at lower power, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if needed.