Name: Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each); ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 teaspoons lemon zest; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; Lemon slices (for garnish)

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If you’ve ever craved a restaurant-quality fish dish that’s ready in less than half an hour, Lemon Butter Baked Cod should be your go-to recipe. Delicate, flaky cod fillets are drenched in a dreamy lemon-butter sauce, kissed with garlic and just the right hint of paprika for warmth. Every bite is bright, fresh, and impossibly tender — it’s the kind of meal that tastes like pure comfort but feels light and vibrant on your plate. Whether you’re an old pro with seafood or a total beginner, this Lemon Butter Baked Cod is about to become your new weeknight hero.

Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Lemon Butter Baked Cod couldn’t be simpler, and each one plays a starring role. From the velvety butter to the tangy burst of lemon, these basic kitchen staples team up to deliver flavors that taste anything but basic.

Cod fillets: Choose fresh or thawed fillets for the best flaky texture and subtle, clean flavor.
Unsalted butter (melted): Creates a rich, luxurious sauce that keeps the fish perfectly moist.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy punch that balances the savory richness of the butter.
Lemon zest: Infuses extra citrusy perfume and vibrant color to every forkful.
Garlic (minced): Lends mellow, aromatic depth, making the sauce irresistible.
Paprika: Brings subtle warmth and a soft golden tint to the baked cod.
Salt: Amplifies all the natural flavors—don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Just a pinch wakes up the dish with mild heat and complexity.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Sprinkled on top, it adds a pop of verdant color and fresh finish.
Lemon slices (for garnish): Makes the presentation extra inviting (and offers an extra zing if you love citrus).

How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Lightly grease your favorite baking dish or line it with parchment paper—this tiny step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your cod slides out effortlessly every time.

Step 2: Arrange the Cod Fillets

Lay the cod fillets in the baking dish in a single, even layer. Give each piece a little space so the oven’s heat circulates and cooks them evenly. If you’re looking for that picture-perfect flakiness, don’t pile or stack the fillets.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, bright lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This is your flavor powerhouse—every ingredient comes alive in the heat, transforming into a sauce that’s as aromatic as it is delicious.

Step 4: Pour, Don’t Skimp!

Drizzle that luscious lemon butter sauce evenly over the cod fillets. Make sure every inch of fish is glistening with the mixture—the sauce will seep into every crevice, seasoning and tenderizing the cod as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake to Tender Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know the Lemon Butter Baked Cod is ready when the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temp of 145°F (63°C). Take a quick peek at the halfway point and gently spoon some pan juices over the top if you’d like even more flavor.

Step 6: Finish With Freshness

Once out of the oven, spoon any remaining buttery pan sauce over the fillets. Finish your masterpiece with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a few bright lemon slices—it’s the final touch that makes Lemon Butter Baked Cod special every single time.

How to Serve Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Garnishes

A generous flourish of chopped fresh parsley and thin lemon slices instantly elevates the look (and taste) of the dish. A touch of lemon zest or a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also add a polished finish. If you want a subtle pop of color, add a few cherry tomatoes or microgreens right before serving.

Side Dishes

Lemon Butter Baked Cod pairs effortlessly with light, wholesome sides. Steamed broccoli or green beans echo the cod’s freshness, while fluffy rice, herbed quinoa, or roasted potatoes soak up every drop of the luscious pan sauce. For a heartier touch, try it alongside a bright couscous salad or simple garlic bread.

Creative Ways to Present

For weeknights, serve Lemon Butter Baked Cod right in the baking dish, family-style. For guests, plate a fillet over a swoop of creamy cauliflower puree with a few extra lemon slices and fresh herbs. Turn leftovers into a Mediterranean-inspired grain bowl with chickpeas, cucumbers, and feta, or tuck flaked cod into tacos with shredded cabbage and a little extra lemon drizzle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Lemon Butter Baked Cod, let the fillets cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Kept in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days. For best results, store the sauce and fish together so every bite stays moist and vibrant.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cod, though it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap each cooled fillet tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cod and its sauce in a covered baking dish and warm gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, or until heated through. For a quick fix, microwave in 30-second increments at 50 percent power, drizzling with a bit of extra lemon juice or butter if needed. Avoid high heat to keep the fish tender and succulent.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the cod fillets completely and pat them dry before cooking. Removing excess moisture is key to getting that beautifully baked, flaky texture for your Lemon Butter Baked Cod.

What other fish can I use instead of cod?

If cod isn’t available, try haddock, pollock, or even tilapia. Look for fillets of similar thickness so they bake evenly, and adjust the time as needed since thinner fish may cook a bit quicker.

Can I make Lemon Butter Baked Cod dairy-free?

You sure can! Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based vegan butter or a good-quality olive oil. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but you’ll still have plenty of lemony, garlicky goodness.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

It’s a great option for meal prep since the fillets reheat well and stay delicious for a couple of days. Store with any remaining sauce, and add fresh herbs or lemon juice after reheating to revive the flavors.

How do I know when the cod is finished baking?

Your Lemon Butter Baked Cod is perfectly cooked when the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. When in doubt, check the internal temperature with a thermometer—it should read 145°F (63°C). Avoid overbaking to keep the fish tender and buttery.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that brings sunshine to your table, Lemon Butter Baked Cod absolutely delivers. Give it a try and see just how easy and rewarding homemade baked fish can be—it’s sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation!

Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy tender cod fillets. The combination of zesty lemon, garlic, and butter creates a delicious sauce that perfectly complements the mild flavor of the cod.

Ingredients

Scale

Cod Fillets:

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)

Lemon Butter Sauce:

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish.
Prepare the Cod: Place the cod fillets in the baking dish in a single layer.
Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour the mixture over the cod.
Bake: Bake for 15–18 minutes until the fish is cooked through.
Finish and Serve: Spoon pan juices over the fish, garnish with parsley and lemon slices, and serve hot.