The aroma of fresh lemon zest combined with melted butter wafts through the air as you prepare to bake this dish. The thought of flaky cod fillets bathing in a bright, zesty sauce makes my taste buds do a little happy dance.
Jump to:
Picture yourself hosting friends for dinner or treating your family to a delightful meal. This Lemon Butter Baked Cod is not just a recipe; it’s an experience filled with flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish requires minimal ingredients and preparation time, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The bright lemon flavor paired with buttery goodness creates a taste sensation
- Visually stunning, the golden-brown cod looks impressive on any plate
- It’s versatile enough to serve alongside rice, vegetables, or even a fresh salad!
I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; their delighted reactions were priceless as they savored every bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cod Fillets: Choose firm and bright fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control the saltiness of your dish.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for vibrant flavor; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it.
- Garlic Cloves: Mince fresh garlic cloves to infuse rich aroma and depth into the recipe.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds color and a fresh finish; don’t skip this touch!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in your dish.
- Lemon Zest: Grated lemon zest brings a zingy brightness that elevates the entire dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfect flaky texture in your fish.
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. This will prevent sticking and keep our cod nice and juicy.
Create The Flavor Mixture: In a small bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined. The aroma will be heavenly!
Add The Cod Fillets: Place the cod fillets in your prepared baking dish. Pour the buttery mixture over the top so that each piece gets its fair share of flavor.
Bake To Perfection: Bake in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until the cod flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye out for that golden-brown crust!
Add Finishing Touches: Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
And voilà! You have created an exquisite Lemon Butter Baked Cod that not only looks fantastic but tastes even better. Enjoy this easy yet elegant dish at home tonight!
You Must Know
- This lemon butter baked cod is not just delicious; it’s incredibly easy to prepare
- The tender, flaky fish paired with zesty lemon and rich butter creates an irresistible dish
- Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without breaking a sweat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F while you prepare the cod. Coat the fish in lemon butter, then bake for about 15-20 minutes until flaky. This sequence ensures everything cooks evenly and efficiently.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cod for another firm white fish like haddock or tilapia. Adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the dish’s flavor profile beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover lemon butter baked cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, keeping it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect lemon butter baked cod, use fresh lemons for zestiness and flavor
- Ensure the fish is completely thawed before cooking for even results
- A sprinkle of paprika adds a delightful color and extra flavor without overpowering the dish
Sometimes I still chuckle when I think about that time I served this dish at a family gathering. Everyone raved about it, and my cousin even asked if I had secretly taken cooking classes!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, just ensure it’s completely thawed before cooking for best results.
What side dishes pair well with lemon butter baked cod?
Consider serving it with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The fish should be opaque and easily flake apart with a fork when done.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Lemon Butter Baked Cod
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Lemon Butter Baked Cod is an easy and flavorful dish featuring flaky cod fillets drenched in a zesty lemon butter sauce—perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- Fresh cod fillets
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh lemon juice
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter with minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Place the cod fillets in the prepared dish and pour the buttery mixture over them.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cod flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
