Easy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

The warm aroma of freshly baked fish wafts through the kitchen, inviting you into a world of culinary delight. Imagine tender cod fillets basking in a luscious lemon butter sauce, glistening like golden treasures waiting to be devoured.

Picture this: it’s a cozy Friday night, and you’re flipping through your recipe book when you stumble upon the ultimate crowd-pleaser—Lemon Butter Baked Cod. Instantly, you’re transported back to family gatherings where laughter echoed around the table and everyone fought for that last flaky bite.

My friends couldn’t stop raving about this dish during our last dinner party; I may have forgotten to share the recipe until they begged for it!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Cod Fillets: Fresh or frozen works well; just ensure they’re thawed before cooking for even seasoning.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed offers the best flavor; bottled juice can’t compete with that zesty punch.
• Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for richness; it’s the star of our sauce and makes everything better.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth; chop them finely to release their incredible aroma while cooking.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley gives color and freshness; it brightens up the dish beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance flavors; adjust according to your taste preference.
• Lemon Zest: Grated zest elevates the citrusy notes; don’t skip this step for added brightness!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare your ingredients. This ensures even cooking from the get-go.

Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier later on.

Season Cod Fillets: Place the cod fillets in the baking dish and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. These seasonings are essential for enhancing the fish’s natural flavors.

Make Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until foamy. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about one minute—then stir in lemon juice and zest.

Pour Sauce Over Fish: Drizzle that heavenly lemon butter sauce over the seasoned cod fillets evenly. Make sure every inch gets coated in buttery goodness for maximum flavor.

Bake Until Flaky: Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. The edges should be slightly golden, giving away its mouthwatering flavor.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven carefully (you don’t want a fish explosion!). Sprinkle fresh parsley over top before serving; it adds a pop of color that’s just irresistible.

And voilà! You’ve created an unforgettable Lemon Butter Baked Cod that’s bound to impress anyone lucky enough to join your table. Enjoy every buttery bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, prepare the cod fillets by patting them dry and seasoning with salt and pepper. Melt the butter with lemon juice on low heat; this ensures even flavor distribution before coating the fish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the cod for other fish like halibut or salmon. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as dill or parsley, to personalize the dish further. A sprinkle of paprika adds a lovely color and smoky flavor too!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain its flaky texture.

I remember serving this lemon butter baked cod during a family gathering last summer. Everyone raved about how tender and flavorful it was; my cousin even asked for the recipe right there while munching away!

FAQ

What type of fish works best for lemon butter baked cod?

Cod is ideal, but halibut and tilapia are great alternatives too.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prep everything in advance and bake just before serving.

How do I know when the fish is done baking?

The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when fully cooked.

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Lemon Butter Baked Cod

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender fish infused with zesty lemon and rich butter, perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
3. Season cod fillets with salt and pepper, placing them in the prepared baking dish.
4. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
5. Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the cod fillets.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: - Substitute cod with halibut or salmon for variation. - Experiment with herbs like dill or add a sprinkle of paprika for extra flavor.