Lemon Butter Baked Cod

If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances ease and elegance, look no further than Lemon Butter Baked Cod. This recipe offers a delightful combination of buttery flavors, zesty lemon, and tender cod that will satisfy your taste buds and impress your family or guests. It’s a fantastic option for weeknight meals or cozy family dinners, especially when you want something quick but packed with flavor. With its straightforward preparation and versatile nature, this dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Why Make This Recipe

This Lemon Butter Baked Cod is not just another fish recipe; it’s a fantastic way to showcase how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. The combination of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs elevates the mild cod into a delectable, comforting dish that everyone will love. Its minimal prep time means you can whip it up even on the busiest days, making it an excellent choice for families and gatherings.

A Delectable, Comforting Dish

With each bite of Lemon Butter Baked Cod, you’ll experience a heavenly melt-in-your-mouth texture complemented by the rich and buttery sauce. The tangy freshness of lemon balances the savory flavors of garlic and thyme, making it a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and light. The flaky cod is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

Perfect for Gatherings

This dish is an ideal centerpiece for family dinners or when entertaining friends. It’s easy to prepare enough servings for everyone, and its lovely presentation makes it impressive without requiring you to spend hours in the kitchen. The bright lemon slices and fresh parsley garnish will make your table look inviting and delicious.

Quick and Easy

One of the best parts about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to make. In less than 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal ready to serve. With accessible ingredients, you won’t need to scour specialty stores—most likely, you already have them in your pantry. This recipe is perfect for those who want a healthy and satisfying meal without the fuss.

How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Ingredients

4 (6 oz) cod fillets
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Lemon slices, for serving

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your cod cooks evenly and stays tender and flaky. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to help avoid sticking.
Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. This flavor-packed sauce is the star of the dish, so feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Arrange the Cod Fillets: Lay the cod fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Ensure they have enough space between them so they cook evenly. Spoon the lemon butter sauce generously over each fillet, making sure they are well-coated for maximum flavor.
Bake the Cod: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Cook until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of your fillets, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Serve: Once done, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon slices on the side. Enjoy your Lemon Butter Baked Cod hot, paired with your choice of rice, veggies, or a light salad.

How to Serve Lemon Butter Baked Cod

For a complete meal, consider serving your Lemon Butter Baked Cod with fluffy jasmine rice or a side of roasted vegetables. The buttery sauce pairs beautifully with fresh greens or a light salad tossed in olive oil. For presentation, add a sprig of parsley on top and serve with lemon slices to squeeze over the cod for an added zing.

How to Store Lemon Butter Baked Cod

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, you can either use the microwave for quick convenience or place the cod back into a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the fish from becoming dry.

Tips to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Enhance Flavor: Feel free to add more herbs, like dill or cilantro, for extra flavor.
Avoid Overcooking: Check the cod frequently towards the end of cooking time to ensure it stays moist.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and herbs make a big difference in flavor compared to dried versions.
Try Different Fish: This recipe works well with other white fish like halibut or tilapia if you’re looking to mix things up.
Make it Spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat!

Variations

Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own! For a gluten-free option, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, and you can also use parchment paper to line your baking dish instead of oil. Want to add extra veggies? Slice some zucchini or bell peppers and toss them into the baking dish along with the cod. You can also substitute the cod with salmon for a richer flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish or seafood?
Absolutely! While cod is excellent, this recipe works wonders with halibut, haddock, or even shrimp. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This dish is naturally gluten-free since it contains no flour or gluten-containing ingredients. Enjoy it as is!

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze Lemon Butter Baked Cod for up to two months. Make sure to seal it well in an airtight container or freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a delightful dish that is both simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Its buttery, zesty profile makes it perfect for any occasion, from busy weeknights to special family gatherings. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—your family will be singing its praises! Enjoy every bite, and let’s keep cooking together!