Baked Lemon Butter Cod is the kind of dinner that feels comforting and fresh at the same time. Delicate cod fillets bake until tender and flaky, soaking up a buttery lemon sauce that’s smooth, bright, and gently savory. The flavors are clean and balanced, letting the fish shine while still delivering that satisfying richness everyone craves.
This is an easy, dependable recipe for nights when you want something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen. It comes together quickly, uses simple ingredients, and feels just as right for a relaxed weeknight as it does for a casual dinner with guests. Straightforward and unfussy, it’s proof that a well cooked piece of fish can be both elegant and effortless.
Lemon Butter Baked Cod
What Is Baked Lemon Butter Cod?
Baked Lemon Butter Cod is a simple oven baked fish dish featuring cod fillets gently cooked in a sauce made from butter, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Cod is a mild, white fish known for its delicate texture and clean flavor, making it an ideal base for bright, buttery sauces.
Baking cod allows it to cook evenly and stay moist, especially when paired with fat from butter and acidity from lemon. This method is popular in home kitchens because it’s forgiving, hands off, and consistently produces tender results. Unlike pan frying, baking reduces the risk of over browning or drying out the fish.
What makes this version special is its balance. The lemon butter enhances the fish instead of overpowering it, letting the natural sweetness of the cod shine through while still delivering bold, satisfying flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes
- Light yet satisfying: Rich flavor without feeling heavy
- Beginner friendly: Perfect if you’re new to cooking fish
- Versatile: Pairs well with countless sides
- Family approved: Mild, comforting flavors everyone enjoys
How This Recipe Works
- Gentle baking: Keeps cod tender and flaky
- Butter + lemon balance: Fat and acid enhance natural flavor
- Covered baking option: Helps prevent moisture loss
- Resting time: Allows juices to redistribute before serving
Ingredients
For the Cod
- 1½ pounds cod fillets (fresh or thawed)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Cod can be swapped with haddock or pollock
- Olive oil can replace half the butter for a lighter version
- Add dried thyme or dill for extra flavor
- Use ghee or dairy-free butter if needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the cod in a single layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
Step 3: Arrange the Cod
Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the sauce cling better.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the cod, making sure each fillet is well coated.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Remove from the oven and let the cod rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Tips & Tricks / Flavor Variations
- Extra richness: Add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the sauce
- Herb forward: Finish with fresh dill or basil
- Garlicky: Add an extra clove of garlic
- Mediterranean twist: Sprinkle with capers or olives
- Low fat option: Reduce butter and increase lemon
This dish fits beautifully into lighter meal rotations and pairs well with simple vegetable sides when you’re balancing richer dinners like Easy Lasagna Cups during the week.
Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead
- Mix the lemon butter sauce up to 24 hours ahead
- Store covered in the refrigerator
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezing
- Freeze cooked cod for up to 1 month
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently
Serving Suggestions
Serve Baked Lemon Butter Cod with:
- Steamed asparagus or green beans
- Roasted baby potatoes
- Rice or quinoa
- A crisp green salad
For a balanced weekly menu, this dish pairs well alongside comfort classics like Chicken Noodle Casserole, giving you lighter options without sacrificing flavor.
Nutritional Notes (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 280–330
- Protein: 30–35g
- Fat: 16–20g
- Carbohydrates: 2–4g
Values will vary depending on butter quantity and portion size.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: Cod cooks quickly and dries out fast
- Skipping drying step: Excess moisture dilutes flavor
- Using cold fish: Let cod sit at room temperature briefly
- Too much lemon: Balance is key
FAQs About Baked Lemon Butter Cod
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before baking.
How do I know when cod is done?
It should flake easily and appear opaque.
Can I add vegetables to the same dish?
Yes, but pre roast firmer vegetables first.
Is this recipe kid friendly?
Very. The flavors are mild and comforting.
Can I make this dairy free?
Use olive oil or dairy free butter alternatives.
Conclusion
Baked Lemon Butter Cod is the kind of recipe that proves simple cooking can still feel special. With tender fish, bright citrus, and rich butter coming together in minutes, it’s an easy win for weeknights and relaxed dinners alike.
If you love easy dinners like One Pot Cheesy Sausage Pasta or One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.
Buttery, flaky cod with bright lemon flavor save this Baked Lemon Butter Cod recipe for an easy, elegant dinner you’ll want again and again.
Baked Lemon Butter Cod (25-Minutes)
Ingredients
For the Cod
- 1½ pounds cod fillets fresh or thawed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Lemon slices
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the cod in a single layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
Step 3: Arrange the Cod
- Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the sauce cling better.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
- Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the cod, making sure each fillet is well coated.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
- Remove from the oven and let the cod rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use fresh or fully thawed cod fillets for even baking.
- Pat fish dry before seasoning to help the butter sauce cling.
- Fresh lemon juice gives the brightest flavor; avoid bottled if possible.
- Butter can be swapped with olive oil for a lighter option.
- Bake just until the cod flakes easily to prevent drying out.
- Add garlic or paprika for extra depth without overpowering the fish.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven or enjoy cold over salad.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 320 kcal,Carbohydrates: 3 g,
Fiber: 0 g,
Sugars: 1 g,
Protein: 32 g,
Fat: 20 g,
Saturated Fat: 8 g,
Cholesterol: 90 mg,
Sodium: 480 mg,
Potassium: 520 mg,
Calcium: 30 mg,
Iron: 1 mg
