Baked Lemon Butter Cod (25-Minutes)
This Baked Lemon Butter Cod is tender, flaky, and infused with bright, buttery citrus flavor. Fresh cod fillets bake in a simple lemon garlic butter sauce that keeps the fish moist and delicate. It’s an easy, elegant dinner that feels light, fresh, and perfect for busy weeknights or special meals alike.
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