Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Lemon Butter Cod is a quick, light, and flavorful seafood dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With a tender, flaky texture and a zesty lemon-butter sauce, this dish brings a fresh and vibrant taste to the table in just 25 minutes. It pairs beautifully with rice, veggies, or a simple salad for a balanced meal.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cod fillets (fresh or thawed)unsalted buttergarlic (minced)lemon juicelemon zestfresh parsley (chopped)paprikasaltblack pepperolive oil

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.

Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them in the baking dish.

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets.

Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 15-18 minutesTotal time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

Add thinly sliced lemons on top of the fillets before baking for extra lemon flavor.

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.

Include a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.

Serve with a white wine reduction for a more elegant presentation.

storage/reheating

Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.To reheat, warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.Freeze for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod?

Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before baking.

What sides go well with lemon butter cod?

Rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or steamed greens complement it nicely.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use another type of fish?

Absolutely, haddock, tilapia, or halibut work well with this recipe.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Substitute butter with dairy-free butter or olive oil for a dairy-free version.

How do I know when cod is cooked?

The fish will be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the lemon butter sauce and marinate the cod for up to 4 hours before baking.

Can I cook it in foil?

Yes, wrapping the cod in foil locks in moisture and enhances flavor.

How do I avoid overcooking the cod?

Check for doneness at the 15-minute mark; overcooked cod becomes dry and rubbery.

What herbs can I use instead of parsley?

Fresh dill, thyme, or chives are great alternatives.

Conclusion

Baked Lemon Butter Cod is a fast, flavorful seafood option that’s perfect for busy nights or casual entertaining. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, it delivers bright citrus notes and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will make it a go-to recipe in your weekly rotation.