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Baked Lemon Butter Cod

Yields4 ServingsPrep Time10 minsCook Time15 minsTotal Time25 mins

Baked Lemon Butter Cod is a light, flavorful, and healthy seafood dish featuring tender, flaky cod fillets baked in a rich lemon butter sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal and pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Baked Lemon Butter Cod

For the Cod
 4 cod fillets (6-8 oz each)
 2 tbsp olive oil
 1 tsp salt
 ½ tsp black pepper
 ½ tsp garlic powder
 ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
 Lemon slices (for garnish)
For the Lemon Butter Sauce
 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
 3 cloves garlic (minced)
 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
 1 tsp lemon zest
 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
 ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Preheat the Oven
1

  • Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
  • Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Season the Cod
2

  • Pat Dry the Cod:
    • Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the fillets.
  • Season Both Sides:
    • Drizzle cod with olive oil and rub with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried oregano.
Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
3

  • Melt the Butter:
    • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
  • Add the Flavors:
    • Stir in garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard (if using), and red pepper flakes.
  • Simmer for 1 Minute:
    • Cook until the garlic is fragrant, then remove from heat.
Bake the Cod
4

  • Arrange in Baking Dish:
    • Place the seasoned cod fillets in the prepared baking dish.
  • Pour the Lemon Butter Sauce:
    • Spoon the sauce over the fillets, ensuring even coverage.
  • Bake for 12-15 Minutes:
    • Bake until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
    • (Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C)).
Serve and Garnish
5

  • Remove from the Oven:
    • Let the cod rest for 2 minutes before serving.
  • Garnish:
    • Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon slices.
Serving Suggestions
6

  • Pair with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or garlic mashed potatoes.
  • Serve with a glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Nutrition Facts

4 servings

Serving size