Zesty Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe That Wows Every Time

Seafood enthusiasts appreciate a delicate lemon butter baked cod recipe that promises simplicity and incredible flavor.

Succulent cod fillets melt with rich, tangy notes of butter and citrus.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to create a restaurant-worthy dish you can prepare at home.

Delicate fish pairs perfectly with zesty lemon accents, creating a light yet satisfying meal.

The buttery sauce enhances each tender bite, bringing maritime elegance to your dinner table.

Quick and easy preparation makes this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Dive into this delectable seafood experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Lemon Butter Baked Cod Shines

• Perfect Lemon Butter Baked Cod Reasons to Love
• No complicated techniques required, even beginner home cooks can nail this recipe with minimal kitchen skills.
• Zesty lemon and rich butter create a mouthwatering combination that transforms simple cod into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Uses common pantry staples and requires just a few steps, making it an effortless weeknight meal solution for busy families.
• Delivers lean protein packed with omega-3s, offering a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on taste or satisfaction.

Lemon Butter Baked Cod Ingredients

• Cod Fillets: Fresh white fish with a mild, delicate flavor that absorbs seasonings beautifully.

• Butter, Softened: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and helps distribute flavors across the fish.
• Garlic, Pressed: Aromatic ingredient that provides a sharp, pungent taste to the dish.
• Paprika: Warm spice that adds a subtle smoky and slightly sweet undertone.
• Dried Basil: Herb that contributes an earthy and slightly peppery flavor profile.
• Salt, Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste.

• Lemon: Bright citrus fruit that adds zesty freshness and helps tenderize the fish.
• Parsley, Finely Chopped: Fresh herb that provides a clean, light garnish with a mild green flavor.

Baking Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 400F (200C).

Grab a baking dish and prepare it with a light coating of butter or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

This ensures easy cleanup and perfect cooking conditions.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Butter Blend

• Softened butter
• Minced garlic
• Paprika
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, aromatic mixture that will infuse incredible flavor into the fish.

Step 3: Dress the Cod Fillets

Carefully place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, giving each piece enough space.

Generously spread the butter mixture over each fillet, ensuring complete coverage.

This step guarantees maximum flavor absorption and a mouthwatering result.

Step 4: Add Citrusy Brightness

Thinly slice a fresh lemon and artfully arrange the rounds on top of the butter-coated cod.

The lemon slices will release their tangy essence during baking, adding a bright, zesty dimension to the fish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, keeping a close watch.

The cod is ready when it easily flakes with a fork and appears opaque throughout.

Timing is crucial to maintain the fish’s moisture and tenderness.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Remove the baked cod from the oven.

Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and additional fresh flavor.

The herbs will provide a vibrant finish to the dish.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the lemon butter cod to serving plates.

Pair with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of buttery, lemony goodness that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Lemon Butter Baked Cod Tips

• Ensure cod fillets are evenly spaced in the baking dish to promote uniform cooking and prevent overcrowding.
• Choose high-quality, fresh cod with firm, translucent flesh and a mild ocean scent for the best flavor and texture.
• Watch cooking time closely, checking cod at 15 minutes – fish should flake easily but remain moist and tender when done.
• Swap dried basil for fresh chopped basil or add extra herbs like dill or thyme to enhance the lemon butter's aromatic profile.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm cod reaches 145°F internal temperature without overcooking, guaranteeing perfect doneness every time.

How to Store Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for best quality and safety.
• Wrap individual cod portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place cod on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture to avoid overcooking. Stop when fish is warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 275F. Place cod in a baking dish, add a splash of water or lemon juice to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated evenly.

What to Serve with Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Seafood Wine Companion: Select a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the lemon butter's bright, delicate flavors and enhance the cod's mild taste.
• Herbal Sidekick Suggestion: Pair with a fresh herb-infused quinoa or couscous salad featuring parsley, dill, and lemon zest to mirror the recipe's citrusy and aromatic profile.
• Acidic Balance Booster: Add a quick pickled cucumber salad with white vinegar, dill, and red onion to cut through the richness of the butter and provide a tangy counterpoint to the baked cod.
• Textural Contrast Partner: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or green beans with a light garlic breadcrumb topping to introduce a crunchy element that complements the fish's soft, flaky texture.

Flavor Variations for Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains rich flavor and moisture. Use plant-based margarine as another alternative that mimics butter's texture.
• Herb-Infused Version: Swap dried basil with fresh rosemary or thyme, adding a fragrant herbal dimension to the cod. Experiment with different herb combinations like dill or oregano for unique taste profiles.
• Spicy Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate red pepper flakes or cayenne into the butter mixture for a zesty kick. Add chopped kalamata olives and sprinkle za'atar seasoning over the fish to create a Mediterranean-inspired experience.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use ghee instead of regular butter to increase healthy fat content. Season with extra garlic powder and replace parsley with chopped chives to enhance nutritional value while keeping the dish keto-friendly.

FAQs

• What type of fish works best for this recipe?

Cod is ideal, but you can also use halibut, haddock, or pollock. These white fish have mild flavors and flaky textures that absorb the lemon butter beautifully.

• Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried basil?

Absolutely! Fresh basil works wonderfully. Just use about three times more fresh herbs compared to dried herbs to maintain the same flavor intensity.

• How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?

The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. When you gently press the fish, it should look moist and separate into clean flakes. Cooking time is typically 15-20 minutes at 400F.

• Is this recipe suitable for people watching their calories?

This dish is relatively healthy. Cod is a lean protein, and while butter adds some calories, you can use less butter or substitute with olive oil for a lighter version.

Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Lemon Butter Baked Cod brings Mediterranean coastal flavors straight to your kitchen. Delicate fish fillets melt with zesty citrus and rich butter, promising a quick, elegant meal you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 (6 ounces / 170 grams) cod fillets
• 1/2 fresh lemon, sliced

Butter and Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C), ensuring a consistent temperature for perfect baking. Select a spacious baking dish and lightly grease with butter or line with parchment paper to prevent fish from adhering.
2. Create a vibrant lemon butter sauce by whisking softened butter with minced garlic, paprika, dried basil, salt, and ground black pepper until smooth and well-combined. The mixture should have a rich, aromatic consistency.
3. Carefully position cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, allowing adequate space between each piece for even cooking. Generously coat each fillet with the prepared lemon butter mixture, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
4. Thinly slice half a lemon and delicately place rounds atop the buttered cod, which will infuse additional citrus essence during baking. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent overcooking.
5. Test fish doneness by gently pressing with a fork – it should flake easily and appear opaque. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant green accent and subtle herbaceous flavor. Plate immediately with complementary side dishes for a complete meal.

Notes

• Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and more even distribution of flavors across the cod fillets.
• While dried basil works great, fresh herbs can elevate the dish with a more vibrant and intense flavor profile.
• Fish is perfectly cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork, typically around 145°F internal temperature.
• For a dairy-free version, replace butter with olive oil or plant-based butter alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 583 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg