Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a dish that’s both incredibly easy to whip up and bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try my lemon butter baked cod! This recipe is a total lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something healthy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made it for my family; we all gathered around the table, and the aroma of lemon and garlic filled the air—it was simply delightful! Plus, it’s just the right amount of zesty and buttery. Trust me, once you try this lemon butter baked cod, it’ll become a staple in your home, too!

Ingredients List

4 cod fillets (fresh is best for flavor)
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted, to create that rich sauce)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed for the brightest flavor)
1 teaspoon lemon zest (don’t skip this—it adds an amazing zing!)
2 cloves garlic, minced (for that aromatic essence)
Salt and pepper to taste (seasoning is key!)
Fresh parsley for garnish (adds a pop of color and freshness)

How to Prepare Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial because you want that cod to bake perfectly!
While the oven is heating up, grab a small saucepan and melt the butter over low heat. Keep an eye on it—nobody wants burnt butter, right?
Once the butter’s melted, stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Oh, just wait until you smell that—it’s heavenly!
Now, take your cod fillets and lay them in a baking dish. Don’t forget to season them generously with salt and pepper. This is where the flavor starts to build!
Pour that luscious lemon butter mixture over the cod fillets, making sure they’re well coated. This is where the magic happens!
Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know the cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque. It’s like watching a beautiful transformation!
Once done, take it out and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, and there you have it—your lemon butter baked cod is ready to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just about 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of zesty lemon, buttery richness, and fragrant garlic creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this lemon butter baked cod is a nutritious choice for anyone looking to eat well.
Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with a side of roasted veggies, a light salad, or some fluffy rice for a complete meal that fits any occasion!
Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters in your family will love this dish, thanks to its mild flavor and satisfying texture.
Impressive Presentation: With its vibrant colors and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a showstopper that’ll wow your guests!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your lemon butter baked cod turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips that I swear by:

Choosing the Right Cod: Always go for fresh cod if you can—it makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. If fresh isn’t available, frozen works too, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
Adjusting Lemon Flavor: If you love that zesty kick, feel free to add a little more lemon juice or zest to the butter mixture. Just remember, balance is key; too much can overpower the delicate cod!
Perfecting the Bake: Keep an eye on the cod as it bakes. Every oven is different, so start checking at the 12-minute mark. The fish should be opaque and flake easily when done.
Presents Like a Pro: For an extra touch, arrange your cod fillets on a beautiful platter with some lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’ll make your dish look like it’s from a fancy restaurant!
Pairing Suggestions: Consider serving it with a light side, like a crisp cucumber salad or roasted asparagus, to complement the flavors and make it a complete meal.

With these tips, your lemon butter baked cod will not only taste amazing but look fabulous too! Enjoy the cooking adventure!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this lemon butter baked cod! Here are some of my favorite variations to keep things exciting:

Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or tarragon to the lemon butter mixture. Each herb brings its own unique flavor that complements the cod beautifully!
Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the lemon butter sauce. It’s a simple way to elevate the dish with a subtle spice.
Citrus Twist: Mix things up by adding a splash of orange or lime juice along with the lemon juice. It gives a delightful citrus medley that brightens up the dish!
Nutty Crunch: Before baking, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or slivered almonds over the cod. This adds a wonderful crunch and takes the texture to another level!
Side Suggestions: Pair the cod with a zesty quinoa salad or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up that delicious lemon butter sauce. Or, serve it alongside sautéed spinach and garlic for a healthy dose of greens!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to find your perfect combination. Cooking is all about creativity, so have fun with it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about how to keep that delicious lemon butter baked cod fresh for later! If you happen to have any leftovers (which I doubt because it’s that good), here’s what you need to do:

Storing Leftovers: Allow the cod to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure to store it with any remaining lemon butter sauce—it helps keep the fish moist!
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod in a baking dish, cover it with foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll want to check that it’s warmed through but not overcooked. Nobody likes dry fish!
Quick Microwaving: If you’re in a rush, you can also reheat in the microwave. Just place a fillet on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (to keep it from drying out), and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed through.

With these tips, you can extend the joy of your lemon butter baked cod and enjoy it even after the initial feast. Happy cooking and even happier eating!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness packed into each serving of this lemon butter baked cod! These values are estimates based on the ingredients I use, so keep that in mind as you whip up this delicious dish:

Serving Size: 1 fillet
Calories: 250
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 300mg
Total Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 28g

This lemon butter baked cod is not just a flavor bomb but also a healthy choice that’s rich in protein and good fats. It’s the perfect guilt-free meal for any night of the week! Enjoy every bite knowing you’re treating yourself well.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cod works well, just make sure to fully thaw it beforehand. You want to ensure it cooks evenly, so give it some time in the fridge to defrost!

What can I serve with lemon butter baked cod?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! I love serving it with roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You could even try quinoa for a nutty twist!

How do I know when the cod is cooked perfectly?
Great question! Your cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque all the way through. If it’s still a bit translucent in the center, give it a couple more minutes in the oven!

Can I add more garlic to the lemon butter sauce?
Definitely! If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add more minced garlic to the mixture. It’ll enhance the flavor even further—just be careful not to overpower the delicate cod!

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this lemon butter baked cod is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure any sides or additional ingredients you use are also gluten-free if that’s a concern for you.

Lemon butter baked cod: 7 flavors that will delight you

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Lemon butter baked cod is a simple and delicious dish. The cod fillets are baked with a zesty lemon butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cod fillets
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic to the butter. Stir well.
Place cod fillets in a baking dish. Season with salt and pepper.
Pour the lemon butter mixture over the cod fillets.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cod flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Use fresh cod for the best flavor.
Adjust the lemon juice to your taste.
Serve with vegetables or rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet
Calories: 250
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: lemon butter baked cod

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