Description
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe is a quick and comforting dish perfect for a wholesome dinner. Tender cod fillets are baked in a flavorful lemon butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh lemon zest, delivering a bright and buttery finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an effortless way to enjoy a light, delicious seafood meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 cod fillets
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings & Garnish
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the cod.
- Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, gently melt the unsalted butter over low heat to avoid browning.
- Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce: Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic into the melted butter, stirring to combine all the flavors.
- Season Cod: Arrange the cod fillets in a baking dish and season each fillet evenly with salt and pepper for balanced seasoning.
- Add Lemon Butter: Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Bake the Cod: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish the baked cod with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cod for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- For extra zest, add a little lemon zest on top before serving.
- If cod fillets are thick, baking time might increase by a few minutes.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a side of rice for a complete meal.
