Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe features tender, flaky cod fillets baked with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal, offering a healthy and delicious way to enjoy seafood with fresh herbs and a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Marinade
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the cod fillets evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
- Prepare the Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture; then arrange them in a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Apply the Sauce: Pour the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over each cod fillet, coating them thoroughly with the flavorful sauce.
- Bake the Cod: Bake the fillets in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork. For thicker fillets, extend baking time by 2 to 3 minutes for proper doneness.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the cod with chopped fresh parsley and garnish each serving with lemon slices. Serve immediately to enjoy the fish at its best.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the cod as it can become dry; it should flake easily when done.
- Crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted or adjusted based on spice preference.
- You can substitute cod with other white fish like haddock or tilapia if desired.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter with extra olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
