Lemon Butter Baked Cod

This simple, elegant baked cod recipe results in flaky, tender fish with a bright lemon butter sauce. It’s healthy, quick to prepare, and perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.

Ingredients

• 4 (6 oz) cod fillets, about 1-inch thick

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Lemon slices for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Fish:

   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)

   • Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels

   • Place in a baking dish lightly greased or lined with parchment paper

   • Season both sides generously with salt and pepper

2. Make Lemon Butter Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, parsley, and paprika

3. Bake:

   • Pour lemon butter sauce over cod fillets

   • Arrange lemon slices around the fish (optional)

   • Bake for 12-15 minutes, until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork

   • For a golden top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes (watch carefully)

4. Serve:

   • Spoon pan sauce over fillets

   • Garnish with fresh parsley and additional lemon slices

   • Serve immediately

Serving Suggestions

• Over rice or quinoa to absorb the delicious sauce

• With roasted asparagus or broccoli

• With a simple green salad

• With crusty bread to soak up the lemon butter sauce

Tips for Perfect Baked Cod

• Don’t overcook – check at 12 minutes; fish continues cooking after removal from oven

• Pat fish dry for better browning and sauce adherence

• Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor

• Add capers to the sauce for a briny twist

• Substitute other white fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia

Flavor Variations

• Creamy Version: Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to the sauce

• Herb Butter: Use dill or thyme instead of parsley

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the butter sauce

• Mediterranean: Add chopped Kalamata olives and cherry tomatoes to the baking dish

Enjoy this light, healthy, and delicious fish dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes!