Coated in a super garlicky lemon butter sauce with just a bit of spice, this 20-minute Baked Lemon Butter Cod is the quick and easy weeknight recipe you’ve been waiting for! With literally almost no prep involved, this fish dish is light, healthy, and absolutely delicious!
Want to know how to make tasty fish!?! Coat it in lemon butter sauce! It works every time and is one of the easiest ways to add loads of flavor to an ingredient that can sometimes be bland if not seasoned properly. Much like my Garlic Butter Baked Salmon, this recipe follows a similar flavor profile and cooking method. Yet, instead it’s made with white fish. So if you’re not a big fan of salmon, but like fish and lemon butter then this easy baked cod recipe is for you!
Another great thing about this baked lemon butter cod recipe is that you can use any type of white fish you like. So if you don’t have any cod on hand, no problem! Haddock works well as does even more affordable tilapia. You can also easily add other spices or herbs to the butter sauce. The recipe is really flexible.
Not to mention, it’s pretty healthy! Fish is a lean protein that is good for you and this dish can easily be paired with a side of Instant Pot Rice and Steamed Broccoli to keep things light. Or, you can go all out and pair it with some Potatoes Au Gratin, and a glass of white wine. It’s a lovely fish recipe that your whole family will enjoy!
What Temp Should Cod Be Cooked To?
Fish is considered cooked once it reaches 145°F (63°C) when checked with a digital cooking thermometer. White fish will also no longer look translucent and it will flake easily with a fork when it’s done.
Can I Use Frozen Fish?
Yes! But you should defrost the fish before starting this recipe. The butter sauce will not adhere to frozen fish filets and properly cook.
Ingredients
4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Salt and pepper to taste
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper, and place them in the prepared baking dish.
Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Mix well.
Top the Cod with Lemon Butter: Pour the lemon butter sauce over the cod fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated. Arrange the lemon slices on top of and around the fillets.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the cod from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve the lemon butter baked cod with lemon wedges on the side.
Delicious and healthful, Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a great recipe for any occasion. Tender cod, creamy butter, and zesty lemon flavors come together to create a really filling dinner. For a full and well-balanced supper, serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. Savor this easy yet tasty dish! 🍋🐼
