Zesty Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Cod takes center stage in this mouthwatering lemon butter baked dish that promises pure coastal comfort.

Fragrant herbs and zesty citrus mingle beautifully with delicate fish fillets.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum flavor in every single bite.

Crisp edges and tender flakes await your fork’s gentle touch.

Mediterranean techniques shine through this simple yet elegant preparation.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference when crafting seafood magic.

You’ll want to savor each perfectly seasoned morsel that emerges golden and succulent from the oven.

Why Lemon Butter Baked Cod Is A Seafood Star

• Savor Simple Seafood Delight: This cod recipe transforms ordinary fish into an extraordinary meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Master Quick Cooking: Prep and bake in just a few steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner plans.
• Burst with Bright Flavors: Lemon butter sauce elevates the mild cod, creating a zesty, rich taste that appeals to both seafood lovers and cautious eaters.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions to match personal preferences or pantry availability.

What You’ll Need For Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Cod Fillets: Fresh white fish with a mild, delicate flavor that absorbs the lemon butter sauce beautifully.

• Butter, Melted: Creates a rich, smooth base that helps baste and flavor the cod during baking.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Provides bright, tangy citrus notes that enhance the fish’s natural taste.

• Garlic, Minced: Adds a pungent, aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Parsley, Chopped: Offers a fresh, herbaceous touch to the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Essential spices that build layers of flavor and complexity.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent fish from sticking to the baking dish.
• Lemon Slices: Provides extra citrus aroma and decorative garnish during baking.

How To Bake Lemon Butter Cod With Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F and grab a baking dish. Give the dish a light olive oil massage to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Dry the Fish

Take your cod fillets and gently pat them down with paper towels. We want these beauties dry and ready to crisp up beautifully.

Step 3: Whip Up the Magical Sauce

• Melted butter
• Minced garlic
• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Chopped parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Arrange the Fish

Place your cod fillets in the baking dish, giving each piece some breathing room for even cooking.

Step 5: Sauce Bath

Pour the luscious lemon butter mixture over the fish, ensuring every inch gets a delicious coating.

Step 6: Add Citrus Flair

Scatter fresh lemon slices around the fillets to boost that zesty aroma.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the fish flakes easily and hits 145°F internally.

Step 8: Rest and Settle

Let the fish rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to soak up all those incredible butter sauce flavors.

Step 9: Plate with Passion

Transfer the cod to serving plates, drizzling any remaining sauce for extra deliciousness.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up with roasted vegetables or herbed rice, and dive right in while it’s hot!

Helpful Tips For Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Maximize Moisture: Pat cod fillets completely dry to achieve a perfectly crisp exterior without excess water interfering with the cooking process.
• Sauce Secrets: Whisk butter mixture thoroughly to distribute garlic, lemon zest, and herbs evenly, ensuring each bite bursts with vibrant flavor.
• Baking Brilliance: Maintain spacing between fillets in the baking dish to guarantee consistent heat circulation and uniform cooking.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm cod reaches 145°F, preventing overcooking and preserving delicate fish texture.
• Resting Ritual: Allow fish to rest briefly after baking, letting it absorb the rich lemon butter sauce and enhance overall taste and tenderness.

Flavor Variations For Lemon Butter Cod Recipe

• Mediterranean Herb-Crusted Cod: Replace paprika with dried oregano, thyme, and basil, then sprinkle breadcrumbs over the fish before baking for a crispy herbal crust.
• Spicy Cajun Cod: Swap paprika for Cajun seasoning, add cayenne pepper, and include diced bell peppers in the baking dish for a zesty, bold flavor profile.
• Asian-Inspired Ginger Soy Cod: Substitute lemon juice with soy sauce, add minced ginger, and sprinkle green onions on top for an umami-rich seafood experience.
• Coconut Curry Cod: Mix coconut milk with curry powder instead of lemon butter, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with steamed jasmine rice for a tropical transformation.

Tasty Pairings With Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the lemon butter’s bright, tangy profile and enhance the delicate cod flavor.
• Create Herbed Roasted Potatoes: Prepare golden, crispy potatoes seasoned with rosemary and thyme to provide a hearty, textural contrast to the tender, flaky fish.
• Match Fresh Citrus Salad: Craft a light salad featuring mixed greens, segments of orange, grapefruit, and a light vinaigrette to mirror the recipe’s citrusy undertones and cleanse the palate.
• Serve Crusty Artisan Bread: Offer warm, rustic bread to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce, adding a delightful textural element and ensuring no flavor goes to waste.

Store Lemon Butter Baked Cod The Smart Way

• Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual cod portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags, preserving quality for up to 3 months.
• Warm gently in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Pour remaining lemon butter sauce into a separate container, using it as a flavor enhancer for other seafood dishes within 3-4 days.

FAQs On Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

• Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen cod completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat dry thoroughly before baking to ensure proper cooking and prevent excess moisture.

• How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?

The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. The flesh should look opaque and separate into clean, white flakes when tested.

• What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

Fresh parsley adds brightness, but you can substitute with dried parsley or other fresh herbs like dill or chives to maintain a similar fresh flavor profile.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with lactose intolerance?

Use dairy-free butter alternatives like plant-based margarine or olive oil to make this recipe lactose-free while maintaining the same delicious flavor.

Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon butter baked cod delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors with elegant simplicity. Crisp herbal notes and silky butter sauce elevate this quick seafood dinner perfect for weeknight elegance.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 4 (6 oz) cod fillets
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Dairy:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking dish by lightly coating with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp exterior when baked.
3. Create a flavorful butter sauce by whisking together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika in a mixing bowl.
4. Arrange cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the fish, making sure each fillet is thoroughly coated and seasoned.
6. Garnish the dish with lemon slices around the fillets to infuse additional citrus aroma during baking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the fish to absorb the remaining butter sauce.
9. Carefully transfer cod to serving plates, drizzling any remaining sauce from the baking dish over the top.
10. Serve immediately, accompanied by your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or herbed rice.

Notes

• Pat fish completely dry to achieve a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and prevents sogginess.
• Avoid overcrowding the baking dish, which can lead to uneven cooking and steaming instead of baking the delicate cod.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for a brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor that enhances the fish’s natural taste.
• Adapt the recipe for gluten-free diets by ensuring all ingredients like butter and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg