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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking dish by lightly coating with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp exterior when baked.
- 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.
- Arrange cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the fish, making sure each fillet is thoroughly coated and seasoned.
- Garnish the dish with lemon slices around the fillets to infuse additional citrus aroma during baking.
- 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.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the fish to absorb the remaining butter sauce.
- Carefully transfer cod to serving plates, drizzling any remaining sauce from the baking dish over the top.
- 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