Lemon Butter Baked Cod
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s light, healthy, and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor, this Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe is exactly what you need. As a professional chef who’s spent years perfecting the art of seafood, I can confidently say this dish is a must-try for both home cooks and seasoned kitchen pros.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner for guests, this baked cod recipe delivers flaky, tender fish infused with rich butter, bright lemon, and aromatic garlic. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal prep—perfect for busy schedules and clean eating.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
- Fast and Easy: From prep to plate in 25 minutes.
- Healthy and Light: Cod is lean, high in protein, and low in fat.
- Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy—just fresh, whole ingredients.
- Elegant Enough for Guests: Delivers restaurant-quality flavor.
- Versatile Pairings: Pairs beautifully with vegetables, grains, or salads.
This recipe proves that you don’t need heavy sauces or deep frying to make seafood shine.
Ingredients for Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Let’s break down the essentials. For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Main Ingredients:
- Cod Fillets – 4 fillets (6 oz each), preferably fresh or thawed from frozen
- Salted Butter – 6 tablespoons, melted
- Fresh Garlic – 3 cloves, finely minced
- Lemon Juice – 3 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
- Lemon Zest – From 1 lemon
- Paprika – ½ teaspoon (for color and subtle spice)
- Salt – To taste
- Black Pepper – Freshly ground, to taste
- Fresh Parsley – Chopped, for garnish
- Lemon Slices – For garnish and additional zing
Optional Add-Ins:
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – For heat
- Dijon Mustard – A teaspoon added to the butter sauce for depth
- Capers – A spoonful adds a briny contrast
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl), melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, zest, salt, pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning.
💡 Chef’s Tip: Don’t skip the zest—it carries the fragrant oils that bring the dish to life.
Step 3: Season the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove moisture (this helps them bake evenly and prevents steaming). Place them in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the lemon butter mixture evenly over each fillet.
If desired, tuck a lemon slice on top of each piece for added aroma and presentation.
Step 4: Bake the Cod
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness. Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through.
⏱ Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) per FDA seafood guidelines.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving. Spoon some of the extra lemon butter sauce from the pan over the fish for maximum flavor.
Pro Chef Tips for Perfect Baked Cod
- Choose Thick Fillets: Thicker cuts of cod retain moisture better and cook more evenly.
- Don’t Overbake: Cod becomes dry if overcooked. Use a thermometer or visual cues (flake test).
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice is dull—fresh citrus makes all the difference.
- Let It Rest: Give the cod 2 minutes after baking to allow the juices to settle.
Serving Suggestions for Lemon Butter Baked Cod
This dish is incredibly flexible and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some top pairings:
Vegetables:
- Steamed asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli
- Garlic sautéed spinach
Grains & Starches:
- Lemon herb rice pilaf
- Quinoa with pine nuts
- Creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
Salads:
- Classic Caesar salad
- Cucumber, tomato & dill salad
- Arugula with shaved parmesan and balsamic
Variations and Customizations
While this Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe is stunning as-is, it’s also a great canvas for tweaks and twists.
Garlic Herb Version
Add chopped fresh thyme, basil, or dill into the butter sauce.
Spicy Mediterranean Style
Add red pepper flakes, olives, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flare.
Parmesan Crusted Cod
Top with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and butter before baking for a golden crust.
White Wine Sauce Option
Replace 1 tablespoon of lemon juice with dry white wine in the butter mixture for a more complex flavor.
Can You Use Frozen Cod?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before baking. Frozen cod is often flash-frozen at sea, so it retains great quality—just watch the moisture content during cooking.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for up to 2 months (though texture may slightly change).
Reheating:
- Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through.
- Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.
Wine Pairing Ideas
Cod’s delicate flavor pairs well with crisp white wines. Here are a few suggestions:
- Sauvignon Blanc – Fresh, grassy notes complement the lemon butter.
- Chardonnay (Unoaked) – Smooth and mellow without overpowering.
- Pinot Grigio – Light and citrusy for a perfect match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of fish?
Yes! Halibut, haddock, or tilapia work well. Just adjust cooking time based on thickness.
Is this Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and fits well in keto or low-carb meal plans.
How do I prevent the fish from sticking to the baking dish?
Use parchment paper or lightly oil the pan beforehand.
Final Thoughts:
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe embodies the best of what seafood can offer—simple preparation, clean ingredients, and bold flavor. It’s the kind of dish you’ll make once and keep coming back to, whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests.
From the flaky cod to the vibrant lemon garlic butter sauce, this recipe proves that healthy meals don’t have to be bland or boring. Give it a try, and discover just how satisfying a clean, oven-baked seafood dinner can be.
Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets approx. 6 oz / 170 g each
- 6 tbsp salted butter melted
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest from one lemon
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
- Lemon slices optional, for garnish
- Optional Variations:
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 –2 tbsp capers
- ¼ cup panko + 2 tbsp grated Parmesan for a crispy topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Grease or line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Prepare lemon butter sauce: In a small bowl or microwave-safe container, combine melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to integrate.
- Prep cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Place them evenly spaced in the baking dish.
- Coat fillets: Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over fillets. Optionally, tuck a lemon slice on each fillet.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on fillet thickness. The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through (~145 °F / 63 °C internally).
- Garnish & serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and spoon any sauce from the dish over the fish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a 300 °F (150 °C) oven to maintain texture.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked fish in sealed containers for up to 2 months (texture may vary).
- Variations:
- Garlic Herb: Add fresh thyme, basil, or dill to the sauce.
- Spicy Mediterranean: Include red pepper flakes, olives, and chopped sun‑dried tomatoes.
- Parmesan-Crusted: Combine panko and Parmesan, sprinkle on fish before baking for crunch.
- Wine Twist: Replace 1 tbsp lemon juice with a splash of dry white wine for a deeper flavor.