Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe for Zesty Dinners

Tender cod fillets dance with zesty lemon garlic butter in this mouthwatering seafood sensation.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients combine with expert technique.

Fresh fish transforms into a delectable main course that requires minimal effort.

Bright citrus notes blend seamlessly with rich, melted butter and aromatic garlic.

Each bite promises a symphony of flavors that will delight your palate.

Delicate cod emerges from the oven flaky and succulent, ready to impress even discerning seafood enthusiasts.

Dive into this restaurant-quality dish that brings gourmet taste straight to your dinner table.

Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod Light Dinner

• Quickly Customize: Adapt the recipe by swapping cod with other white fish like halibut or tilapia for endless flavor variations.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Requires just a few simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, making it perfect for weeknight cooking or last-minute meals.
• Health-Packed Delight: Delivers a protein-rich dish packed with omega-3s, lean protein, and bright citrus flavors that appeal to health-conscious food lovers.
• Beginner-Friendly Technique: Super simple baking method ensures even novice cooks can create a restaurant-quality seafood dish without complicated cooking skills.

Cod Ingredient List For Garlic Butter Style

• Cod Fillets: Fresh white fish that serves as the protein base for this simple, elegant seafood dish.
• Butter: Creates a rich, flavorful sauce and helps keep the fish moist during baking.
• Lemon: Provides bright, citrusy flavor and helps tenderize the fish.

• Garlic, Fresh Parsley: Adds depth of flavor and freshness to the cod.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the fish.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent the fish from sticking and adds a subtle richness.
• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Intensifies the citrus flavor and adds brightness to the dish.

How To Bake Lemon Garlic Butter Cod

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F (200C).

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prep The Fish

Lay out the cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet.

Drizzle with a kiss of olive oil, then shower the fish with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Step 3: Craft Zesty Butter Sauce

Grab a small saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat.

Toss in the minced garlic and let it dance around for 1-2 minutes until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

• Bright lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice

Step 4: Dress The Cod

Lavish each cod fillet with the golden garlic butter mixture.

Scatter chopped fresh parsley across the top for a pop of color and flavor.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish becomes flaky and turns completely opaque when tested with a fork.

Step 6: Plate And Enjoy

Bring the beautifully cooked cod straight to the table.

Spoon any remaining buttery goodness from the pan over the fillets.

Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds sing.

Cod Tips For Flaky Perfection

• Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure crisp edges and prevent steaming.
• Check fish at 12 minutes, as cod cooks quickly and can become dry if baked too long.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for subtle heat and complexity.
• Choose firm, white cod fillets with minimal odor for the best taste and texture.
• Replace parsley with dill or chives to introduce different fresh herb notes to the dish.

Lemon Butter Cod Fresh Flavors To Try

• Mediterranean Herb Cod: Replace parsley with a mix of fresh oregano, thyme, and basil for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Cod: Swap salt and pepper with Cajun seasoning and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a zesty kick.
• Gluten-Free Herb Cod: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use ghee instead of butter for those with dairy sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Almond Crusted Cod: Coat fillets with crushed almonds before baking for added texture and reduced carbohydrate content.

Serve Garlic Butter Cod For Dinner

• Bright Citrus Companion: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with orange segments and light vinaigrette for refreshing balance.
• Hearty Side Kick: Pair with roasted asparagus or garlic-herb quinoa to complement the delicate fish's rich butter sauce.
• Mediterranean Plate: Create a complete meal by adding warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and quick cucumber salad for a Greek-inspired dining experience.
• Wine Harmony: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay to enhance the lemon's zesty notes and butter's creamy texture.

Cod Storage For Next Day Meals

• Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover the fish completely to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap cooled cod tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Properly stored, the fish will maintain good quality for 1-2 months in the freezer.
• Gently warm the cod in the oven at 275F (135C) for 10-15 minutes to prevent overcooking. Avoid using the microwave, which can make the fish tough and rubbery.
• Enjoy the cod fresh and hot for the most delicious flavor and optimal texture. Seafood is always best when served immediately after cooking.

FAQs

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

The cod is ready when it easily flakes with a fork and turns opaque white throughout. The internal temperature should reach 145°F, and the fish should look moist and tender.

• Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen cod completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat the fish dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for the best texture and even cooking.

• What type of cod works best for this recipe?

Fresh or frozen wild-caught cod fillets work perfectly. Look for firm, white fillets without any strong fishy smell. Thick, center-cut fillets are ideal for even baking.

Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon garlic butter baked cod delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors with elegant simplicity. Home cooks will savor this quick, healthy seafood dinner that brings restaurant-quality taste directly to kitchen tables.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets, about 6 ounces (170 grams) each
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing the surface to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping. Gently drizzle olive oil over the fish and season thoroughly with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
3. Create the lemon garlic butter by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until aromatic, being careful not to brown the garlic.
4. Remove the butter mixture from heat and incorporate fresh lemon zest and juice, stirring to combine the vibrant citrus notes with the rich butter.
5. Evenly distribute the fragrant garlic butter mixture over each cod fillet, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor absorption.
6. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley across the fillets to add a bright, herbaceous element to the dish.
7. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The cod is perfectly cooked when it easily flakes with a fork and appears opaque throughout.
8. Carefully remove from the oven and serve immediately, spooning any remaining buttery pan sauce over the fillets for extra moisture and flavor. Complement the dish with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.

Notes

• Swap cod for other mild white fish like halibut or tilapia if unavailable, maintaining similar cooking times and techniques.
• Reduce butter content by using olive oil or opt for light butter to create a healthier version without compromising flavor intensity.
• Gluten-free diners can enjoy this recipe as all ingredients are naturally gluten-free; ensure no cross-contamination during preparation.
• Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick, transforming the mild dish into a zesty seafood experience with minimal effort.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg