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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove the butter mixture from heat and incorporate fresh lemon zest and juice, stirring to combine the vibrant citrus notes with the rich butter.
- Evenly distribute the fragrant garlic butter mixture over each cod fillet, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor absorption.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley across the fillets to add a bright, herbaceous element to the dish.
- 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.
- 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