The Tastiest Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe For Fish Lovers

Succulent lemon butter baked cod combines classic coastal flavors with effortless kitchen magic.

Bright citrus notes dance across tender fish fillets, promising a meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Delicate white fish transforms under a blanket of rich, golden butter.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings add depth and complexity to this simple seafood classic.

Fresh ingredients elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Quick preparation means you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in less than thirty minutes.

Trust you’ll fall in love with this foolproof recipe that celebrates ocean-fresh goodness.

How To Store Lemon Butter Baked Cod Safely

• Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Carefully wrap individual cod fillets in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cod maintains quality for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Place cod in a baking dish, add a splash of water or lemon juice to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Check internal temperature reaches 145°F for food safety.

FAQs About Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cod. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat dry thoroughly before seasoning to ensure proper cooking and browning.

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

The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque white throughout. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption.

• What if I don't have dried parsley?

Fresh parsley works perfectly as a substitute. You can also use dried herbs like thyme or oregano for a similar flavor profile if parsley is unavailable.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with dairy allergies?

This specific recipe contains butter, so it’s not dairy-free. You can replace butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Why Lemon Butter Baked Cod Is Light And Flavorful

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Restaurant-Quality Flavor Boost: The homemade lemon-butter sauce and perfectly seasoned cod create a gourmet-tasting dish that rivals professional restaurant offerings.
• Healthy Protein Powerhouse: Cod delivers lean protein and essential nutrients, making this recipe an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals looking for nutritious meal options.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences, this recipe works wonderfully as a main course for family dinners, romantic meals, or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients For Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Cod Fillets: A delicate white fish that provides a mild, clean seafood flavor and tender texture for this simple recipe.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Parsley, Garlic Powder: A classic blend of spices that enhances the natural taste of the cod and adds depth to the dish.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the lemon sauce that complements the fish's delicate flavor.
• Fresh Lemon: Provides a bright, citrusy acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter and adds a fresh dimension to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to finish the presentation.
• Lemon Slices: Adds a decorative touch and provides an extra burst of citrus flavor when serving.

• Cooking Spray or Butter: Ensures the fish does not stick to the baking dish and helps create a smooth release when serving.
• Paper Towels: Used to pat the cod fillets dry, which helps achieve a better browning and texture during cooking.

Steps To Bake Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Dish

Fire up the oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray or a light butter rub to keep the fish from sticking.

Step 2: Dry The Cod Fillets

Grab some paper towels and pat those cod fillets until they’re completely dry. Getting rid of extra moisture helps create that perfect golden-brown exterior.

Step 3: Create Flavor Blast Seasoning

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried parsley
• Garlic powder

Blend these spices until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 4: Season The Fish

Sprinkle the spice mixture generously over both sides of the cod. Press the seasonings gently into the fish to really lock in those amazing flavors.

Step 5: Whip Up Lemon Butter Sauce

Melt some unsalted butter in a small saucepan. Squeeze fresh lemon juice right into the melted butter, whisking until you’ve got a smooth, fragrant sauce that’ll make your mouth water.

Step 6: First Sauce Application

Pour half of the lemon-butter sauce over the seasoned cod. Make sure each fillet gets a gorgeous, glistening coating.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and looks perfectly opaque throughout.

Step 8: Final Sauce Drizzle

Pull the fish out of the oven and drizzle the remaining lemon-butter sauce over the cooked fillets for an extra flavor punch.

Create A Stunning Presentation

Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top. Arrange pretty lemon slices around the fish to make it look as amazing as it tastes.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Get those hot, buttery cod fillets to the table immediately. The aroma will have everyone running to the dinner table!

Pro Tips For Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Perfectly Dry Fish: Pat cod fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp, golden exterior when baking.
• Enhance Flavor Absorption: Press seasonings gently into fish to maximize taste and create a more intense flavor profile.
• Control Cooking Time: Watch fish closely during baking, checking at 12 minutes to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, flaky texture.
• Boost Sauce Richness: Whisk lemon juice thoroughly into melted butter to create a smooth, well-incorporated sauce that clings beautifully to the fish.
• Elevate Presentation: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices just before serving to add a vibrant, professional touch to the dish.

Simple Twists For Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Mediterranean Herb Cod: Replace dried parsley with a blend of fresh oregano, thyme, and rosemary for an aromatic Mediterranean-style fish dish.
• Spicy Cajun Cod: Swap the original seasoning with Cajun spice mix, adding cayenne pepper and paprika for a bold, zesty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Herb Butter Cod: Use ghee instead of butter for a dairy-free option, ensuring the recipe remains suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Citrus Cod: Reduce salt content and enhance flavor with orange zest, fresh ginger, and a splash of white wine for a lighter, brighter version.

Best Sides For Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Pair Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine complements the delicate cod's lemony butter sauce with bright citrus notes that enhance seafood flavors.
• Serve Roasted Asparagus Spears: Elegant green vegetable side dish matches the fish's subtle taste, providing a tender, earthy counterpoint to the buttery cod.
• Create Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy grain base with fresh parsley and light seasoning perfectly supports the cod's delicate texture and absorbs the lemon-butter sauce wonderfully.
• Select Chilled Cucumber Salad: Refreshing side dish with cool, crisp textures and mild tang balances the rich, warm fish and adds a clean, palate-cleansing element to the meal.

Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 22-25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Lemon Butter Baked Cod delivers Mediterranean coastal elegance with delicate fish kissed by zesty citrus and rich, silky butter. Effortless preparation ensures you can savor restaurant-quality seafood without complexity, bringing Mediterranean sunshine directly to your plate.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 lemons

Seasoning:

• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Garnish:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lemon, sliced for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Pat the cod fillets completely dry using paper towels, ensuring no excess moisture remains which could prevent proper browning.
3. Mix salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and garlic powder in a small bowl to create a uniform seasoning blend.
4. Generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the cod fillets, gently pressing the spices into the fish to enhance flavor penetration.
5. Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan, then squeeze fresh lemon juice directly into the melted butter, whisking to create a smooth, fragrant sauce.
6. Pour half of the lemon-butter sauce over the seasoned cod fillets, ensuring each piece is well coated and glistening.
7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout.
8. Remove from the oven and drizzle the remaining lemon-butter sauce over the cooked fillets for an extra burst of flavor.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and arrange lemon slices around the fish for a vibrant, appetizing presentation.
10. Serve immediately while the cod is hot and the butter sauce is still warm and aromatic.

Notes

• Select fresh, high-quality cod fillets with firm, translucent flesh for the best texture and flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal fish temperature, ensuring it reaches 145°F for safe consumption.
• Experiment with herb substitutions like dill or thyme to customize the seasoning profile and match personal taste preferences.
• Modify recipe for gluten-free diets by confirming all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially spice blends.
• Opt for clarified butter or ghee to reduce milk solids and enhance sauce stability during baking.
• Prevent overcooking by checking fish at the 10-minute mark, as thinner fillets might require shorter baking times.
• Create a low-sodium version by reducing salt quantity and using salt-free herb blends for heart-healthy diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg