Baked Cod with Lemon Butter

Baked Cod with Lemon Butter is a dish that has quickly become a staple in our household. There’s something magical about the simplicity of flaky white cod baked to perfection, then drizzled with a vibrant, tangy lemon butter sauce. Even my kids, who can sometimes be a bit picky with fish, devour this dish without a fuss. It’s light yet satisfying, and the bright lemon flavor just sings on your palate. Honestly, on busy weeknights or when we’re craving something healthy and delicious, this recipe is a total winner. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good from the inside out, and I’m excited to share all the secrets to making it just right.

Ingredients for Baked Cod with Lemon Butter

• Cod Fillets: 4 (about 6 ounces each) – The star of the dish, providing a mild and flaky white fish that perfectly absorbs the lemon butter flavors. Ensure they are skinless and boneless for easy cooking and eating.
• Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), unsalted – Forms the rich base of our luscious lemon butter sauce. Unsalted butter allows us to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Lemon Juice: ¼ cup, freshly squeezed – Essential for that bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter and complements the cod beautifully. Freshly squeezed is always preferred for the best taste.
• Lemon Zest: 1 tablespoon, finely grated – Adds an extra layer of intense lemon aroma and flavor, enhancing the overall citrus profile of the sauce. Use a microplane or fine grater to get just the zest, avoiding the bitter white pith.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced – Provides a subtle savory depth to the lemon butter sauce, adding complexity and aroma without overpowering the delicate fish.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped – Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color to the finished dish. Italian parsley is recommended for its robust flavor.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon – Lends a warm, slightly peppery, and aromatic background note that complements the lemon and garlic beautifully.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste – Enhances all the flavors in the dish and seasons the cod and sauce perfectly. Adjust to your personal preference.
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste – Adds a touch of spice and complexity, rounding out the flavors. Freshly ground pepper offers a more vibrant taste.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon – Used to lightly coat the baking dish, preventing the cod from sticking and ensuring even cooking.

Instructions for Perfect Baked Cod with Lemon Butter

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking cod, ensuring it cooks through without drying out. While the oven is heating, lightly grease a baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches) with olive oil. This step is crucial to prevent the delicate cod fillets from sticking to the dish and to ensure even cooking from the bottom. You can use a brush or your fingers to spread the olive oil evenly across the bottom of the dish.
2. Prepare the Cod Fillets: Gently pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the fish bake properly and achieve a slightly golden surface. Arrange the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this can lead to steaming rather than baking, and uneven cooking. If your fillets are thick, consider spacing them out a bit more.
3. Create the Lemon Butter Sauce: Now, let’s make the star of the show – the lemon butter sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Melting it slowly prevents the butter from browning or burning. Once the butter is melted, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk all the ingredients together until they are well combined and the sauce is smooth and fragrant. The warmth of the butter will help to infuse the flavors of the garlic, lemon zest, and oregano beautifully.
4. Pour Sauce Over Cod: Carefully pour the prepared lemon butter sauce evenly over the cod fillets in the baking dish. Ensure that each fillet is generously coated with the sauce. The sauce will not only add incredible flavor but also help to keep the cod moist and tender during baking. If you want to ensure the sauce penetrates the fish even more, you can gently spoon some of the sauce over the fillets again after a few minutes of baking.
5. Bake the Cod: Place the baking dish with the cod and lemon butter sauce in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your cod fillets and your oven. To check for doneness, gently insert a fork into the thickest part of a fillet and twist slightly. If the fish flakes apart easily and is opaque throughout, it’s cooked. Avoid overbaking, as cod can become dry if cooked for too long.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once the cod is baked to perfection, remove the baking dish from the oven. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the baked cod and lemon butter sauce. The fresh parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a final burst of fresh flavor. Serve immediately while the cod is hot and the lemon butter sauce is luscious and flavorful. The aroma alone will be irresistible!

Nutrition Facts for Baked Cod with Lemon Butter

Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: Approximately 320 kcal

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 18g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Preparation Time for Baked Cod with Lemon Butter

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

This Baked Cod with Lemon Butter recipe is incredibly quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. The active preparation time, which includes prepping the ingredients and making the sauce, is approximately 15 minutes. The baking time in the oven is also around 15 minutes, bringing the total time from start to finish to just 30 minutes. This efficient cooking time makes it a fantastic option for busy individuals or families who want a healthy and flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve Baked Cod with Lemon Butter

Baked Cod with Lemon Butter is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to create a complete and satisfying meal:

• Classic Starch Sides:
  • Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or fragrant basmati rice are excellent choices for soaking up the flavorful lemon butter sauce.
  • Quinoa: A healthy and protein-rich alternative to rice, quinoa provides a nutty flavor and great texture that complements the cod.
  • Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes, whether they are classic roasted potatoes, garlic roasted potatoes, or lemon roasted potatoes, are a comforting and hearty side that pairs wonderfully with the fish.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes, especially garlic mashed potatoes or parmesan mashed potatoes, offer a luxurious and comforting contrast to the light cod.
• Fresh and Vibrant Vegetables:
  • Steamed Asparagus: Tender steamed asparagus spears provide a fresh, green element and a delicate flavor that complements the lemon butter.
  • Roasted Broccoli: Crispy roasted broccoli florets offer a slightly charred flavor and a satisfying crunch that balances the flaky cod.
  • Green Beans: Sautéed or steamed green beans, perhaps with a touch of lemon zest or garlic, add a vibrant color and a crisp-tender texture.
  • Sautéed Spinach: Wilted spinach sautéed with garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice is a quick and healthy side that pairs beautifully with the fish.
  • Side Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lemon butter sauce and adds a boost of vitamins and fiber.
• Bread for Sopping Up Sauce:
  • Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread, like baguette or sourdough, for soaking up every last drop of the delicious lemon butter sauce.
  • Garlic Bread: Garlic bread adds an extra layer of flavor and warmth, making it a perfect accompaniment for a comforting meal.
• Wine Pairing:
  • Dry White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay pairs exceptionally well with baked cod with lemon butter, enhancing the lemon flavors and complementing the delicate fish.

Additional Tips for Perfect Baked Cod with Lemon Butter

1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Cod: The quality of your cod fillets significantly impacts the final dish. Opt for fresh, firm, and white cod fillets from a reputable source. If using frozen cod, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry thoroughly before baking to remove excess moisture.
2. Don’t Overbake the Cod: Cod is a delicate fish that can dry out easily if overbaked. Keep a close eye on it while it’s in the oven. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Overbaking will result in dry, less flavorful fish.
3. Adjust Lemon to Your Taste: Lemon is the star flavor in this dish, but you can adjust the amount of lemon juice and zest to your personal preference. If you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, you can add a little extra lemon juice or zest. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount slightly.
4. Enhance Garlic Flavor: For a more intense garlic flavor, you can sauté the minced garlic in a bit of olive oil or butter before adding it to the lemon butter sauce. This will mellow the garlic and bring out its aromatic sweetness. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce. This will add a subtle kick that complements the lemon and garlic flavors without overpowering the delicate cod.
6. Add Herbs to the Sauce: While parsley is a great garnish, you can also incorporate other fresh herbs into the lemon butter sauce for added flavor complexity. Dill, thyme, or chives would all be delicious additions. Stir them in at the end of cooking to preserve their fresh flavor.
7. Make it Ahead (Partially): You can prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, simply pour the sauce over the cod fillets and bake as directed. This can save you time on busy weeknights.
8. Broil for Extra Color (Optional): If you want a slightly golden top on your cod, you can broil it for the last minute or two of baking. Keep a very close watch on it under the broiler to prevent burning. Broiling adds a nice visual appeal and a slightly caramelized edge to the fish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Cod with Lemon Butter

Q1: Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can absolutely use frozen cod fillets. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to thaw frozen cod is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. If you need to thaw it quickly, you can place the sealed fillets in a bowl of cold water for about 30-60 minutes, changing the water every 20 minutes. Once thawed, pat the cod fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before baking. This will help them cook properly and prevent them from becoming watery.

Q2: What if I don’t have fresh parsley? Can I use dried?
A: Fresh parsley is definitely preferred for its vibrant flavor and bright green color, but in a pinch, you can use dried parsley. If using dried parsley, use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley in place of 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley. Add the dried parsley to the lemon butter sauce while it’s simmering to allow it to rehydrate and release its flavor. Keep in mind that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so use less than you would fresh. If possible, try to use fresh parsley as a garnish at the end for a fresher finish.

Q3: Can I substitute the butter with olive oil for a healthier option?
A: While butter provides a rich and classic flavor to the lemon butter sauce, you can substitute it with olive oil to make the dish slightly healthier. Olive oil is a good source of healthy fats. If you choose to use olive oil, use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Keep in mind that the sauce will have a slightly different texture and flavor profile compared to using butter – it will be less rich and creamy, but still delicious and flavorful with the lemon, garlic, and herbs. You can also use a combination of half butter and half olive oil to balance richness and health.

Q4: How do I store leftover baked cod with lemon butter?
A: To store leftover baked cod with lemon butter, allow it to cool completely to room temperature first. Then, transfer the cod fillets and any remaining lemon butter sauce to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to consume it within this timeframe for optimal flavor and texture.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat leftover baked cod?
A: The best way to reheat baked cod and prevent it from drying out is to reheat it gently. You can reheat it in the oven at a low temperature (around 275°F or 135°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over low heat with a little extra butter or olive oil to keep it moist. Microwaving is also an option for convenience, but it can sometimes make the fish a bit tougher. If microwaving, do it in short intervals and cover the dish to help retain moisture.

Q6: Can I use other types of fish besides cod?
A: Yes, while this recipe is specifically for cod, you can use other types of white fish that are similar in texture and mild flavor. Good substitutes include haddock, halibut, tilapia, or sea bass. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the thickness of the fish fillets. Just ensure that whatever fish you use is skinless and boneless for this recipe for ease of preparation and eating.

Q7: Can I add vegetables to bake with the cod in the same dish?
A: Absolutely! Baking vegetables alongside the cod is a great way to make it a complete one-pan meal. Vegetables that bake well with cod and complement the lemon butter flavor include asparagus, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini. Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and toss them lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange them around the cod fillets in the baking dish. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly depending on the vegetables you choose; root vegetables like potatoes or carrots will take longer to cook than softer vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.

Q8: Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free adaptable?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. To make it dairy-free, you can easily substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative, such as vegan butter sticks made from plant-based oils like olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil. These dairy-free butter alternatives often melt and behave very similarly to regular butter, making them a great substitute for this recipe. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten and dairy-free if necessary, although in their standard forms, they naturally are for this recipe.

Print