Name: Baked Cod in Lemon Butter Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 4-oz cod fillets (preferably thawed); 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 medium lemon (juiced and zested); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 3/4 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

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Introduction

This baked cod recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy tender, flaky fish in just 20 minutes. With a bright lemon butter sauce and simple seasonings, it’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a light meal any time.

The image shows a white dish filled with several pieces of white fish fillets, each piece seasoned with black pepper and small green herbs scattered on top. The fish rests in a yellow sauce that looks smooth and slightly oily. Two vibrant lemon slices with visible pulp and peel are placed among the fish pieces. Bright green parsley sprigs add color contrast, positioned on the sauce and near the fish. The background surface is white with a soft marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 4-oz cod fillets (preferably thawed)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 medium lemon (juiced and zested)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
3/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). You can bake the cod fillets from frozen or thaw them first in a bowl of cold water. Thawing makes it easier to brush on the butter without it solidifying.
Step 2: Use paper towels to pat the cod fillets dry. Arrange them in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: In a small bowl, melt the butter using a microwave or stovetop. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest.
Step 4: Brush the lemon butter over the cod fillets. Season with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Flip the fillets and repeat the butter and seasoning on the other side.
Step 5: Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Aim for an internal temperature of 135-140 degrees F for moist, tender flakes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley or fresh dill also work well as a garnish.
Using thawed fillets helps the lemon butter adhere better, but baking from frozen works fine if you’re short on time.

Storage

Store leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be used cold in salads or sandwiches.

How to Serve

The image shows several pieces of cooked white fish fillets arranged closely together, each topped with small green herb bits and a light sprinkle of black pepper, resting in a shiny yellow lemon butter sauce. Bright yellow lemon slices with visible seeds and segments are placed around and on top of the fish, adding bursts of color. Small sprigs of fresh green parsley lie beside the fish, adding a fresh touch. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright backdrop. The image captures the fresh, moist texture of the fish and the glossy sauce clearly, creating a fresh and appetizing look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish instead of cod?

Yes, this recipe works well with other white fish like haddock, tilapia, or halibut. Adjust baking time depending on the thickness of the fillets.

What if I don’t have fresh lemon?

You can substitute with 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemon juice and zest provide the best bright flavor.