Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod is one of those recipes that’s as simple as it is delicious. Picture this: tender cod fillets, fresh lemon juice, and a buttery garlic sauce coming together to create an extraordinary flavor experience. It’s a dish that not only tastes fantastic but also makes your kitchen smell amazing! Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this cod dish is sure to shine. Plus, it’s a healthy choice packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, so you can feel great about serving it. Let’s dive into how to make this tasty dish that’ll become a staple in your home!
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter works wonders, creating a flavor profile that perfectly enhances the natural taste of cod. When baked at just the right temperature, the fish remains tender and moist, which is exactly what we want. Fresh ingredients play a huge role too, elevating the entire dish and making it a true delight. That burst of lemon and the rich butter blend together seamlessly, resulting in a meal that’s both vibrant and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod
You’ll quickly fall in love with this Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, taking only about 15 minutes from oven to table. Imagine sitting down to a stunning dinner with minimal effort! Next, the beautifully aromatic flavors make it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a formal gathering. Last but not least, cod is a great fish choice! It’s high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish not only delicious but nutritious as well.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices for garnish
Preparing the Lemon Garlic Butter Mixture
Combine Butter and Olive Oil
Let’s start by making our lemon garlic butter mixture. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and olive oil until they blend together. This combo is what gives the cod that richness we all love.
Mix in Garlic and Lemon
Next, add the minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the butter and olive oil mixture. Stir it all together until it’s fully combined. The garlic and lemon will add layers of flavor that will brighten up the entire dish.
Season the Mixture
Now, it’s time to season the mixture. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and if you’re feeling bold, the crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything well until it’s nicely incorporated, ensuring that every bite will be packed with flavor.
Preparing the Cod for Baking
Preheat the Oven
Before you continue, set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the cod. This step is essential for perfectly baked fish.
Prepare the Cod Fillets
Take your cod fillets and gently pat them dry with paper towels. Drying out the fish helps achieve a beautiful sear and also allows the sauce to stick better when baked.
Arrange in Baking Dish
Place the cod fillets in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure they’re spread out evenly—you want each fillet to bask in that glorious sauce!
Baking the Cod
Pour the Mixture Over Cod
Now, let’s take that tasty lemon garlic butter mixture and evenly pour it over each cod fillet. Ensure every piece is generously coated, as this sauce will infuse great flavor while baking.
Bake in the Oven
Pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. If your cod fillets are on the thicker side, add an extra 2-3 minutes to ensure they’re cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Serving the Cod
Garnish and Serve
Once it’s finished baking, take the cod out of the oven and sprinkle it with some fresh parsley. Garnish with lemon slices for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve it immediately and watch your guests’ faces light up!
Serving Suggestions
To create a well-rounded meal, pair your Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad. You might also consider serving it alongside rice or quinoa, allowing those grains to soak up the delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.
Tips for Success
To get the best flavor and texture, ensure your cod is fresh. Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon to suit your taste preferences. If you love a bit of heat, don’t hesitate to increase the crushed red pepper flakes!
Variations
For a twist, feel free to substitute cod with other white fish like tilapia or haddock. Adding a splash of white wine to the lemon garlic mixture brings out extra depth. Also, consider incorporating seasonal vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes directly in the baking dish for added freshness.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in the oven to avoid overcooking the fish.
FAQs
1. How do I know when the cod is done baking?
Check for doneness when the cod flakes easily with a fork, and it becomes opaque throughout.
2. Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
You can! Just make sure to thaw the cod completely before cooking to achieve even cooking times.
3. Is there a way to make this dish lower in calories?
Certainly! You can reduce the amount of butter used or swap it for a light olive oil spread.
4. What sides pair well with this cod dish?
Consider serving with steamed broccoli, roasted potatoes, or a fresh garden salad.
5. Can I make the lemon garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake your cod.
This Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod is sure to become a cherished addition to your dinner rotation. With its bright, zesty flavors, every bite invites joy, making it a delightful dish fit for any occasion. Enjoy the fantastic combination of simplicity and impressiveness as you serve this to your family and friends!
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Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod
This dish features tender cod fillets enhanced by a beautifully aromatic lemon garlic butter sauce. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for any gathering or casual meal.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Whisk together melted butter and olive oil in a small bowl.
- Add minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the mixture and stir.
- Sprinkle in smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Gently pat cod fillets dry and arrange in a baking dish.
- Pour the lemon garlic butter mixture over the fillets.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until cod flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
For best flavor, use fresh cod.
Adjust garlic and lemon amounts to taste.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
