Baked Cod with Lemon Butter
An easy, flavorful dish combining tender baked cod with a bright lemon butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Cod
- 4 fillets Cod fillets, fresh or thawed about 1 to 1.5 inches thick is ideal
- 4 Tbsp Butter, melted
- 2 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice plus a little zest if available
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika optional for color
- 2 Tbsp Parsley or dill for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to help them bake properly instead of steaming.
- Place the fillets in the prepared baking dish.
Making the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
- Pour or spoon the lemon butter mixture over the cod, ensuring some pools around the edges.
Baking
- Bake in the oven for about 10 to 14 minutes, checking at 10 minutes. The cod should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Finish with fresh herbs and a quick squeeze of lemon, then serve immediately while the sauce is warm.
Notes
Tips: Dry the fish thoroughly before baking to prevent steaming. Use the thickness of the fillets as your timer. Feel free to adjust the herbs and add extras like capers or veggies for variation.