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There’s nothing quite like the fresh, bright flavors of baked cod with lemon butter. This dish is simple enough for a quick weeknight meal but elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. The flaky, tender cod pairs perfectly with the richness of melted butter and the citrusy zing of fresh lemon juice—pure perfection on a plate!
If you’re looking for a light, flavorful dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, this baked cod with lemon butter is just what you need!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🌟 Healthy & Light: Cod is a lean source of protein, and this dish keeps things fresh and delicious with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: Comes together in just 25 minutes—great for busy weeknights.
- 🥘 Minimal Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to create restaurant-quality flavors.
- 🍽️ Versatile: Serve with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Cod Fillets: Fresh or frozen cod works. If using frozen, let it fully thaw and pat dry.
- Butter: Adds richness and depth—use unsalted to control the saltiness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the butter sauce a beautiful aroma.
- Lemon Juice & Zest: Brightens up the dish and enhances the seafood’s natural sweetness.
- Paprika & Parsley: Paprika adds a subtle smokiness, while fresh parsley brings freshness.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that make all the flavors shine.
Pro Tip:
Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled—the difference in flavor is huge!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Season the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter
Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and zest.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
Place the seasoned cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce generously over the fish. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with additional lemon slices on the side.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- How to Know When Cod is Done: The fish should be opaque and easily flake with a fork.
- Avoid Overcooking: Cod cooks quickly! Check for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
- Making it Dairy-Free: Swap out butter for olive oil or dairy-free butter.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary to the butter sauce.
- Side Pairings: Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, a crisp side salad, or roasted asparagus.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod? Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat dry before cooking.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Can I reheat it? Warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or gently reheat in a skillet.
Baked Cod with Lemon Butter Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Pat cod dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, add garlic, and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
- Place cod in baking dish and drizzle with the lemon butter mixture.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily.
- Garnish with parsley and serve with extra lemon slices.
And there you have it—an easy, elegant baked cod recipe that’s bound to become a favorite! I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment below or tag your creations on social media with #TheKitchensAid. Happy cooking! 🍋🐟
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