Zesty Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe for Wholesome Dinners

Crafting a mouthwatering healthy lemon butter baked cod transforms simple ingredients into a culinary delight.

Zesty citrus notes dance across delicate fish fillets, promising a nutritious meal.

Cod becomes magical when kissed by bright lemon and smooth butter.

Mediterranean cooking techniques blend perfectly to create something extraordinary.

Lean protein meets vibrant flavors in this simple yet elegant dish.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality recipe with minimal preparation.

You’ll love how quickly this seafood sensation comes together on your plate.

Dive right into this delectable meal that nourishes both body and soul.

Light and Lemony Baked Cod That Shines

• Simplify Seafood Cooking: Master a foolproof cod recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques.
• Quick Nutritious Dinner: Prepare a protein-packed, heart-healthy dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping herbs, adjusting spice levels, or pairing with different side dishes to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Lean Protein Powerhouse: Enjoy a low-calorie, high-protein meal that supports muscle health and provides essential omega-3 fatty acids for overall wellness.

Ingredients That Make Lemon Butter Cod Special

• Cod Fillets: A light and flaky white fish that provides a delicate, mild flavor and excellent source of lean protein.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Create a rich, smooth base that helps keep the fish moist and adds a luxurious texture.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic depth to the overall dish.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bring a bright, citrusy freshness that cuts through the richness of the fish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the cod.
• Paprika: Provides a subtle warmth and mild smoky undertone.
• Oregano: Introduces an earthy, herbal note to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a gentle heat and subtle spiciness.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, green color and light herbal finish.
• Lemon Slices: Provide a decorative and flavorful touch to the baked cod.

How to Bake Healthy Lemon Butter Cod Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 400F (200C). Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Butter Sauce

• Melted butter
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes

Whisk everything together until well blended.

Step 3: Prepare the Cod

Gently pat the cod fillets dry using paper towels.

Place the fish in the prepared baking dish. Pour the vibrant lemon butter mixture evenly over the fillets.

Arrange thin lemon slices on top of the fish for extra zing.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 12-15 minutes. The cod is ready when it easily flakes apart with a fork and looks opaque throughout.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the baked cod. Serve alongside steamed vegetables, fluffy quinoa, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’s both healthy and delicious.

Tricks to Perfect Healthy Lemon Butter Cod

• Pat cod fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden exterior and prevent soggy texture.
• Add extra lemon zest for a brighter citrus flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter and complements the delicate fish.
• Check fish at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking; cod is done when it flakes easily and appears opaque throughout.
• Replace dried oregano with fresh chopped herbs like dill or thyme for a more vibrant and aromatic dish.
• Use ghee or dairy-free butter alternative for lactose-intolerant individuals, maintaining the recipe's rich flavor profile.

Flavor Variations for Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Spicy Mediterranean Cod: Replace oregano with za'atar, add crushed red pepper for extra heat, and sprinkle feta cheese before serving.
• Herb Garden Cod: Swap oregano for fresh dill and thyme, include chopped chives, and add white wine to the butter mixture for deeper flavor.
• Coconut Tropical Cod: Substitute olive oil with coconut oil, add grated coconut on top, include lime zest instead of lemon, and garnish with cilantro.
• Asian-Inspired Cod: Replace herbs with ginger, use sesame oil, add soy sauce to butter mixture, and top with green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Great Pairings with Healthy Lemon Butter Cod

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio to complement the lemon butter's bright, tangy flavors and enhance the delicate cod.
• Create Mediterranean Side Salad: Toss together cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese with olive oil and herbs to mirror the dish's Mediterranean-inspired seasonings.
• Serve with Herbed Quinoa: Cook quinoa with fresh parsley, garlic, and a touch of lemon zest to provide a protein-rich, flavor-matching base that echoes the cod's herbaceous notes.
• Add Roasted Asparagus: Drizzle asparagus spears with similar lemon butter mixture and roast alongside the cod for a harmonious, vegetable side that complements the fish's light, zesty profile.

How to Store Lemon Butter Baked Cod Right

Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Wrap individual cod portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freezes well for up to 1 month without losing quality.

Place cod on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat at 50% power for 30-45 seconds to prevent drying out.

Warm cod in a preheated 275F oven for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle extra lemon butter to restore moisture and prevent fish from becoming tough.

FAQs

• Is cod a healthy fish to eat?

Cod is an excellent source of lean protein, low in calories, and packed with essential nutrients like vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and selenium, making it a heart-healthy seafood choice.

• How do I know when cod is fully cooked?

The fish is done when it turns opaque white and flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking can make the fish dry, so watch it closely during the last few minutes of baking.

• Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw the cod completely in the refrigerator before cooking, and pat it dry thoroughly to ensure a crisp texture and even cooking.

Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Lemon butter baked cod delivers a Mediterranean-inspired seafood experience with zesty citrus and rich, silky butter. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques combine to create a light, flavorful dinner that satisfies without overwhelming palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 cod fillets (6 ounces/170 grams each)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Liquids and Fats:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C), creating an ideal cooking environment for the delicate cod. Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing or lining with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Craft a vibrant lemon butter sauce by whisking together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and zesty lemon zest. Enhance the mixture with a balanced blend of salt, cracked black pepper, smoky paprika, aromatic oregano, and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
3. Carefully pat the cod fillets dry using paper towels to ensure a crisp exterior. Gently place the fish in the prepared baking dish, creating a single layer for even cooking.
4. Drizzle the carefully crafted lemon butter sauce over the cod, ensuring each fillet is generously and evenly coated. Artfully arrange thin lemon slices atop the fillets to infuse additional citrusy brightness.
5. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The fish is perfectly cooked when it flakes effortlessly with a gentle touch of a fork and appears opaque throughout.
6. Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately alongside steamed vegetables, fluffy quinoa, or a crisp, light salad to complete the nutritious meal.

Notes

• Always pat cod fillets completely dry to ensure a crispy, golden exterior and prevent steaming instead of baking.
• Choose fresh, high-quality cod with firm, translucent flesh for the best texture and flavor in this delicate dish.
• Adjust baking time based on thickness; thicker fillets might need an extra 2-3 minutes while thinner ones could cook faster.
• Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil for dairy-free and vegan alternatives that maintain rich, aromatic flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 225 kcal
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg