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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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