Zesty Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe Everyone Will Love

Succulent lemon butter baked cod delivers a seafood experience that melts in your mouth with surprising simplicity.

Coastal kitchens often guard such delightful secrets passed through generations.

Delicate fish transforms under a golden, rich sauce that speaks of comfort and elegance.

Mediterranean techniques shine through this uncomplicated yet sophisticated preparation.

Fresh ingredients become your pathway to a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.

Light, flaky textures promise a dinner that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that impresses without stress.

Lemon Butter Baked Cod Overview

• Quick and Simple Cooking: Prepare a delicious seafood meal with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks looking for a hassle-free dinner option.
• Healthy Protein-Packed Delight: Cod offers a lean protein source loaded with essential nutrients, creating a nutritious meal that supports wellness without compromising on incredible flavor and satisfaction.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe that works wonderfully for weeknight dinners, special gatherings, or romantic meals, appealing to seafood lovers and those seeking a light yet tasty protein option.
• Budget-Friendly Gourmet Experience: Transform affordable cod fillets into a restaurant-quality dish using simple ingredients found in most kitchens, delivering maximum flavor with minimal investment.

Ingredients for Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Cod Fillets: Fresh fish with delicate white meat that absorbs flavors beautifully and provides a tender, flaky texture.

• Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the cod and create a savory profile.

• Butter, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Rich butter creates a smooth sauce, while fresh lemon adds brightness and cuts through the fish's richness.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note to complement the baked cod.

How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab your cod fillets and let them thaw if they’re frozen.

Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they’ll get beautifully crisp.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

In a small bowl or saucepan, melt your butter until it’s smooth and silky.

Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle in some zesty lemon zest. Stir the mixture until it’s well combined and smelling fantastic.

Step 3: Dress the Fish

Place your cod fillets in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Generously brush the lemon butter mixture all over the fish, making sure every inch gets some love.

• Garlic powder
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

Flip the fillets and repeat the buttery coating and seasoning process.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the hot oven.

Let the cod bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

The internal temperature should hit 135-140°F.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch

Pull the fish out of the oven and shower it with freshly chopped parsley.

The green herbs will add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your restaurant-worthy seafood dish!

Pro Tips for Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Pat cod fillets completely dry to ensure crispy, golden edges and prevent excess moisture during baking.
• Select fresh, high-quality cod for the most delicate and flavorful results, checking for firm, translucent flesh without strong fishy odors.
• Adjust baking time based on fillet thickness; thinner pieces cook faster and can easily become dry, so monitor closely to maintain perfect moisture.
• Use unsalted butter to control salt levels, allowing you to season precisely and prevent over-salting the delicate fish.
• Try herb variations like dill or thyme instead of parsley for different flavor profiles while maintaining the recipe's light, fresh essence.

Variations of Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Herb-Infused Cod: Replace lemon with a blend of fresh dill, thyme, and rosemary, creating an aromatic Mediterranean-style fish dish with robust herb flavors.
• Spicy Cajun Cod: Swap lemon butter with a spicy Cajun butter mixture using cayenne pepper, paprika, and dried herbs for a bold, zesty seafood experience.
• Gluten-Free Wellness Version: Use dairy-free butter alternative and add almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a lighter, allergen-friendly preparation that maintains the original recipe's delicate texture.
• Low-Sodium Heart-Health Option: Eliminate added salt, incorporate fresh herb seasoning, and use olive oil instead of butter to create a heart-conscious version that preserves the cod's natural flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or refreshing Pinot Grigio to complement the delicate fish's citrusy butter notes, cutting through the richness while enhancing the lemon's brightness.
• Prepare roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with a light olive oil and sea salt seasoning, providing a perfect earthy contrast to the cod's light, buttery flavor profile.
• Create a fluffy quinoa bed seasoned with fresh dill and parsley, offering a protein-rich, nutty foundation that beautifully absorbs the lemon butter sauce while adding nutritional depth to the meal.

Storage Guidelines for Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Store leftover cod in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Place a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture, keeping the fish fresh for 1-2 days. Always seal the container tightly to prevent odors from spreading.
• Wrap individual cod portions in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cod maintains quality for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?

Yes, you can bake cod from frozen. Just ensure they are thoroughly thawed for even cooking and better texture.

• How do I know if the cod is fully cooked?

The cod is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 135-140°F, appears opaque, and easily flakes with a fork.

• What if I don't have fresh lemons?

You can substitute bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemons provide the best flavor and zest for the recipe.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who are lactose intolerant?

Traditional recipe uses butter, so lactose-intolerant individuals should use dairy-free butter alternatives to enjoy this dish.

Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon butter baked cod delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors with elegance. Fresh herbs and zesty lemon create a simple yet sophisticated seafood experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 cod fillets (4 oz each, ideally thawed)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 medium lemon (juiced and zested)
• 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
• 3/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), ensuring an even temperature for optimal cod preparation. Verify cod fillets are thawed or ready for cooking.
2. Pat cod fillets completely dry using paper towels, removing excess moisture to promote better seasoning absorption and crispier texture.
3. Create a vibrant lemon butter sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan, then integrating fresh lemon juice and zest until thoroughly combined.
4. Arrange cod fillets in a 9×13 inch baking dish, positioning them in a single, flat layer to ensure uniform cooking.
5. Generously brush each fillet with the prepared lemon butter mixture, covering the entire surface for maximum flavor infusion.
6. Season the cod with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper, ensuring an even distribution across both sides of the fillets.
7. Place the seasoned cod in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches 135-140°F.
8. Verify doneness by checking that the fish turns opaque and can be easily flaked with a fork.
9. Remove from oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and herbal essence.
10. Serve immediately to preserve the delicate texture and optimal temperature of the baked cod.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, high-quality cod fillets with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat cod fillets completely dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden-brown exterior and prevent excess moisture during baking.
• Adjust baking time based on fillet thickness; thinner fillets require less cooking time to prevent overcooking and maintaining delicate fish texture.
• For gluten-free adaptation, verify all seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly checking garlic powder and salt blends.
• Enhance protein variety by substituting cod with other mild white fish like halibut, tilapia, or haddock while maintaining similar cooking techniques.
• Create dairy-free version by replacing butter with olive oil or plant-based margarine, preserving the recipe’s zesty lemon flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 142 kcal
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 293 mg
• Fat: 7.9 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.3 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg