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