Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Servings
4 people
Prep time: 10–15 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes
Ingredients
For the cod
- 4 cod fillets (about 5–6 oz / 140–170 g each), fresh or fully thawed
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing the dish and fish)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced)
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
- ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Lemon butter sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, balances acidity)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
Optional add-ins
- Lemon slices (for baking on top)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (for gentle heat)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (for a richer finish)
- Capers (1–2 tbsp, drained, for a Mediterranean twist)
Instructions
1. Preheat and prepare
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter.
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels (this helps them bake, not steam).
2. Season the cod
- Place cod fillets in the baking dish.
- Brush lightly with olive oil.
- Season both sides with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Oregano
3. Make the lemon butter sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Melted butter
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Honey (if using)
- Fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes (if using)
Taste and adjust salt if needed.
4. Assemble
- Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the cod.
- Spoon some sauce back over the fish so it’s well coated.
- Lay lemon slices on top of each fillet if desired.
- Sprinkle Parmesan on top if using.
5. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Cod is done when:
- It flakes easily with a fork
- Internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C)
- Flesh turns opaque white
Do not overcook—cod dries out quickly.
6. Optional broil (for color)
- Switch oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes for light browning.
- Watch closely to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- Rice, quinoa, or couscous
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette
Drizzle extra pan sauce over everything—it’s liquid gold
Tips for Best Results
- Frozen cod: Thaw fully and pat dry very well.
- Extra juicy fish: Cover loosely with foil for the first 8 minutes, then uncover.
- Stronger lemon flavor: Add extra zest, not juice (prevents bitterness).
- Creamy version: Stir 2 tbsp heavy cream into the lemon butter sauce.