Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

Baked cod with lemon butter is an incredibly simple yet flavorful dish. The mild, delicate flavor of cod is perfectly complemented by the rich, creamy lemon butter sauce, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Cod is one of the most popular fish varieties in the world, especially in Western countries, due to its mild flavor and flaky texture. The addition of lemon butter elevates this dish to new heights, making it suitable for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions.

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to serve it with a variety of sides and sauces. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it perfect for a light, refreshing meal that’s still packed with flavor.

A Little About Cod: Why Use Cod in This Recipe?

Cod is a lean, white fish with a flaky texture that makes it a favorite for baked dishes. It has a mild flavor, which makes it ideal for pairing with strong, flavorful ingredients like lemon, garlic, and butter. Cod is low in fat and high in protein, making it a great option for a healthy meal. It’s commonly found in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and is a staple in many cuisines around the world.

In this recipe, cod is baked to perfection, allowing its natural flavors to shine through while being enriched by the rich, zesty lemon butter. The gentle baking method also ensures the fish stays moist, soft, and flaky.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cod

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the cod will bake quickly, allowing the flavors to meld together while keeping the fish moist and tender.

2. Prepare the baking dish: Take a shallow baking dish (around 9×13 inches) and lightly grease it with a drizzle of olive oil. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

3. Season the cod fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This ensures the fish will bake evenly. Place the fillets in the prepared baking dish, spacing them apart slightly. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. You can also add a little sprinkle of lemon zest at this stage for added flavor.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. Melt the butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can lead to a bitter taste.

2. Add lemon juice and zest: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, making sure the mixture combines well. You’ll notice that the fresh citrus will begin to add a fragrant, zesty aroma to the sauce.

3. Add Dijon mustard (optional): If you’re using Dijon mustard, add it now. This step will add a slight tanginess to the sauce, complementing the butter and lemon perfectly.

4. Simmer briefly: Let the sauce simmer for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together. The sauce should be smooth and rich in texture.

5. Season: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat.

Step 3: Pour the Sauce Over the Cod

1. Drizzle the sauce: Pour the prepared lemon butter sauce over the seasoned cod fillets. Use a spoon to distribute the sauce evenly, ensuring the fish is well-coated. The sauce will infuse the fish with flavor as it bakes, helping to keep it moist and tender.

2. Optional capers: If you like the flavor of capers, sprinkle a teaspoon of capers on top of the cod fillets. This step is entirely optional but adds an interesting burst of saltiness and tang that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Step 4: Bake the Cod

1. Bake in the preheated oven: Place the baking dish with the cod into the preheated oven. Bake the fillets for about 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Be cautious not to overcook the cod, as it can become dry.

2. Optional broil: For an extra touch of color and crispiness on top, you can broil the cod for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time. Just keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish the cod: Once the cod is done, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley, which will add a pop of color and fresh flavor to the dish. You can also add a bit of fresh thyme for an herby touch.

2. Serve immediately: Serve the lemon butter baked cod with your choice of sides. It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, and even a side salad. The lemon butter sauce can also be drizzled over the sides for extra flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Butter Baked Cod

1. Don’t overcook the cod: Cod is a delicate fish, and it cooks quickly. Overcooking it can lead to a dry texture. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness with a fork.

2. Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and zest will give you the best flavor. If you use bottled lemon juice, it may lack the bright freshness that makes this dish so special.

3. Opt for unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the dish. If you prefer, you can always add a pinch of salt to the sauce to taste.

4. Customize the sauce: Feel free to adjust the sauce to suit your tastes. Add more lemon for a tangier flavor or more garlic for a stronger kick. You can even add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of honey for a different twist.

5. Don’t skip the baking time: Make sure to let the fish bake for the full recommended time to ensure it’s fully cooked. Cod fillets are thin and can cook quickly, so check frequently if you’re unsure.

Side Dish Ideas to Serve with Lemon Butter Baked Cod

The beauty of lemon butter baked cod is that it pairs well with many side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

1. Roasted Vegetables:

• Roasting vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans will bring out their natural sweetness and provide a contrast to the rich fish. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a little garlic before roasting at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

2. Rice Pilaf:

• A light and fluffy rice pilaf is a great complement to the flaky cod. You can make a simple pilaf by cooking rice with onions, garlic, and a touch of olive oil or butter. Adding a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme will elevate the flavor.

3. Roasted Potatoes:

• Crispy roasted potatoes with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil are the perfect hearty side for cod. Toss the potatoes with your favorite seasonings and roast them at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

4. Mixed Green Salad:

• A simple salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette will help balance the richness of the lemon butter sauce.

Variations of Lemon Butter Baked Cod

1. Add Cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the cod fillets before baking. The cheese will melt into the lemon butter sauce, adding a rich, creamy layer of flavor.

2. Make it Spicy: If you enjoy spicy food, add some red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce. You can also use a drizzle of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for an added kick.

3. Use Other Fish: While cod is a great choice, you can also substitute it with other mild fish like tilapia, haddock, or pollock. The cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.

4. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like dill, tarragon, or basil instead of thyme and parsley for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Lemon Butter Baked Cod is an easy yet elegant dish that combines the lightness of cod with the richness of butter and the brightness of fresh lemon. The result is a meal that’s full of flavor without being overly complicated. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves seafood.

By following the steps and tips in this guide, you’ll be able to make perfectly baked cod every time. Enjoy your meal, and don’t forget to share this recipe with others so they can indulge in the deliciousness of lemon butter baked cod too!

Yield: 4

Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

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Baked cod with lemon butter is an incredibly simple yet flavorful dish. The mild, delicate flavor of cod is perfectly complemented by the rich, creamy lemon butter sauce, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Cod is one of the most popular fish varieties in the world, especially in Western countries, due to its mild flavor and flaky texture. The addition of lemon butter elevates this dish to new heights, making it suitable for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange the Cod Fillets: Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Season the fillets with a little salt and pepper.
5. Drizzle the Lemon Butter Sauce: Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets, making sure each one is well-coated.
6. Bake the Cod: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Serve: Serve the cod fillets with the sauce from the baking dish and garnish with extra fresh parsley. Add lemon wedges on the side for extra flavor.

Notes

• Cod Alternatives: You can substitute cod with other white fish, such as tilapia, haddock, or snapper.
• Thicker Fillets: If your cod fillets are particularly thick, you may need to bake them a bit longer (about 20 minutes).
• Herb Variations: You can switch up the herbs in the butter sauce. Fresh dill or basil can be great alternatives to parsley.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.