Description
A light and flavorful baked cod dish featuring tender, flaky fillets in a rich lemon butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh herbs. Quick to prepare and perfect for both weeknight dinners and elegant meals.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each, 1 to 1½ inches thick)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the cod in a single layer.
- Pat cod fillets dry and arrange evenly in the baking dish.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
- In another bowl, combine salt, black pepper, and paprika. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the cod.
- Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the fillets, coating each piece.
- Bake uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes (up to 15 minutes for thicker fillets) until the fish flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley and dill. Garnish with lemon slices and spoon extra sauce over the fish before serving.
Notes
- Thaw frozen cod completely and pat dry before baking.
- Broil for the final 2 minutes for a lightly crisped top.
- Substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
- Add cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or zucchini to the baking dish for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking.
- Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
