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Light, flaky cod fillets baked in a rich lemon butter sauce make for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner. This simple dish comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs beautifully with veggies, rice, or potatoes. Perfect for weeknights or elegant enough for entertaining!
⏱️ Prep Time
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 15–18 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
🧑🍳 Equipment
- Baking dish (9×13-inch or similar)
- Small saucepan (optional for melting butter)
- Zester (optional)
- Basting brush or spoon
- Aluminum foil (optional for covering)
- Oven
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (5–6 oz each), fresh or thawed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish, optional)
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Cod: Fresh or frozen (thawed). Can substitute with haddock, halibut, or pollock.
- Butter: Adds richness; use ghee or plant-based butter for dairy-free.
- Lemon juice: Use fresh for best flavor.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is best; use garlic powder in a pinch.
- Olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from browning too fast.
👨🍳 Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper. - Prepare Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. - Assemble Cod:
Place cod fillets in the baking dish. Spoon or brush the lemon butter mixture evenly over the top of the fillets. - Bake:
Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temp should reach 145°F/63°C). - Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot with your favorite side.
🔢 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Based on 4 servings)
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: ~300mg
(Note: Values are estimates and can vary by ingredients used.)
💡 Tips and Variations
- Add heat: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Herb it up: Add fresh thyme or dill to the butter mixture.
- Make it crispy: Top with a mix of breadcrumbs and Parmesan before baking.
- Foil pack method: Wrap cod and sauce in foil packets and bake for easier cleanup.
- Air fryer version: Cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, depending on thickness.
