Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

Tender, flaky cod baked in a rich lemon-garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs. It is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough for a special meal.

Ingredients

For the Cod

4 cod fillets, about 6 oz (170 g) each
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2–3 lemon slices, for topping

For the Butter Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup chicken or seafood broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the cod fillets in a single layer.

2. Prepare the Cod

Pat the cod fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning and butter adhere to the fish.

Place the fillets in the prepared baking dish.

3. Make the Garlic-Lemon Mixture

In a small bowl, combine:

Melted butter
Minced garlic
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Paprika
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper

Whisk until well combined.

4. Season the Fish

Pour the lemon-garlic butter mixture evenly over the cod.

Gently spread the garlic and seasoning over the tops of the fillets.

Place lemon slices on top and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

5. Bake

Bake uncovered for approximately 12–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

The cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). USDA guidance recommends 145°F as the safe minimum internal temperature for fish.

Avoid overbaking, as cod can become dry when cooked too long.

6. Make the Butter Sauce

While the cod is baking, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over low-medium heat.

Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, being careful not to brown it.

Add the broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.

7. Finish

Remove the baked cod from the oven.

Spoon the warm lemon-garlic butter sauce over each fillet.

Garnish with fresh parsley and additional lemon slices.

Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

This cod pairs especially well with:

Roasted asparagus
Steamed broccoli
Green beans
Garlic mashed potatoes
Roasted baby potatoes
Rice pilaf
Cauliflower rice
Fresh garden salad
Sautéed spinach
Crusty bread for soaking up the butter sauce

Nut Information

Does this recipe contain nuts?
No. The recipe contains no peanuts or tree nuts.

Peanut-free: Yes, assuming all packaged ingredients are peanut-free.

Tree-nut-free: Yes, assuming all packaged ingredients are tree-nut-free.

Nut allergy precaution: If preparing this for someone with a severe allergy, check the labels of packaged butter, broth, seasonings, and other ingredients for possible cross-contact warnings.

Other allergens: Cod is a fish allergen, and butter is a dairy ingredient.

Recipe Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen cod?
Yes. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator first and pat it very dry before seasoning.

Q: Can I use another fish?
Yes. Haddock, pollock, halibut, tilapia, or haddock can work well. Adjust the cooking time according to the thickness of the fillets.

Q: How do I know when cod is done?
The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. For food safety, use a thermometer and cook the thickest part to 145°F (63°C).

Q: Can I make this without butter?
Yes. Olive oil can replace the butter, although the sauce will have a lighter flavor.

Q: Can I make the sauce creamy?
Yes. Add 2–3 tablespoons of heavy cream to the sauce after adding the broth and lemon juice. Simmer gently until slightly thickened.

Q: Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Absolutely. Asparagus, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, spinach, or broccoli are excellent additions.

Q: Can I prepare the cod ahead of time?
You can prepare the lemon-garlic butter mixture several hours ahead and refrigerate it. For best texture, assemble and bake the cod close to serving time.

Q: How should I store leftovers?
Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat gently so the fish doesn’t dry out.

Q: Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.

Q: Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes. Add ¼–½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the butter sauce.

Approximate Nutrition

Per serving, assuming 4 servings:

Calories: 350–400
Protein: 38–42 g
Carbohydrates: 3–5 g
Fat: 20–24 g
Fiber: 0–1 g
Sugar: 1–2 g
Sodium: approximately 500–700 mg

Nutrition is an estimate and will vary according to the size of the cod fillets and specific ingredients used.

Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.