BAKED LEMON-GARLIC COD WITH BUTTER SAUCE

Tender, flaky cod baked in a rich lemon-garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

For the Cod

• 4 cod fillets, about 6 oz (170 g) each
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Garnishing

• Lemon slices
• Fresh parsley
• Extra lemon zest, optional

Nut Information

• Nuts: None
• Tree nuts: None
• Peanuts: None
• Nut-free: Yes, as written
• Dairy: Contains butter
• Gluten-free: Yes, when using certified gluten-free seasonings
• Allergy note: Check packaged seasonings and butter labels for potential cross-contact if preparing for someone with a severe allergy.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Cod
   Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the fish bake rather than steam.

Place the fillets in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder.

3. Make the Butter Sauce
   In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Whisk until well combined.

4. Add the Sauce
   Pour the lemon-garlic butter sauce evenly over the cod fillets. Place a few lemon slices around or on top of the fish.
5. Bake
   Bake uncovered for approximately 12–16 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).

6. Baste the Fish
   Halfway through cooking, spoon some of the buttery lemon sauce from the bottom of the baking dish over the cod. This keeps the fish moist and flavorful.
7. Broil for Extra Color
   For lightly golden edges, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch carefully so the garlic and butter don’t burn.
8. Finish and Serve
   Remove from the oven and spoon the warm lemon-garlic butter sauce over each fillet. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon zest.

Serve immediately with roasted vegetables, asparagus, green beans, cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Q/S

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 12–16 minutes
• Total time: About 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Serving size: 1 cod fillet with sauce
• Calories: Approximately 320–350 per serving
• Protein: Approximately 38–42 g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 3–4 g
• Fat: Approximately 17–19 g
• Saturated fat: Approximately 7–8 g
• Fiber: Less than 1 g
• Sugar: Approximately 1 g
• Sodium: Approximately 450–550 mg, depending on the cod and seasonings
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying the fish.
• Freezer: Cooked cod can be frozen for up to 2 months, although the texture is best when freshly prepared.
• Gluten-free: Yes
• Keto-friendly: Yes
• Low-carb: Yes

Q&A

Q: How do I know when the cod is done?

A: The cod should be opaque in the center, flake easily with a fork, and reach 145°F (63°C) internally.

Q: Can I use frozen cod?

A: Yes. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator and pat it very dry before seasoning and baking.

Q: Can I use another type of fish?

A: Yes. Haddock, pollock, halibut, or tilapia can work well. Cooking time may vary depending on thickness.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes. Prepare the lemon-garlic butter sauce several hours ahead and refrigerate it. Let it come close to room temperature before pouring over the fish.

Q: How can I make the sauce creamier?

A: Stir 1–2 tablespoons of heavy cream into the melted butter mixture before adding it to the cod.

Q: Can I add Parmesan?

A: Yes. Sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan over the cod during the final few minutes of baking for a cheesy finish.

Q: What vegetables go well with this cod?

A: Asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, green beans, Brussels sprouts, spinach, or roasted cauliflower pair especially well with the lemon-butter sauce.

Q: Can I make this recipe without butter?

A: Yes. Replace the butter with additional olive oil, although the flavor and richness will be different.