Name: Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets, around 6 ounces each; 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 3 cloves freshly minced garlic; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; lemon slices for garnish

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The air is filled with an enticing aroma of garlic and lemon, bringing a fresh Mediterranean vibe to your kitchen. Picture this: tender cod fillets bathed in golden garlic butter, surrounded by citrus zest, and served with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This delightful dish can turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience, making it perfect for intimate gatherings or cozy family nights. I remember making Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod for the first time during a sunny weekend. The smell wafted through the house, drawing in family members and sparking conversations around the dinner table. It became a favored staple, especially during spring and summer, when fresh fish is abundant. There’s something about that bright, zesty burst of flavor that just makes everything feel vibrant and alive. So, let’s dive into this easy yet impressive recipe that will have you feeling like a gourmet chef in no time!

Table of Contents

Why This Is The Best Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod
Tips for Success
Serve It With
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
Tips & Variations
Recipe FAQs
Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Why This Is The Best Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe

When I say this is the best Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod, I mean it! This dish shines for multiple reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly simple and quick to prepare—ready in just 28 minutes from start to finish. The seductive flavor combo of garlic, zesty lemon, and rich butter envelopes the flaky cod, creating a dish that is both comforting and elegant. Visually, the garnished lemon slices atop the bright fillets make an appetizing presentation that can impress anyone. It’s perfect for various occasions, be it a weeknight dinner or a special celebration. Plus, if you have dietary considerations, this recipe can easily be adapted to be gluten-free and dairy-free, making it accessible for everyone at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cod Fillets: Choose 4 cod fillets, around 6 ounces each. Fresh or frozen both work well, but if you’re using frozen cod, make sure to defrost it properly before cooking.
Unsalted Butter: 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter add richness to this dish. Using unsalted allows you to control the salt levels better. You can substitute it with ghee or a dairy-free butter alternative if needed.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon of olive oil helps with frying and adds depth of flavor. Extra-virgin is a great choice, but standard olive oil works too.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key here—3 cloves take center stage, offering strong aromatic flavors. Powdered garlic can be a backup if you’re out, though fresh is preferred.
Lemon Zest & Juice: 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice infuse brightness into the dish, cutting through the richness of the butter. You can replace fresh lemon with bottled; however, freshly squeezed is always more flavorful.
Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika adds warmth without overwhelming the dish. Regular paprika can be used if you prefer a milder taste.
Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These seasonings, ½ teaspoon and ¼ teaspoon respectively, enhance the overall flavor. Always use kosher salt for better control while seasoning.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Just a pinch can spice things up if you enjoy heat in your dishes!
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley brings a fresh herbal note and beautiful color. Thyme or dill can be used as alternatives.
Lemon Slices: For garnishing and adding a fresh touch, garnish each fillet with a slice of lemon.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod

Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This bagging of heat is essential in achieving that perfect flaky texture for your cod. While the oven warms, use paper towels to pat dry your cod fillets. Drying them well prevents unwanted moisture from ruining that desirable flaky finish. This step can truly make or break the overall texture of the fish, so don’t skip it!

Combine the Flavorful Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. This mixture is where the magic happens—the fusion of flavors creates an irresistible sauce that will glaze the fish, enhancing its natural taste. Feel free to customize this sauce to your liking; maybe add some fresh herbs or a splash of white wine next time if you’re feeling adventurous!

Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and place your dried cod fillets in it. Arrange them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. This recipe is as much about presentation as it is about taste, so be sure to line them up neatly!

Drizzle with Sauce

Pour the luscious lemon garlic butter mixture over the cod fillets. Use a spoon or pastry brush to ensure each fillet is adequately coated. You want every bite to be packed with flavor, so make sure to get it all over!

Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque—be sure to keep an eye on it as thicker fillets may need an extra 2-3 minutes. Your kitchen will soon be filled with a delightful aroma as it bakes.

Garnish and Serve

Once baked, sprinkle your cod with the fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices. Serve it hot and watch your family and friends revel in the deliciousness! Enjoy the vibrant colors and fantastic smells as you plate up this delightful dish.

Tips for Success

Ensure your cod is properly dried to avoid excess moisture and promote even cooking.
Keep an eye on the cooking time; fish can overcook quickly. It should flake effortlessly when done.
If you enjoy it spicy, increase the crushed red pepper flakes, but add cautiously.
Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs won’t compare in this presentation-focused dish.
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad—not only to lighten the meal but to add a crunch!
Feel free to prepare the sauce in advance; it can be stored in the fridge for up to a day.

Serve It With

This Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod tastes wonderful paired with roasted asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes. A fresh arugula salad drizzled with simple lemon vinaigrette complements the fish beautifully too! You could also serve it with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, for a lovely dinner experience. For more visual appeal, consider garnishing your plate with a few cherry tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean flair that makes everything pop.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool before storing. Cod can be safely kept at room temperature for no longer than two hours after cooking. For refrigeration, place it in an airtight container and store it for up to three days. If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap them tightly in cling film or use a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, place the cod on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving is not recommended as it can cause the fish to become rubbery, but if you must, use low power for even warming. The flavor may taste slightly different as it may lose some of that fresh brightness, but it will still be delicious!

Tips & Variations

For those looking to switch things up, consider a few flavorful twists! You can replace cod with other firm white fish like haddock or tilapia. For an exciting flavor twist, use lime juice and zest instead of lemon, or add some capers for a briny bite. If you want herbs to stand out, try using cilantro for a fresh kick or dill paired with the lemon for a classic combination. Additionally, seasonal vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers can be roasted alongside the cod to create a colorful one-pan meal.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the cod completely before using it in the recipe. A quick method includes placing it in a sealed bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour.

What can I substitute for butter?
You can use ghee or a good-quality olive oil if you’re looking to reduce dairy content. Coconut oil can also work, but it will alter the flavor slightly.

How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque throughout. An internal temperature of 145°F is ideal for cooked fish.

Can this recipe easily be doubled?
Yes! If you’re hosting a larger gathering, you can simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger dish while keeping the cooking time in check.

Summing up, the Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod offers a delightful dining experience that’s sure to please. The ease of preparation combined with the delightful flavors creates a win-win scenario. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or simply an excuse to enjoy something special, you’re bound to appreciate how easy yet impressive this dish is. So why not bring the citrusy bright flavors to your table? Enjoy this delectable recipe!

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