Baked Lemon Butter Cod

This baked lemon butter cod is the kind of recipe that effortlessly turns a busy weeknight into a light and flavorful dinner you look forward to. The sauce is rich with garlic and brightened by fresh lemon, giving the fish a buttery texture with just a little kick from red pepper flakes. It takes hardly any time to prepare and cooks quickly in the oven, making it perfect when you want something simple but still impressive.

I first made this on a night when I needed something quick and fresh after a long day. Now whenever I tell friends about easy seafood options, this one always gets a nod as a family favorite that’s both healthy and delicious.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets or other white fish six ounces each: cod has a mild, flaky texture that soaks up the sauce well
• Quarter cup unsalted butter melted: butter adds richness and smoothness to the sauce
• 2 cloves garlic minced: fresh garlic gives a bold garlicky punch that drives the flavor
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: complements fresh garlic for a layered garlic taste
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: adds subtle savory depth
• Zest from one lemon: zest brightens and freshens the whole dish
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: lemon juice adds acidity and tang
• Quarter teaspoon red pepper flakes: just enough spice to warm without overpowering
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped: parsley adds a fresh, herbal finish
• 1 lemon cut into slices: lemon slices bake with the fish, adding both flavor and a pretty presentation

How to Make It

Preheat the oven:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit

Prepare the sauce and coat the fish:

In a medium-sized bowl combine the melted butter, garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly until well blended. Add the cod fillets to the bowl and gently toss them around in the lemon butter sauce so each piece is fully coated

Arrange the fish:

Place the cod fillets in a 9 by 13 inch baking dish spreading them out evenly. Pour any remaining lemon butter sauce over the top of the fish to keep everything moist. Arrange the lemon slices around and on top of the cod fillets for extra flavor and a nice presentation

Bake:

Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Check the fish after 10 minutes by seeing if it flakes easily with a fork. Cook a few minutes longer if needed but be careful not to overcook as cod can dry out quickly

Finish and serve:

Once baked remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top to add color and an herbal brightness. Serve immediately with the lemon slices perched on top or alongside

My favorite part of this dish is the fresh lemon zest. It really brightens the buttery sauce and balances the garlic richness perfectly. I remember one family dinner where everyone went back for seconds and even the kids loved the zesty fresh flavor without it being too spicy

Flavor Boosters

Storage Tips Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit to avoid drying out the fish or use the microwave on low power for a short time. This helps maintain moisture and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This cod pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a light salad. Roasted potatoes or rice pilaf are also excellent choices to soak up the lemon butter sauce. A crisp white wine complements the bright citrus and garlic flavors nicely.

Creative Twists

You can substitute cod for halibut or haddock if you prefer a firmer or slightly different flavor in white fish. For a dairy-free option swap butter for olive oil but the sauce will be less rich. Adjust the heat level by omitting the red pepper flakes if you want a milder dish.

This is a simple recipe that combines fresh ingredients and quick preparation, perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for guests.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of fish works best for this dish?

White fish fillets like cod are ideal due to their flaky texture and ability to absorb the lemon butter flavors well.

→ How do I prevent the fish from drying out?

Pat fillets dry before coating with sauce and avoid overbaking. Baking at 400°F for 10-15 minutes keeps the fish moist and tender.

→ Can I prepare this if using frozen fish?

Yes, thaw frozen fillets overnight in the fridge or under cool running water before cooking to ensure even cooking.

→ What does the red pepper flakes add to the dish?

They provide a subtle kick of spice that balances the richness of the butter and brightness of the lemon.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven at 350°F to keep texture intact.

→ Is it necessary to cool the melted butter before mixing?

Allowing melted butter to cool slightly prevents cooking the fish prematurely and helps maintain a delicate texture.