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Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe

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3.9 from 66 reviews

This Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy tender, flaky cod fillets infused with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and a buttery olive oil blend. Perfectly baked to perfection, this dish is an elegant, healthy, and quick seafood option that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Fish

  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)

Sauce & Seasoning

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even, consistent baking temperature for the cod.
  2. Prepare Lemon Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until fully combined. This mixture will provide a rich and bright flavor to the fish.
  3. Arrange Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps in browning. Place them evenly spaced in a 9×13-inch baking dish to allow the lemon garlic butter to coat each piece.
  4. Apply Sauce: Pour the prepared lemon butter mixture evenly over each cod fillet, ensuring all portions are well covered with the flavorful sauce.
  5. Bake the Cod: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Check for doneness by testing if the cod flakes easily with a fork. For thicker fillets, add an additional 2–3 minutes for thorough cooking.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the cod with freshly chopped parsley and garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors at their best.

Notes

  • Choose fresh cod fillets that are uniform in size for even cooking.
  • If you prefer a milder heat, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
  • The dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 2 days and gently reheated.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with extra olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/lemon-garlic-butter-baked-cod-recipe/