Name: Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each); 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); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Lemon slices (for garnish)

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 12 reviews

If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen, you have to try this Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe. It’s a stunningly simple yet flavor-packed meal, combining flaky cod with a luscious, buttery sauce infused with bright lemon and aromatic garlic. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tangy zest and comforting richness that instantly elevates your dinner without fuss or stress. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just want to impress with minimal effort, this recipe fits the bill beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four pieces of cooked fish with a golden-orange seasoning on top, arranged closely together in a shallow white bowl. Each fish piece has a slightly crispy, textured surface with visible spices. Two lemon slices rest on two different pieces, adding a bright yellow contrast with some fresh green chopped herbs sprinkled over the fish and the bowl. A light sauce pools at the bottom, giving a shiny, moist look to the fish. The bowl is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the key to nailing this Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe. Each item plays an essential role, from the fresh herbs that add color and brightness to the spices that bring warmth and depth—all working together to create a simple yet stunning dish.

4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each): Choose fresh, firm cod for the best flaky texture and mild flavor.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Butter is the rich base that carries all the flavors and keeps the fish moist.
1 tablespoon olive oil: This adds a subtle earthiness and helps to blend the garlic and spices smoothly.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is essential to infuse the buttery sauce with aromatic zing.
1 tablespoon lemon zest: The zest packs a vibrant citrus punch without any added acidity.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness with its fresh acidity.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smoky warmth that complements the garlic beautifully.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Offers a mild heat to lift the dish.
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a subtle kick of spice.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Parsley finishes the dish with freshness and a pop of color.
Lemon slices (for garnish): Adds an eye-catching garnish and hints of extra citrus aroma.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for baking cod gently enough to stay moist but hot enough to create a slightly golden, flavorful crust from the buttery sauce.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavorful Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix them well so all those incredible flavors marry into a smooth, fragrant sauce that will soak into your cod.

Step 3: Prepare the Cod Fillets

Pat your cod fillets dry with paper towels to ensure that the sauce clings perfectly without steaming the fish. Arrange the fillets spaced evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps them cook evenly and absorb all the lemon garlic butter goodness.

Step 4: Pour on the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Pour the prepared lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over each cod fillet. Be generous here! This sauce is where the magic happens, infusing every bite with warming richness and bright citrus notes.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Flaky

Bake the cod for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork. If your fillets are thicker, give them an extra 2 to 3 minutes in the oven. The fish should be opaque and tender but still flaky and juicy inside.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish the dish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley all over the baked cod and adding a few lemon slices for garnish. This final touch adds freshness and makes your presentation pop, inviting everyone to dive right in.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe

The image shows four thick white fish fillets, each covered with a thick orange-brown sauce with small visible spices and bits, arranged in two rows inside a cream-colored baking dish with dark blue handles on the sides that have the word

Garnishes

Sprinkling fresh parsley and slicing bright lemon wedges over your cod is a simple yet elegant way to enhance the dish’s color and freshness. The herbs add a crisp aroma, and the lemon wedges allow guests to add an extra citrus burst just before eating.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe pairs beautifully with light, simple sides. Steamed green beans or a crisp arugula salad complement the richness, while roasted baby potatoes or fluffy rice soak up any leftover buttery sauce for a comforting finish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the cod on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and drizzle with the buttery baking juices. Alternatively, plating the fish alongside vibrant grilled vegetables or tossing in a handful of toasted pine nuts adds texture and wow factor that impresses without effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover baked cod in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed as soon as possible for the most tender texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap each cod fillet tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or use a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cod maintains good quality for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture intact.

Reheating

To reheat your Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe without drying it out, warm it gently in a low oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the flaky texture and buttery flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cod is ideal for its mild flavor and flaky texture, you can try this recipe with haddock, halibut, or even tilapia for a similar effect. Just adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your fish.

Is it necessary to use fresh lemon zest and juice?

Fresh lemon zest and juice truly elevate this dish by providing bright, natural citrus notes that bottled juice can’t replicate. If you have to substitute, fresh is always better, but a good quality bottled lemon juice will still work in a pinch.

How do I know when the cod is done baking?

The cod should be opaque and flake easily when tested with a fork. If it still looks translucent or doesn’t flake, it needs a few more minutes in the oven. Be careful not to overbake, or the fish can become dry.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine or extra olive oil. The olive oil will keep the sauce rich and flavorful while avoiding dairy completely.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake later?

You can assemble the cod and sauce in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. Just bring it back to room temperature for about 20 minutes before popping it in the oven for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe is one of those rare meals that come together quickly and effortlessly, yet taste like you’ve spent hours crafting something special. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner, a way to impress friends, or a delicious treat just for you. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a delightful dish that feels as good as it tastes.