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Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe

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4.2 from 12 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe offers a perfectly tender and flaky cod fillet infused with zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and rich butter flavors. Baked quickly at a high temperature, the cod cooks to perfection in under 20 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both light and flavorful. With a hint of smoked paprika and optional red pepper flakes adding subtle warmth, this dish is garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a refreshing finish.

Ingredients

Fish

  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)

Butter Sauce

  • 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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature by the time you prepare the cod, enabling a quick and even bake.
  2. Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. This mixture will infuse the cod with bright, savory flavors.
  3. Prepare the Cod Fillets: Pat each cod fillet dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the sauce cling better and prevents sogginess. Arrange the fillets in a 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving some space between each piece for even cooking.
  4. Coat the Cod with Sauce: Evenly pour the lemon garlic butter mixture over each cod fillet, ensuring every fillet is well coated to maximize flavor absorption during baking.
  5. Bake the Cod: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the cod for 12 to 15 minutes. The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork. If your fillets are particularly thick, they might require an additional 2–3 minutes of baking.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the cod with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Garnish with lemon slices for an extra citrusy touch. Serve immediately to enjoy the cod at its best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • For thicker cod fillets, increase the baking time by 2–3 minutes to ensure they cook through.
  • If you prefer less spice, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor; bottled lemon juice won’t provide the same freshness.
  • Ensure the cod fillets are dry before baking to help the sauce adhere and to prevent excess moisture.
  • Can be served with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and gently reheated.
  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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