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A quick and healthy baked cod recipe featuring tender, flaky fish with a bright garlic-lemon butter sauce and fresh herbs, perfect for low-carb, keto, and Mediterranean diets.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each), patted dry
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 fresh lemons (1 juiced, 1 sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
  3. Optional: Bring cod fillets to room temperature for 10–15 minutes.
  4. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels.
  5. Whisk the melted butter in a small bowl.
  6. Add the finely minced garlic to the melted butter and stir to combine.
  7. Squeeze juice from one lemon into the butter-garlic mixture and mix.
  8. Stir in half of the chopped parsley.
  9. Season the sauce with dried oregano, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper and stir well.
  10. Arrange the cod fillets evenly in the prepared baking dish without crowding.
  11. Drizzle the garlic-lemon butter sauce evenly over each fillet.
  12. Tuck lemon slices on top of the fillets.
  13. Sprinkle paprika over the fillets if desired.
  14. Bake the cod for 12 to 15 minutes, starting to check at 12 minutes.
  15. Check doneness by ensuring the fish flakes easily with a fork or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  16. Let the fish rest for 3 to 5 minutes.
  17. Scatter the remaining chopped parsley over the fillets before serving.

Notes

Always use fresh or fully thawed cod for the best texture and flavor., Pat the fish completely dry to help the sauce cling and achieve a nice finish., Keep an eye on baking time to avoid drying out the cod as it cooks fast., Let the cooked fish rest a few minutes to lock in juices., Avoid crowding the fish in the baking dish to ensure even cooking and browning., Store leftovers in the fridge and consume within 2 days., Reheat leftovers gently in a 275°F oven to keep fish tender., Freezing leftovers is not recommended as cod texture changes when thawed., For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil or ghee and adjust salt accordingly., Add extra lemon zest or fresh herbs after baking to enhance brightness., Line baking dish with foil or parchment for easier cleanup.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cod fillet (6 ounces)
  • Calories: Approximately 220 calories per serving
  • Fat: 12 grams per serving
  • Carbohydrates: 1 gram per serving
  • Protein: 21 grams per serving