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A quick and flavorful baked cod dish with lemon, garlic, and butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and adaptable for various white fish and sides.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (fresh or thoroughly thawed)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (can substitute with olive oil)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh recommended)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. If frozen, thaw cod fillets overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  3. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  4. Add minced garlic to the melted butter and cook about 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  5. Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest into the garlic butter.
  6. Arrange cod fillets in a single layer in a baking dish.
  7. Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over the fillets to coat them.
  8. Bake for 12–15 minutes until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  9. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the cod before serving.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice for best flavor., Thaw frozen cod slowly overnight in the fridge to maintain texture., Keep a close watch on cooking time to avoid drying out the cod., Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness or omit for no heat., Add vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes to the baking dish for a one-pan meal., The lemon garlic butter sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated., Season the fish up to 24 hours ahead to reduce prep time on cooking day., Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months., To reheat, warm gently in the oven or microwave to maintain moisture.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet
  • Calories: Approximately 250 calories per fillet
  • Fat: Contains butter, moderate fat content
  • Carbohydrates: Low (minimal carbs in recipe)
  • Protein: Approximately 20 grams per fillet