Elegant Lemon-Butter Baked Cod
A fresh and simple dish featuring tender cod fillets baked with a luscious lemon-butter sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 oz 4 cod fillets (preferably thawed) firm and flaky, the star of the dish
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter adds a rich, creamy texture
- 1 medium lemon (juiced and zested) brings zesty brightness and refreshing flavor
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder infuses savory depth
- 3/4 tsp sea salt enhances all flavors
- 1/4 tsp black pepper adds a subtle kick
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped) for a pop of color and freshness
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and arrange them in a single layer in a 9x13 baking dish.
- In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter and stir in the juiced lemon juice and zested lemon peel.
- Brush the lemon-butter mixture generously over each cod fillet.
- Sprinkle the cod with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Flip the fillets and repeat the seasoning on the other side.
Cooking
- Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until opaque and flaky.
- Once out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For a more impressive dish, marinate the cod fillets in the lemon-butter mixture for 30 minutes before baking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.