Save to Pinterest This dish features skinless cod fillets gently baked in a mixture of melted butter, fresh lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, and herbs. The cooking process enhances the flaky texture of the fish while infusing it with bright citrus and savory notes. A slice of lemon tops each fillet before baking, adding aroma and a hint of acidity. This elegant yet simple preparation suits weeknight dinners or impresses at a special meal, pairing well with steamed vegetables or rice.
The way this cod fills your kitchen with that bright lemon-garlic aroma is something else entirely. I stumbled onto it during a busy season when takeout had become too frequent and my tastebuds were craving something clean but still comforting.
Last Tuesday my partner actually paused mid bite to ask what made the fish taste so restaurant quality. That moment when someone looks up from their plate completely surprised by something so simple is exactly why this stays in rotation.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets about 170 g 6 oz each skinless and boneless Cod holds up beautifully to baking while staying delicate and flaky
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted Unsalted lets you control the seasoning perfectly
- 1 large lemon zested and juiced Fresh zest packs way more flavor than bottled juice ever could
- 2 cloves garlic minced Minced finely so it distributes evenly through the sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped Flat leaf parsley has a more subtle sweet flavor than curly
- 1 tbsp olive oil Helps prevent the butter from burning in the oven
- ½ tsp salt Just enough to enhance without overwhelming the delicate fish
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper Freshly cracked adds a nice aromatic quality
- ½ tsp paprika optional Adds a subtle warmth and gorgeous color to the finished dish
- Lemon slices for garnish A fresh slice on top keeps things looking bright and inviting
- Extra chopped parsley That final pop of green makes everything look finished
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C 400°F and prep the baking dish
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper or give it a quick swipe of olive oil
- Pat the cod fillets dry and arrange them
- Give each fillet a gentle press with paper towels then lay them in your prepared dish
- Whisk together the butter lemon mixture
- Combine melted butter lemon zest and juice garlic olive oil salt pepper paprika and parsley in a small bowl
- Spoon the sauce evenly over the fish
- Pour that golden mixture right over the cod making sure each fillet gets coated
- Add a lemon slice on top
- Place one lemon slice on each fillet for that final bright touch
- Bake until perfectly flaky
- Slide it into the oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the fish flakes easily and looks opaque throughout
- Garnish and serve while hot
- Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and bring it straight to the table
Save to Pinterest This recipe has become my go to for those nights when I want something that feels special but requires zero fuss. The first time I made it for my mom she asked for the recipe before even finishing her first bite.
Choosing the Best Fish
I learned to look for cod that translucent rather than opaque and has zero fishy smell when I get close to the counter. Frozen fillets work perfectly here just thaw them completely and pat them really dry before starting.
Building More Flavor
Sometimes I tuck capers or sliced olives between the fillets before baking or serve alongside steamed vegetables with a little extra lemon. The dairy free version with olive oil instead of butter still yields that gorgeous sauce everyone fights over.
Making It Your Own
Haddock and halibut both shine with this same preparation if you want to switch things up. A little extra paprika gives it beautiful color while fresh thyme can step in for parsley when thats what you have on hand.
- Season the fish lightly before adding the sauce
- Reserve some parsley for the final garnish only
- Serve immediately while that lemon butter is still warm and fluid
Save to Pinterest This is the kind of dinner that makes people feel taken care of without ever knowing how effortless it really was.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of fish works best for this dish?
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Firm white fish like cod, haddock, or halibut are ideal for baking with lemon and butter, offering tender flaky texture.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
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Yes, substitute butter with vegan margarine or extra olive oil to keep it dairy-free while maintaining richness.
- → How do I know when the fish is done baking?
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The fish flakes easily with a fork and becomes opaque throughout, usually after 15-20 minutes at 200°C (400°F).
- → What sides pair well with baked cod and lemon butter?
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Steamed vegetables, rice, or roasted potatoes complement the flavors and make a balanced meal.
- → Can I add extra flavors or toppings?
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Adding capers, sliced olives, or fresh herbs on top before baking adds complexity and brightness.
