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Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 33 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe delivers a perfectly tender and flaky white fish infused with a bright, zesty lemon butter sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy and elegant dish ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and parsley elevates the natural flavor of cod, while baking ensures a healthy, fuss-free preparation.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

  • 4 (6-ounce) cod fillets (fresh or thawed frozen cod)

Sauce

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Garnishes

  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the cod fillets cook evenly and develop a perfectly baked texture.
  2. Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic to create a fragrant and flavorful sauce.
  3. Season the Cod: Lightly grease a baking dish and place the cod fillets inside. Drizzle half of the lemon butter sauce over the fillets. Sprinkle the fish evenly with salt, black pepper, and dried parsley to enhance their flavor.
  4. Bake the Cod: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (62°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
  5. Serve: Remove the cod from the oven and drizzle the remaining lemon butter sauce over the fillets. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh parsley. Pair with sides like steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute cod with other white fish such as haddock or tilapia.
  • For a lighter option, swap unsalted butter with olive oil.
  • If fresh lemon juice is unavailable, lime juice can be used as an alternative.
  • Garlic powder can replace minced garlic, but fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
  • Adjust salt according to personal taste or dietary needs.
  • Check the fish for doneness by ensuring it flakes easily with a fork and reaches a safe internal temperature.

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Find it online: https://flavorfuldailymeals.com/lemon-butter-baked-cod-recipe-3/