My husband has been requesting this dish every week for two months now!
Lemons and butter have a unique way of infusing cod with a delightful flavor that even the pickiest eater cannot resist. This Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe epitomizes simplicity, demonstrating how a few ingredients can elevate a humble piece of fish into a meal that brings the family together. Perfect for a midweek dinner or a special weekend meal, it has become a staple in my kitchen for its ease and the fresh, clean taste it imparts.
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod pairs wonderfully with a range of sides that complement its light and buttery flavor. I love serving it with steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad to introduce some freshness to the meal. For a heartier option, you can pair it with garlic mashed potatoes or a simple pasta tossed with olive oil and parmesan. For an exceptionally comforting meal, serving it with homemade dinner rolls is a must to soak up all the delicious lemon butter sauce.
Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Servings: 4
Ingredients
4 cod filets, about 6 ounces each
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 lemon, juice and zest
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Place the cod filets in the prepared baking dish. Season each filet with salt and pepper to taste.
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic.
Pour the lemon butter mixture over the cod filets, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Variations & Tips
For those who might enjoy a little extra crunch or flavor, adding a crumb topping can provide a delightful twist. Simply mix some panko breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle over the cod before baking. For a healthier variant, you can substitute olive oil for butter. If you’re catering to a spice lover, adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter mixture can give it a nice kick. Lastly, if lemons are too tart for your taste, try using oranges for a sweeter citrus flavor.