Description
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe features tender, flaky cod fillets baked to perfection with a zesty lemon butter sauce infused with garlic and paprika. It’s a quick and easy oven-baked seafood dish that delivers bright, fresh flavors and a buttery finish, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 1 lb cod fillets
Sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cod: Rinse the cod fillets under cold water to remove any surface residues and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure even cooking.
- Arrange Fillets: Place the dried cod fillets in a single layer in the greased baking dish to allow even exposure to heat.
- Make Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika to create a flavorful lemon butter sauce.
- Coat Cod: Pour the prepared lemon butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets, coating each piece thoroughly to infuse flavor.
- Initial Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes to gently cook the fish and meld flavors.
- Final Bake: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top of the baked cod for a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.
- Serve: Serve the lemon butter baked cod hot alongside your preferred side dishes and enjoy this light, delicious seafood meal.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcook the cod to keep it moist and flaky; the total baking time is approximately 15-19 minutes.
- Fresh lemon juice and zest provide brightness, but you can adjust the amount to your preference.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
