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Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 0h 10m
  • Cook Time: 0h 15m
  • Total Time: 0h 25m
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Arrange Fillets: Place the dried cod fillets in a single layer in the greased baking dish to allow even exposure to heat.
  4. 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.
  5. Coat Cod: Pour the prepared lemon butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets, coating each piece thoroughly to infuse flavor.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top of the baked cod for a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma.
  9. 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.