Baked Cod with Lemon Butter

Name: Baked Cod with Lemon Butter
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets (6-8 oz each); skinless; 2 tbsp butter; melted; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 3 tbsp butter; melted; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 3 cloves garlic; minced; 1 tbsp fresh parsley; chopped; ¼ tsp paprika; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh parsley; chopped; Lemon wedges

Prep Time: 5 min Cook Time: 15 min Servings: 4 Easy

Ingredients

Main

4 cod fillets (6-8 oz each)
skinless
2 tbsp butter
melted
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon Butter Sauce

3 tbsp butter
melted
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
3 cloves garlic
minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley
chopped
¼ tsp paprika
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

Fresh parsley
chopped
Lemon wedges

Instructions

Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Patting dry raw cod fillets on a cutting board and seasoning with salt and pepper

Whisk together melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, paprika, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl to make the lemon butter sauce.

Mixing lemon butter garlic sauce ingredients in a small bowl with fresh parsley

Place the cod fillets in a lightly oiled baking dish. Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over each fillet, making sure the garlic is distributed on top.

Cod fillets in a baking dish being spooned with lemon butter garlic sauce

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). According to the FDA, this is the safe minimum for fish.

Golden baked cod fillets with lemon butter sauce bubbling in the oven dish

Remove from the oven and spoon the pan sauce over each fillet. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately — fish waits for no one.

Plated baked cod with lemon butter sauce, fresh parsley garnish and lemon wedges

Personal Tips

t overbake — check at 12 minutes.** Cod goes from perfectly flaky to dry and chalky in just 2-3 extra minutes. I start checking at 12 minutes and pull it the moment it flakes easily. The FDA says 145°F (63°C) internal — use a thermometer if you have one.", "**Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled.** The difference is not subtle. Bottled lemon juice tastes flat and metallic next to the bright, fragrant real thing. One medium lemon gives you exactly the 2 tablespoons you need.", "**Spoon the pan sauce over each portion.** That golden butter sauce at the bottom of the dish is concentrated flavor. Don

Nutrition (per serving)

196 kcal

Calories

31g

Protein

Carbs

Fat

Fiber

Nutrition (per serving): 1 fillet with sauce | USDA FoodData Central, calculated estimates

Frequently Asked Questions

How long to bake cod at 400°F?

Bake cod at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes for fresh 1-inch thick fillets. Frozen fillets need 20-25 minutes (thaw first for best results). The fish is done when opaque and flakes easily. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Is baked cod healthy?

Yes. One serving is approximately 196 calories, 31g protein, 7g fat, and 1g carbs. Cod is a lean protein rich in vitamin B12, phosphorus, and omega-3 fatty acids. It is naturally gluten-free and low-carb.

Can I use frozen cod fillets?

Yes, but thaw completely first for best results. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or in cold water for 30 minutes. Pat dry thoroughly — excess moisture prevents the butter sauce from adhering and makes the fish watery.

What temperature should cod be cooked to?

The FDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) measured at the thickest part of the fillet. Visually, the fish should be completely opaque white and flake easily when pressed with a fork.

Can I make lemon butter cod in the air fryer?

Yes. Preheat to 380°F (190°C), place seasoned cod in a single layer, and cook for 8-10 minutes. Brush the butter sauce on before cooking. The air fryer method produces a slightly more caramelized, less saucy result.

Dietary Restrictions

Allergens

Dairy (butter)Fish (cod)

Not Suitable For

Vegans
Vegetarians
Dairy-free dieters (unless modified)
Fish/shellfish allergy

Modifications

Replace butter with olive oil for a dairy-free version. Use any firm white fish (halibut
haddock
tilapia) if cod is unavailable. The recipe is naturally gluten-free as written.

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