Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Delicate cod fillets bathed in a bright, tangy lemon butter sauce emerge from the oven perfectly flaky and moist in this simple yet elegant seafood dish. The marriage of butter's richness with lemon's zesty freshness creates a light sauce that enhances the mild cod without overwhelming its natural flavor. Ready in under 30 minutes and requiring minimal preparation, this nutritious meal delivers restaurant-quality results with everyday ingredients.

Last month when my sister visited with her family, I needed a quick dinner option that would please everyone. This lemon butter cod became an unexpected star of the weekend. My nephew, typically resistant to any seafood, asked for seconds and then requested I teach his mother how to make it. Something about the gentle cooking method and bright flavors transformed this humble fish into something truly special that appeals to even reluctant seafood eaters.

Perfect Ingredients

• Fresh cod fillets: The star of the dish provides a mild, delicate flavor and flaky texture that absorbs the lemon butter beautifully; selecting fillets of similar thickness ensures even cooking
• Butter: Creates the silky base for the sauce while adding richness that balances the bright acidity of lemon; use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the final dish
• Lemon juice and zest: Delivers essential brightness and zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of butter while complementing the mild cod perfectly
• Fresh garlic: Adds aromatic depth without overwhelming the delicate fish; mincing it finely ensures it cooks quickly and distributes evenly throughout the sauce
• Quality olive oil: Combines with butter to create a sauce that stays luscious even after baking while adding its own subtle fruity notes

My journey with this recipe began years ago during a coastal vacation where I watched a local chef prepare fresh-caught cod with just butter, lemon, and herbs. The simplicity surprised me, but the flavor was unforgettable. After several attempts at home, I discovered that the quality of each ingredient truly matters when working with so few components. Fresh lemons and good butter make an enormous difference in the final result.

Cooking Method

Prepare your oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature before the fish goes in. Proper preheating guarantees even cooking and helps achieve that perfect flaky texture. Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper for easier cleanup.

Create the signature sauce:

Combine melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a unified emulsion that will coat the fish evenly. This balanced sauce provides the perfect combination of richness and acidity.

Season the fish:

Place cod fillets in your prepared baking dish, ensuring they don't overlap. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper, remembering that proper seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the delicate fish. Even spacing between fillets allows for proper heat circulation.

Apply the lemon butter:

Pour the prepared sauce evenly over each fillet, using a spoon to ensure every piece receives a generous coating. The sauce will not only flavor the fish but also help keep it moist during baking, preventing the common problem of dry, overcooked seafood.

Bake until perfect:

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with gentle pressure from a fork, while still retaining moisture. Avoid overcooking, which can quickly dry out this lean fish.

Pin it

My first attempts at this recipe taught me valuable lessons about cooking fish. I initially baked it too long, resulting in dry, tough fillets. Now I check a minute or two before the recommended time, looking for that moment when the fish just begins to flake but still appears slightly moist. Another discovery was the importance of bringing refrigerated fish to room temperature before baking, which promotes more even cooking and tender results.

Serving Suggestions

Present this elegant seafood creation alongside roasted asparagus or broccoli that can cook simultaneously in the oven, creating an effortless complete meal. For a more substantial dinner, serve over wild rice or quinoa which absorbs the delicious lemon butter sauce. A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the bright flavors perfectly, elevating an everyday meal to special occasion status.

Flavor Variations

Transform this versatile base recipe by adding a tablespoon of capers to the sauce for a Mediterranean twist reminiscent of piccata. For herb lovers, incorporate fresh dill or thyme into the lemon butter mixture before baking. Create a slightly spicy version by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to contrast with the richness of the butter and brightness of lemon.

Storage Smarts

Keep leftover treasures fresh by cooling completely before transferring to an airtight container where they'll maintain quality in your refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, avoid the microwave which can toughen the delicate fish. Instead, place in a 275°F oven covered with foil and a splash of water until just warmed through. This gentle reheating preserves the tender texture without drying out the fish.

This lemon butter baked cod has become my reliable solution for those evenings when I crave something special but lack the energy for complicated cooking. There's something magical about transforming such simple ingredients into a meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent. The bright flavors and delicate texture create a dining experience that belies the minimal effort involved in its preparation. Whether served for a quiet family dinner or presented to guests, this dish consistently garners compliments while allowing me to enjoy more time at the table and less time in the kitchen.

Pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I know when cod is fully cooked?

Cod is fully cooked when it turns from translucent to opaque white and flakes easily when tested with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Be careful not to overcook, as cod can quickly become dry and tough.

→ Can I make this recipe with frozen cod?

Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before adding the lemon butter sauce for the best results.

→ What are good side dishes to serve with this cod?

This lemon butter cod pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh green salad. For starches, try roasted potatoes, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or a side of quinoa.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil (use 1/4 cup total) or a plant-based butter alternative. The dish will have a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious with all the lemon, garlic and herbs.

→ Is this recipe good for meal prep?

While fish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare this for meal prep. Store cooked portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave at 50% power or in a covered pan with a splash of water to prevent drying out.