Baked Cod with Lemon Butter (Printable)
Tender cod fillets baked in a zesty lemon butter sauce for a light, flavorful weeknight meal ready in 30 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 cod fillets (approximately 5.3 oz each), skinless and boneless
→ Lemon Butter Sauce
02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (approximately 1 lemon)
05 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
06 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
10 - Lemon slices
11 - Fresh parsley, chopped
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to accommodate the cod fillets in a single layer.
02 - Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and arrange them in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
03 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
04 - Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets, ensuring each fillet is well coated.
05 - Top each fillet with a lemon slice for presentation and subtle flavor enhancement.
06 - Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout.
07 - Remove from the oven, garnish with additional fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The lemon butter creates this silky pool at the bottom of the dish that you will absolutely want to drizzle over everything on your plate.
- Its one of those deceptively fancy looking dishes that takes less than 10 minutes to prep but will make anyone think you spent all afternoon in the kitchen.
02 -
- Overcooking is the downfall of many fish dishes, so start checking for doneness at the 12 minute mark, especially if your fillets are on the thinner side.
- The residual heat in the dish will continue cooking the fish for a minute or two after you remove it from the oven, so pull it just before it looks completely done.
03 -
- Always bring fish to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking for more even results, especially if youre starting with previously frozen fillets.
- Reserve a tablespoon of the lemon butter mixture to brush over the finished dish just before serving for an extra boost of fresh flavor.