Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender cod fillets are baked in a zesty, garlicky butter sauce and topped with fresh lemon slices for a bright finish.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to fit the cod fillets in a single layer.
- Step 3: Place the cod fillets in the baking dish and season them with salt and black pepper.
- Step 4: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
- Step 6: Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the cod fillets.
- Step 7: Top each cod fillet with lemon slices.
- Step 8: Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 9: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to the seasoning.
- Swap cod for other white fish like haddock or tilapia if preferred.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a side of rice to complete the meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through to prevent the fish from drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cod works well. Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking to avoid excess moisture.
What can I use instead of fresh lemon?
If you don’t have fresh lemon, bottled lemon juice can be used, though fresh lemon will provide a brighter flavor. You can also add a bit of lemon zest for more citrus aroma.
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Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce is a simple yet flavorful seafood dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Tender cod fillets are seasoned, topped with a garlic lemon butter sauce, and baked to flaky perfection. Garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices, this recipe offers a bright and buttery complement to the mild fish, making it a delicious and nutritious meal option.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 cod fillets
Sauce & Seasoning
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the cod evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to fit the cod fillets in a single layer. This prevents sticking and allows even cooking.
- Season Cod: Place the cod fillets in the baking dish and season both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavor of the fish.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Lemon Juice: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice to combine the bright citrus flavor with the buttery garlic.
- Pour Sauce over Cod: Evenly pour the garlic butter sauce over the seasoned cod fillets, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Top with Lemon Slices: Place lemon slices on top of each cod fillet to add extra aroma and garnish.
- Bake: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh herbal note and color contrast.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh cod fillets that are similar in size for even cooking.
- You can substitute cod with other white fish like haddock or halibut if desired.
- Make sure not to overcook the fish to keep it moist and flaky.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked cod, lemon garlic cod, fish recipes, healthy seafood, easy dinner, cod fillets, lemon butter sauce
