Description
Lemon butter baked cod is a light, flavorful seafood dish featuring flaky cod fillets in a citrusy garlic butter sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter.
- Prepare the Butter Mixture – In a small bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Season the Cod – Pat cod fillets dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme.
- Arrange in the Baking Dish – Place seasoned fillets in the prepared dish. Drizzle butter mixture evenly over each fillet.
- Bake – Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for a Golden Finish (Optional) – Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a slightly crispy top.
- Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon slices.
Notes
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for heat.
- Herb Substitutions – Swap oregano and thyme for fresh basil or dill.
- Parmesan Crust – Sprinkle grated Parmesan before baking.
- Dairy-Free Option – Use extra olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Lemon butter baked cod, easy baked cod recipe, healthy seafood dinner, keto fish recipe, quick baked cod