Lemon Butter Baked Cod – Light, Fresh, and Full of Flavor

Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a simple yet elegant dish that combines flaky, tender white fish with a bright citrusy kick and a buttery finish. It’s the perfect recipe when you want a light, healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish makes weeknight dinners feel special while keeping cleanup effortless.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Bright & Refreshing: Fresh lemon balances the rich, buttery sauce.
Healthy & Satisfying: Lean protein with heart-healthy benefits.
Family-Friendly: Mild flavor makes it great for both kids and adults.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Lemon Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Assemble the Dish
Place cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Brush or spoon the lemon butter mixture evenly over the fish.

4. Bake the Cod
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on thickness.

5. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fat: 10g
Protein: 27g
Fiber: 0g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook: Cod cooks quickly; pull it out as soon as it flakes easily.
• Use Fresh Lemon: It makes a big difference in flavor compared to bottled juice.
• Try Other Herbs: Dill, thyme, or basil also pair wonderfully with cod.
• Add Veggies: Bake with asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for a one-pan meal.

Why This Recipe Works

Cod is a mild, flaky fish that absorbs flavors beautifully. The buttery lemon garlic sauce enhances the natural sweetness of the fish without overpowering it. Baking keeps it light and tender, making this dish elegant yet approachable.

Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a fresh, light, and flavorful dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy enough for busy weeknights. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, it’s the kind of dish you’ll keep coming back to whenever you want something healthy, comforting, and delicious.