Lemon Garlic Baked Cod (Print Version)
Tender cod baked in zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce for a quick, healthy dinner.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Fish
01 - 4 cod fillets (about 5 oz each), boneless and skinless
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
04 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
05 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
09 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
10 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Garnish
11 - Lemon wedges
12 - Additional chopped parsley
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the fillets in a single layer.
02 - Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using).
04 - Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the fillets.
05 - Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
06 - Garnish with additional parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The lemon garlic butter transforms mild cod into something restaurant worthy in minutes
- Baking keeps the fish incredibly tender while infusing it with bright Mediterranean flavors
02 -
- Overcooking cod makes it dry and rubbery, so remove it from the oven the moment it flakes easily
- Lemon zest matters more than juice for aroma, so zest before you squeeze for maximum flavor impact
03 -
- Marinate the cod in the lemon garlic mixture for 15 minutes before baking for extra flavor penetration
- A crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the butter and highlights the citrus notes perfectly