Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

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Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce is the kind of dish that feels like sunshine on a plate. It takes a mild, flaky white fish and transforms it into something extraordinary with just a few fresh ingredients and a luscious buttery finish. You don’t need fancy techniques or hours in the kitchen to make this taste like a restaurant-quality meal. It’s fast, foolproof, and filled with flavor.

This cod is baked until perfectly tender, then bathed in a lemony garlic butter sauce that brings brightness and richness in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or planning a date night at home, this dish delivers without any fuss. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides so you can make it your own.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod

This baked cod recipe is all about simple elegance. It’s healthy, light, and low in carbs, but doesn’t sacrifice on flavor. The lemon juice and zest enhance the freshness of the fish, while garlic and butter create a velvety finish that makes every forkful irresistible. It’s naturally gluten-free, quick to prepare, and sure to please even picky eaters.

Plus, clean-up is minimal, especially if you line your baking dish or use foil. Whether you’re trying to eat more seafood or just need something quick and impressive, this one hits all the marks.

Can I Use Frozen Cod for This Recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re using frozen cod, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the fish bake evenly and ensures the buttery sauce clings beautifully to each piece. Fresh cod is wonderful if you have access to it, but don’t hesitate to use frozen for convenience. Just avoid overly thin fillets to prevent overcooking.

Ingredients for the Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

This dish doesn’t require a long list of ingredients, but each one plays an essential role. Freshness is key to making the flavors pop, especially when it comes to lemon and herbs.

• Cod fillets: The star of the show. Choose thick, firm pieces so they stay moist and tender while baking.
• Lemon juice and zest: Adds bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic brings savory depth that complements the fish beautifully.
• Unsalted butter: Forms the silky base of the sauce. Use real butter for the best flavor.
• Olive oil: Helps the butter sauce emulsify and adds a fruity richness.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavor of the cod.
• Paprika: Adds a touch of warmth and color.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley finishes the dish with a burst of color and herbal freshness.

How To Make the Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with foil. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the olive oil and minced garlic, letting it sizzle just until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Season the Cod

Place the cod fillets in the baking dish and season both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika. Pour the lemon-garlic butter sauce evenly over the fish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cod uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overbaking to keep it tender.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Spoon some of the extra sauce over each portion for maximum flavor.

How to Serve and Store Your Baked Cod

This recipe serves four people generously and can be doubled easily for a larger crowd. The cod is best enjoyed immediately after baking, when the buttery sauce is hot and the fish is flaky.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, being careful not to dry out the fish. You can also flake it into a salad or wrap for a quick next-day lunch.

What to Serve With Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod?

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the lemony butter sauce.

Steamed Asparagus

Light and crisp, asparagus balances the richness of the cod beautifully.

Rice Pilaf

A fluffy, herbed rice pilaf complements the zesty flavors without overpowering them.

Roasted Broccoli and Carrots

Earthy and sweet, these veggies roast up with golden edges that taste great with cod.

Crusty Bread

Serve with slices of crusty sourdough or a baguette to mop up every drop of the sauce.

Creamy Orzo Pasta

This creamy garlic orzo with lemon chicken meatballs is a perfect match if you’re craving something cozy【5†source】.

Green Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

A refreshing salad with a tangy dressing adds a light counterpoint to the buttery fish.

Want More Seafood Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving this Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce, you’ll definitely want to check out these flavorful seafood dishes too:

• Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
• Creamy Garlic Marry Me Salmon
• Baked Stuffed Shrimp Casserole
• Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
• Creamy Garlic Orzo with Lemon Chicken Meatballs

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest seafood board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how your cod turned out. Did you serve it with mashed potatoes or go lighter with veggies? Did you make it spicy or mellow? I’m always excited to see how others bring their own twist to these meals.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and wholesome comfort food ideas on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

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