Lemon Butter Baked Cod Tasty and Simple Recipe

Name: Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 fillets cod fillets (about 6 oz each); 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 unit Zest of 1 lemon; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; to taste Salt and pepper; to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); to serve Lemon slices

November 29, 2025August 17, 2025 by Nora

If you want an easy and tasty meal, you’ve come to the right place! This Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe is light, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy nights or impressing guests, this dish uses simple ingredients and is easy to follow. In no time, you’ll have a delicious dinner that everyone will love. Let’s get cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor Combination: The lemon and butter create a rich, tangy sauce that perfectly complements the mild flavor of cod.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare and takes only 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy Option: Cod is a lean source of protein and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish a nutritious choice for any meal.
Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant colors of the lemon and parsley garnish make this dish not only tasty but visually appealing as well.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Lemon slices (for serving)

To make lemon butter baked cod, you need fresh cod fillets. Choose fillets that are firm and pink. The butter makes the dish rich and adds flavor. Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness.

Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish with a tangy note. Minced garlic gives it a warm depth. Oregano and paprika add savory tones.

Don’t forget salt and pepper. They enhance all the flavors. For garnishing, chopped parsley adds color and freshness. Serve with lemon slices for extra zing.

Gather these ingredients, and you’re set for a tasty meal. Enjoy the cooking adventure with this simple yet flavorful recipe!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Preheating the oven: Start by turning your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step helps the cod cook evenly and quickly.

2. Preparing the baking dish: Take a baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.

3. Making the lemon butter sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything blends well. This sauce adds great flavor to the fish.

Baking Steps

1. Arranging the cod fillets: Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Make sure they are skin-side down. This helps keep the fish moist.

2. Coating with sauce: Pour your lemon butter sauce evenly over the fillets. Ensure each piece is well coated to soak up that zesty flavor.

3. Baking time and temperature: Bake the cod in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. You know it’s ready when the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Final Touches

1. Resting the dish: Once the cod is done, take it out of the oven. Let it rest for a minute. This helps the flavors settle.

2. Garnishing and serving suggestions: Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with lemon slices on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips for Perfect Cod

Choosing fresh cod fillets: Look for bright, shiny skin. The fish should smell like the ocean, not fishy. Fresh cod has a firm texture and should spring back when you press it.
Ensuring even cooking: Make sure the fillets are similar in size. This helps them cook at the same rate. If they vary too much, cut the larger pieces to match the smaller ones.
Checking for doneness: The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Use a fork to poke the thickest part. If it separates easily, it’s ready!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the fish: Cod cooks quickly. Keep an eye on it in the oven. Overcooking makes it dry and tough. Stick to the 12-15 minute cooking time.
Under-seasoning the sauce: The lemon butter sauce should be bright and flavorful. Don’t skimp on salt and pepper. Taste the sauce before pouring it over the fish.

Additional Serving Suggestions

Complementary side dishes: Serve the cod with rice or roasted veggies. A fresh salad also pairs well. Try a side of garlic bread for a nice touch.
Wine pairings: A crisp white wine works best with cod. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. These wines will enhance the lemon flavors in the dish.

Pro Tips

Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste of the dish.
Do Not Overcook: Keep an eye on the cod while baking. Cooking it for too long can make it dry. Aim for a flaky texture.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper. Proper seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of the fish and the sauce.
Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to substitute oregano with other herbs like thyme or dill for a different flavor profile.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap cod with other fish like tilapia or haddock. These options are mild, just like cod. If you want a richer taste, try salmon or trout. For a plant-based option, use tofu or tempeh.

When it comes to herbs and spices, feel free to mix it up. Instead of oregano, use thyme or dill for a different flavor. Try adding a bit of cayenne pepper for heat, or use Italian seasoning for a mixed herb taste.

Cooking Methods

Grilling cod gives a nice smoky flavor. If you grill, preheat your grill to medium-high. Cook the fish for about 5-7 minutes on each side. It will have nice grill marks and a crispy texture.

You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 380°F (193°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes. The air fryer makes the outside crispy while keeping the inside moist.

Flavor Enhancements

Adding vegetables is a great way to boost flavor. Try placing asparagus or zucchini around the cod while it bakes. They soak up the lemon butter sauce and add color to your dish.

You can also incorporate different citrus fruits for a twist. Orange or lime juice works well. Their flavors mix nicely with lemon and give a fresh taste.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your lemon butter baked cod fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This will help keep the fish moist and tasty. Make sure the cod cools down before you seal it. It’s best to eat the leftovers within two days.

Reheating Instructions

When you want to reheat cod, do it gently. You can use an oven or a skillet. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes. If using a skillet, add a bit of oil. Heat it on low and cook for a few minutes on each side. This keeps the fish tender.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze lemon butter baked cod if you have extra. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the instructions above for the best taste.

FAQs

How long to bake cod at 400°F?

Bake cod at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes. The fish should turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. Thicker fillets may need a bit more time, so check for doneness.

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cod. First, thaw the fillets in the fridge overnight. Pat them dry before baking. This helps the lemon butter sauce stick better. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw them under cold running water for about 30 minutes.

What sides go well with lemon butter baked cod?

Lemon butter baked cod pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options:

Steamed asparagus
Garlic mashed potatoes
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Quinoa salad
Rice pilaf

These sides enhance the meal and add variety to your plate. Enjoy!

This blog post covered how to prepare lemon butter baked cod. You learned about the best ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and tips to ensure perfect results. Remember to choose fresh fillets and avoid overcooking. You can try different cooking methods and flavor combinations to make this dish your own. Use the storage tips for leftovers, and don’t forget to pair it with great sides. Enjoy your cooking journey, and impress your family or friends with this tasty mea

$- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon slices (for serving) To make lemon butter baked cod, you need fresh cod fillets. Choose fillets that are firm and pink. The butter makes the dish rich and adds flavor. Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness. Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the dish with a tangy note. Minced garlic gives it a warm depth. Oregano and paprika add savory tones. Don't forget salt and pepper. They enhance all the flavors. For garnishing, chopped parsley adds color and freshness. Serve with lemon slices for extra zing. Gather these ingredients, and you're set for a tasty meal. Enjoy the cooking adventure with this simple yet flavorful recipe! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven: Start by turning your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step helps the cod cook evenly and quickly. 2. Preparing the baking dish: Take a baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking. 3. Making the lemon butter sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything blends well. This sauce adds great flavor to the fish. 1. Arranging the cod fillets: Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Make sure they are skin-side down. This helps keep the fish moist. 2. Coating with sauce: Pour your lemon butter sauce evenly over the fillets. Ensure each piece is well coated to soak up that zesty flavor. 3. Baking time and temperature: Bake the cod in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. You know it’s ready when the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. 1. Resting the dish: Once the cod is done, take it out of the oven. Let it rest for a minute. This helps the flavors settle. 2. Garnishing and serving suggestions: Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with lemon slices on the side for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your meal! - Choosing fresh cod fillets: Look for bright, shiny skin. The fish should smell like the ocean, not fishy. Fresh cod has a firm texture and should spring back when you press it. - Ensuring even cooking: Make sure the fillets are similar in size. This helps them cook at the same rate. If they vary too much, cut the larger pieces to match the smaller ones. - Checking for doneness: The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Use a fork to poke the thickest part. If it separates easily, it’s ready! - Overcooking the fish: Cod cooks quickly. Keep an eye on it in the oven. Overcooking makes it dry and tough. Stick to the 12-15 minute cooking time. - Under-seasoning the sauce: The lemon butter sauce should be bright and flavorful. Don't skimp on salt and pepper. Taste the sauce before pouring it over the fish. - Complementary side dishes: Serve the cod with rice or roasted veggies. A fresh salad also pairs well. Try a side of garlic bread for a nice touch. - Wine pairings: A crisp white wine works best with cod. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. These wines will enhance the lemon flavors in the dish. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste of the dish. Do Not Overcook: Keep an eye on the cod while baking. Cooking it for too long can make it dry. Aim for a flaky texture. Season Generously: Don't be shy with the salt and pepper. Proper seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of the fish and the sauce. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to substitute oregano with other herbs like thyme or dill for a different flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can swap cod with other fish like tilapia or haddock. These options are mild, just like cod. If you want a richer taste, try salmon or trout. For a plant-based option, use tofu or tempeh. When it comes to herbs and spices, feel free to mix it up. Instead of oregano, use thyme or dill for a different flavor. Try adding a bit of cayenne pepper for heat, or use Italian seasoning for a mixed herb taste. Grilling cod gives a nice smoky flavor. If you grill, preheat your grill to medium-high. Cook the fish for about 5-7 minutes on each side. It will have nice grill marks and a crispy texture. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 380°F (193°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes. The air fryer makes the outside crispy while keeping the inside moist. Adding vegetables is a great way to boost flavor. Try placing asparagus or zucchini around the cod while it bakes. They soak up the lemon butter sauce and add color to your dish. You can also incorporate different citrus fruits for a twist. Orange or lime juice works well. Their flavors mix nicely with lemon and give a fresh taste. To keep your lemon butter baked cod fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This will help keep the fish moist and tasty. Make sure the cod cools down before you seal it. It’s best to eat the leftovers within two days. When you want to reheat cod, do it gently. You can use an oven or a skillet. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Heat for about 10 minutes. If using a skillet, add a bit of oil. Heat it on low and cook for a few minutes on each side. This keeps the fish tender. You can freeze lemon butter baked cod if you have extra. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the instructions above for the best taste. Bake cod at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes. The fish should turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. Thicker fillets may need a bit more time, so check for doneness. Yes, you can use frozen cod. First, thaw the fillets in the fridge overnight. Pat them dry before baking. This helps the lemon butter sauce stick better. If you're in a hurry, you can thaw them under cold running water for about 30 minutes. Lemon butter baked cod pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed asparagus - Garlic mashed potatoes - Roasted Brussels sprouts - Quinoa salad - Rice pilaf These sides enhance the meal and add variety to your plate. Enjoy! This blog post covered how to prepare lemon butter baked cod. You learned about the best ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and tips to ensure perfect results. Remember to choose fresh fillets and avoid overcooking. You can try different cooking methods and flavor combinations to make this dish your own. Use the storage tips for leftovers, and don’t forget to pair it with great sides. Enjoy your cooking journey, and impress your family or friends with this tasty meal!$