Lemon Garlic Baked Cod (Printable)
Tender cod baked in bright lemon-garlic butter sauce for an easy, healthy dinner.
# What You'll Need:
→ 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
→ Garnish
11 - Lemon wedges
12 - Additional chopped parsley
# Method:
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.
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 Hints:
01 -
- The buttery lemon garlic sauce transforms mild white fish into something restaurant worthy in just 25 minutes
- Its one of those rare healthy meals that actually feels indulgent and satisfying
02 -
- Overcooking is the enemy of cod, so check it a minute early since the fish will continue cooking slightly after leaving the oven
- Patting the fish completely dry before seasoning ensures the sauce clings to the fillets rather than sliding off into the pan
03 -
- For extra depth, let the cod marinate in the lemon garlic mixture for 15 minutes before baking
- Adding a tablespoon of capers to the sauce creates a lovely salty brine element that mimics classic Mediterranean preparations