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Lemon Butter Baked Cod in the Oven

Lemon Butter Baked Cod in the Oven

This lemon butter baked cod is a simple oven-baked white fish recipe made with cod fillets, melted butter, fresh lemon, garlic, parsley, and a light touch of seasoning. It is different from fried cod or beer-battered fish because the fish stays delicate, flaky, and light, with no breading and no deep frying. I make it when I want a fast seafood dinner that feels fresh enough for spring and summer, but still comforting enough for a weeknight meal all year.
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Temps de préparation 10 minutes
Temps de cuisson 12 minutes
Catégorie Main Course
Cuisine French-inspired, North American
Portions 4 portions
Calories 230 kcal

Ingrédients
  

  • 1 1/2 lb cod fillets patted dry
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika optional
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 lemon cut into wedges, for serving
  • 1 tsp olive oil or butter for greasing the baking dish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter.
  • Pat the cod fillets very dry with paper towels. Place them in the baking dish and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  • In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, and 1 tbsp of parsley.
  • Spoon the lemon butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets.
  • Bake for 10 to 14 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish, until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For accuracy, cook to 145°F in the thickest part.
  • Spoon the warm lemon butter from the baking dish over the fish.
  • Finish with the remaining parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

FAQ

Can I use frozen cod?

Yes. Thaw the cod completely in the fridge, then pat it very dry before seasoning. Frozen cod often releases more moisture, so drying it well is important.

How long does cod take in the oven?

At 400°F, most cod fillets take 10 to 14 minutes. Thin fillets may cook faster, while thick pieces may need 15 to 18 minutes.

Can I make this with salmon?

Yes, but salmon is richer and has a stronger flavor. For a salmon version, you may prefer the method used in air fryer salmon or a saucier dish like easy salmon pasta.

Is baked cod healthy?

Cod is a lean, protein-rich white fish. This version uses butter for flavor, but the dish is still lighter than fried fish because there is no breading and no deep frying.

Can I make the sauce creamier?

Yes, but then it becomes a different recipe. This version is meant to be bright and simple. If you want something richer, pair the fish with a creamy side or serve it after a pasta course like lemon pasta.

Can I prepare it ahead?

You can mix the lemon butter ahead of time and keep the fish ready in the fridge, but I would bake cod just before serving. Fish is best when it comes out of the oven fresh and flaky.
Mots clés baked cod, lemon butter fish, seafood dinner