Lemon Butter Baked Cod

 

Lemons and butter have a way of giving cod a delightful flavor that even the pickiest eater can't resist. This Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe is a testament to simplicity, showcasing how a few ingredients can elevate a humble piece of fish into a meal that brings the family together. Perfect for a midweek dinner or a special weekend meal, it's a go-to in my kitchen for its ease and the clean, fresh taste it delivers.

This Lemon Butter Baked Cod pairs wonderfully with a range of sides that can complement its light and buttery flavor. I love serving it with steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad to bring some freshness into the meal. To make it more hearty, you can pair it with garlic mashed potatoes or a simple pasta tossed with olive oil and parmesan. For a truly comforting meal, serving it alongside some homemade dinner rolls is a must to mop up all that delicious lemon butter sauce.

Ingredients

4 cod filets, about 6 ounces each
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 lemon, juice and zest
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Place the cod filets in the prepared baking dish. Season each filet with salt and pepper to taste.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic.

4. Pour the lemon butter mixture over the cod filets, making sure each piece is evenly coated.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

6. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Variations & Tips

For those who might enjoy a little extra crunch or flavor, adding a crumb topping can make a delightful twist. Simply mix some panko breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle over the cod before baking. For a healthier variant, you can substitute olive oil for butter. If you're catering to a spice lover, adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter mixture can give it a nice kick. Lastly, if lemons are too tart for your taste, try using oranges for a sweeter citrus flavor.