Baked Cod with Lemon Butter (Print Version)
Tender cod fillets baked with a bright, zesty lemon butter sauce. A light, flavorful main dish for any night.
# What You Need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 cod fillets (approx. 5.5 ounces each), skinless and boneless
→ Lemon Butter Sauce
02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
04 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
09 - Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
10 - Additional fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to accommodate the cod fillets in a single layer.
02 - Gently pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, finely chopped parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
04 - Evenly pour the prepared lemon butter sauce over the cod fillets in the baking dish.
05 - Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until the fish flakes effortlessly with a fork and its flesh turns opaque.
06 - Optionally, enhance presentation by garnishing with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of additional chopped parsley before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It's your secret weapon for those nights when you crave something light yet incredibly satisfying, without spending forever in the kitchen.
- The lemon butter sauce is so vibrant it’ll make you feel like you’re dining seaside, even if you’re just in your own kitchen.
02 -
- Overcooking cod is the number one mistake; keep a close eye on it, as even a minute or two can turn tender fish tough.
- Using fresh lemon juice and zest truly makes a world of difference; bottled juice just doesn't deliver the same bright, authentic flavor.
03 -
- If you want a slightly crispier top, pop the dish under the broiler for the last minute or two of cooking, but watch it like a hawk.
- Consider warming your serving plates slightly; it keeps the fish at the perfect temperature longer, enhancing the dining experience.