Baked Cod with Garlic Butter Lemon Sauce
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This baked cod is one of those quick, flavorful dinners that feels almost effortless. It comes together in a single baking dish in 20 minutes or less, with a buttery lemon-garlic sauce that makes the whole recipe feel fresh, simple, and especially good for spring.
If you love seafood dinners, try this sheet-pan baked fish recipe with vegetables or this Mediterranean steamed fish dish.
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Baked Cod Recipe Overview
Total Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Kitchen Tools: Baking pan
Why I Love This Baked Cod
One of the sweetest parts of food is how it connects us.
My neighbor and I don't share a common language, but we do share a love of cooking - and over time, food has become our way of communicating. We exchange dishes back and forth, and in that simple act, a bond has grown that reaches far beyond words.
One day, she brought us a lemony cod dish that was so delicious I couldn't stop thinking about it. I don't know exactly how she made hers, but this recipe comes very close to the flavors I remember.
With its bright lemon, garlic, and butter, this baked cod feels light enough for spring but comforting enough for any night of the week. It's quick and easy for dinner, yet special enough to serve to others. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
Ingredients
These light and fresh but simple ingredients are all you need:
For the Fish:
- Cod fillets: I'm using Icelandic cod, about 1-2 inches thick, skinless, and boneless. The "notes" section in the recipe cards gives you ideas on which fish doesn't work as well.
- Small shallot, finely minced
- Salt and black pepper
- Lemon slices
For the Lemon Sauce:
The lemon sauce becomes a sauce in the oven. It begins very similarly to a compound butter.
- Butter (salted or unsalted)
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is best. You'll also use its zest
- Garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- Dijon mustard
- Paprika
- Fresh parsley
How to Make this Cod Recipe
This recipe is a breeze to make, quick and easy, but oh-so-delicious! Here's how to make this seafood dinner.
Step 1: Place fillets in a baking dish and season
Place cod fillets in a baking dish, lightly brushed with olive oil, leaving space around the fish. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle minced shallots over the top of the fillets.
Step 2: Make the lemon garlic butter sauce
Stir the softened butter, parsley, lemon juice (1 ½ tablespoons), zest from 1 lemon, garlic, Dijon, and paprika in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and spreadable.
Top each fish fillet with dollops of the lemon garlic butter mixture and then spread over the tops and sides.
Step 3: Bake
Bake for 15 minutes or until the fish is cooked; the cook time will depend on the thickness of your fillet. Remove from oven, transfer the fillets to a serving platter (or plates), and pour the juices and sauce over the top. Serve with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
How to Tell When Your Cod is Perfect
- Carry-Over Cooking: Remember, cod will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the oven. So, err on the side of slightly undercooked if you're unsure.
- Flake Factor: Gently insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and twist slightly. If the cod flakes easily, it's done! It should separate into tender, distinct layers.
- Opaque Oasis: Perfectly cooked cod will be opaque throughout. No translucent or glassy areas should remain.
- Internal Temperature: If you have a food thermometer, use it! Cod is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet.
- The "Spring Back" Secret: Gently press the surface of the cod with your finger. If it springs back slightly, it's likely done. If it feels mushy or leaves an indentation, it needs more time.
Tips for Baking Cod
- Pat it Dry: Let's talk about moisture. Cod, like any fish, releases moisture during cooking. Pat your fillets thoroughly with paper towels. This crucial step helps the fish sear slightly on the bottom, preventing that dreaded soggy texture.
- Preheat the Oven: We're aiming for a 400°F (200°C) oven. Give it a good 10-15 minutes to preheat fully. This ensures even cooking and a beautiful, golden finish.
- Handle Gently: Place your cod fillets in a lightly greased baking dish. But here's the secret: gently slide them in. Don't drop them! This prevents the delicate flesh from breaking apart.
Serving
When serving this baked cod recipe, carefully drizzle the lemon-garlic butter sauce over each fillet for a beautiful, glossy finish. Then, add a touch of elegance with a sprinkling of fresh parsley. And don't forget the lemon slices!
While this cod is delicious all on its own, for a unique and delicious variation, top with a spoonful of our Easy Chimichurri for even more flavor.
Side Dish Ideas
Serve cod with roasted vegetables, like these sauteed asparagus or these sauteed greens. A light quinoa salad is also nice. For dinner, we enjoy it with these crispy potatoes and lightly seared cherry tomatoes.
Variations
- Smoked paprika can be used instead of paprika for additional flavor.
- Greek seasonings like oregano, paprika, and cumin (½ teaspoon) for 4 fish fillets add Mediterranean flavors.
- Old Bay seasoning (½-1 teaspoon) and lemon capers could also be used for a flavor variation.
How long does baked cod last in the fridge?
According to the USDA, baked fish and other seafood can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Recipe FAQs
Depending on the thickness of the fish fillet, cod will take around 15 minutes to cook when baked at 400°F. Thicker cod fillets can take up to 20 minutes. For doneness, look for an opaque appearance throughout, and if it flakes easily with a fork.
Most recipes recommend baking cod at 400°F (200°C).
Baked Cod with Garlic Butter Lemon Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
For the fish
- 4 (6-oz) cod fillets about ½-2 inches thick, skinless and boneless
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 small shallot finely minced (about 1 ½ tablespoons)
- lemon slices
For the lemon sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley plus more for serving
- 1 lemon (about 1 ½ tablespoon lemon juice plus zest)
- 2 garlic cloves minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place cod fillets in a baking dish lightly brushed with olive oil, leaving space around the fish. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle minced shallots over the top of the fillets.
- Combine softened butter, parsley, lemon juice (1 ½ tablespoons), zest from 1 lemon, garlic, Dijon, and paprika in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and spreadable.
- Top each fillet with dollops of the lemon garlic butter mixture and then spread over the tops and sides.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the fish is cooked; the cook time will depend on the thickness of your fillet. Remove from oven, transfer the fillets to a serving platter (or plates), and pan juices and sauce over the top. Serve with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Video
Notes
- Fish: Any white fish will work great in this recipe. I'm using Icelandic cod, but Tilapia or Snapper works well, too! Delicate fish like flounder, Dover Sole, or small fish do not work as well. If using frozen fish, thaw it completely and pat it dry before proceeding with the recipe.
- Shallots: You can also substitute the white parts of green onions if preferred.
- Garnishing Ideas: Serve the fillets on top of some of the baked lemon slices. Spoon additional sauce over the top of each fillet.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
More Seafood Recipes to Try
- If you're observing the Lenten season, our Easy Fish Recipes for Lent provide lots of inspiration for Fish Friday or any day you're cooking seafood.
- Fish Chowder is perfect for leftover fish or when you're craving a bowl of seafood goodness that's simple to make in a jiffy. It's a recipe that isn't really even a recipe!
- This 10-minute Air Fryer Salmon recipe is quick and easy with beautiful flavor and searing, as only an air fryer can do!
- All our seafood recipes can be found here. From simple recipes for shrimp, trout, cod, and more!
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This cod recipe is one of my favorite seafood dishes. Its flavor is perfectly blended, quick and easy to make, and perfect for weeknight dinners or evenings when you're entertaining friends and family!