Baked Lemon Butter Cod

Baked Lemon Butter Cod is an easy, delicious seafood recipe that you are sure to love. This dish can be made in under 30 minutes and is perfect for a quick, yet flavorful meal.

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This recipe for Baked Lemon Butter Cod is similar in flavor to my Broiled Cod recipe, but even easier to prepare.

Lemon, butter, garlic and a few herbs and spices are all you need to make the perfect sauce to compliment this mild fish.

Why This Recipe Works

This is a very quick and easy recipe to prepare. From start to finish it takes less than 30 minutes.

You don’t need a ton of ingredients to make great tasting cod fish. Because it’s such a mild fish, the flavors you add to it really come through. In this dish, rich butter, zesty lemon and garlic are the main flavors with a hint of spice in each bite.

This is definitely a kid-approved, family-friendly recipe. It’s also great for those following a low carb, keto, and/or gluten free diet.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Ingredients

Ingredients needed to make baked lemon butter cod on a marble background with text overlay.

4 6 ounce cod fillets
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh squeezed)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): omit for a milder dish.
lemon slices

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Prep!

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Juice and zest one lemon. Cut a second lemon into thin slices. Mince the garlic.

Create!

4 cod fillets seasoning with salt and pepper in a white baking dish.

Pat the fish dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper and place into a baking dish.

Butter and seasoning in a glass bowl with a whisk.

Whisk together the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, onion powder, dried parsley and red pepper flakes.

4 cod fillets topped with a lemon butter mixture in a white baking dish.

Pour the butter mixture evenly over and around the cod.

4 cod fillets topped with garlic lemon butter and lemon slices in a white baking dish.

Top with lemon slices.

4 fillets of baked lemon butter cod in a white baking dish.

Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the fillets are opaque and flake easily with a fork. Fish needs to reach 145°F on a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest portion.

Present!

Overhead view of lemon butter cod fillets on a white plate with lemon slices on them with a white towel and lemons in the background.

Garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired.

Tips and Techniques

Use good quality fish for the best flavor. A high-quality cod should not have a “fishy” taste to it.
Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but won’t have quite the same flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3 days.

FAQ’s

What Do You Serve With Cod?

Because cod is so mild, you can pair it with almost any vegetable or starchy side dishes that compliments the flavors you’ve added to it.

Some side dishes that would pair great with this cod recipe are:

Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or cauliflower.
Starches such as roasted or baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, or rice.
Salad.

More Cod Recipes

Baked Cod In Foil

Baked Cod is Foil is the easiest way to prepare a complete meal. Each foil pack is filled with juicy cod fish and a combination of vegetables, all in a lemony garlic butter sauce. This super easy recipe is ready and on the table in just 30 minutes.

Get The Recipe

Beer Battered Cod

Beer Battered Cod is a delicious, light, and crispy fish recipe that is perfect for a quick and easy dinner any night of the week. Cod fillets are coated in a seasoned flour and beer mixture, then quickly fried in a deep fryer.

Get The Recipe

Cod Cakes

This recipe for Cod Cakes is adaptable and perfectly suitable to serve as an appetizer or main course. Lemon Garlic Cod Cakes are an easy favorite enjoyed by many. The fast preparation and quick cooking method yield bite-sized fish cakes, which are a delectable treat for all.

Get The Recipe

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Lemon butter cod fillets stacked on a white plate with lemon slices on and around them.

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Baked Lemon Butter Cod is an easy, delicious seafood recipe that you are sure to love. This dish can be made in under 30 minutes and is perfect for a quick, yet flavorful meal.

Course Main DishCuisine SeafoodDiet Diabetic, Gluten Free

Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 12 minutes Total Time 22 minutes

Servings 4 servings
Calories 248kcal
Author Lauren Harris