Lemon Garlic Butter Cod – Easy Baked Recipe

Craving a delicious and effortless seafood dinner that will wow your taste buds? Look no further than this delightful Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe. This dish is a game-changer for those evenings when you desire a touch of elegance without the hassle. Imagine tender and flaky cod drenched in a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with zesty lemon flavors – it’s a culinary masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to whip up.

I stumbled upon this Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod gem during a beach getaway, where simplicity led to culinary brilliance. Now, it has become a beloved tradition in my household, evoking memories of seaside bliss with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating your loved ones to a special meal, this recipe is a surefire way to impress. So grab your cod fillets, olive oil, garlic, and that fresh lemon – it’s time to elevate your dinner game with this sensational dish.

Quick Benefits

• Effortless Elegance: Impress dinner guests with a fancy dish that requires minimal effort and time to prepare.
• Versatile Pairing: This cod complements various side dishes like roasted asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or buttered orzo pasta.
• Flavorful Sauce: The lemon brightens up the dish, while the garlic butter creates a rich and delicious sauce that enhances the tender and flaky cod.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator, adding to the convenience of this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod – Easy Baked Recipe Recipe

• Effortless Elegance: Impress your dinner guests with a dish that feels fancy but requires minimal effort and time to prepare.
• Flavorful and Tender: Enjoy perfectly tender and flaky cod infused with the bright flavors of lemon, garlic, and butter.
• Versatile Pairings: Serve the baked cod with simple roasted vegetables, pasta, or a side of cherry tomatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Restaurant Experience at Home: Elevate your dining experience with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio alongside this delicious dish.
• Customizable Options: Add capers for a Mediterranean twist, Parmesan for a crispy crust, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick to personalize the dish to your taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the garlic butter mixture in advance for a quick and easy meal prep option, ensuring a delicious dinner in minutes.
• Leftover Friendly: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently to enjoy the flavors once again, making it a convenient option for meal planning.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Cod – Easy Baked Recipe

For the Fish

• 4 cod fillets, about 6 ounces each
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lemon Garlic Butter

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Cod – Easy Baked Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cod

Arrange cod fillets on baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Make Lemon Garlic Butter

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest and juice.

Step 4: Add Flavorings

Evenly distribute the garlic butter mixture over each cod fillet and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

Step 5: Bake

Cook in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately, drizzling any leftover buttery sauce from the pan onto the fillets. Enjoy with roasted vegetables or a side salad.

Storage Tips

Once the Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod is prepared and served fresh from the oven, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat the dish, it is recommended to do so gently in a 275°F oven just until warmed through to prevent the fish from drying out.

If you want to plan ahead and prep the garlic butter mixture in advance, you can keep it refrigerated until ready to use. Simply warm it slightly before spreading it over the fish to ensure it maintains its consistency for baking. This make-ahead option allows for easier and quicker assembly when you’re ready to enjoy this flavorful dish without compromising on taste or quality.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make substitutions in this Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe, there are a few options. For a different fish choice, you can swap the cod fillets for other white flaky fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia. These fish varieties will work well with the lemon garlic butter sauce and cooking method described in the recipe.

If you need to replace the unsalted butter, you can use ghee for a nutty flavor or olive oil for a dairy-free option. Coconut oil can also be used, but keep in mind it might add a slight coconut flavor to the dish. Additionally, if you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the butter with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil when making the garlic butter sauce.

For those who may not have fresh parsley on hand, dried parsley can be used as a substitute. Just remember to use about one-third of the amount specified for fresh parsley since dried herbs are more concentrated. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, chives, or tarragon to add a different flavor profile to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a delightful presentation, serve the Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod over a bed of creamy Parmesan risotto, allowing the flavors of the fish to meld beautifully with the rich, cheesy rice. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of additional lemon juice for a burst of freshness. Pair this elegant dish with a crisp glass of Chardonnay to enhance the buttery notes and create a truly luxurious dining experience.

To add a burst of color and freshness to your plate, accompany the Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod with a vibrant Mediterranean couscous salad. Toss cooked couscous with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice. The tangy flavors of the salad will complement the buttery cod beautifully, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Serve with a side of crusty bread to sop up any remaining garlic butter sauce for a truly indulgent dining experience.

FAQs for Lemon Garlic Butter Cod – Easy Baked Recipe

Can I use a different type of fish instead of cod for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use other types of white fish like halibut, haddock, or tilapia as a substitute for cod in this recipe.

Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh parsley?

While fresh parsley will provide the best flavor, you can use dried parsley as a substitute. Just remember to adjust the quantity as dried herbs are more potent than fresh herbs.

Can I use margarine instead of butter in this recipe?

Butter is recommended for the best flavor in this lemon garlic butter baked cod. However, you can use margarine as a substitute if needed.

Can I freeze the cooked lemon garlic butter baked cod?

It’s not recommended to freeze the cooked fish as it may affect the texture and taste. It’s best to enjoy the dish fresh or refrigerate any leftovers for up to 2 days.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this delightful Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod recipe as much as I do. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the burst of flavors truly makes this dish a winner. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a special meal, this cod recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and those around you.

The next time you’re looking for a stress-free yet impressive dish, remember the magic of Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod. It’s a versatile recipe that you can easily customize to suit your preferences, and it never fails to deliver a restaurant-quality experience right in the comfort of your own home. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in a delicious seafood feast that will have everyone asking for seconds. Cheers to good food and happy cooking!

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod – Easy Baked Recipe

“Effortlessly elegant Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod – tender, flaky fish bathed in a zesty garlic butter sauce that elevates any meal.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time15 Minutes

Total Time25 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings

Ingredients

For the Fish

• 4 cod fillets, about 6 ounces each
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lemon Garlic Butter

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
2. Prepare the Cod: Arrange cod fillets on baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Make Lemon Garlic Butter: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest and juice.
4. Add Flavorings: Evenly distribute the garlic butter mixture over each cod fillet and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
5. Bake: Cook in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque.
6. Serve: Serve immediately, drizzling any leftover buttery sauce from the pan onto the fillets. Enjoy with roasted vegetables or a side salad.