Description
This Easy Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe features tender cod fillets baked to perfection with a tangy and buttery lemon sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a light, flavorful, and simple dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cod:
- 4 cod fillets (about 150g each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color and mild spice)
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp honey (optional, to balance acidity)
- ½ tsp dried oregano or thyme
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Rub each fillet with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and paprika for enhanced flavor.
- Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes to create a flavorful sauce.
- Coat the Cod with the Sauce: Place the fillets in the prepared baking dish. Pour the lemon butter sauce over the fillets, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Bake the Cod: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary based on fillet thickness.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for extra freshness. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the cod to keep it moist and tender.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine.
- Fresh herbs like dill or basil can be used for garnish as an alternative to parsley.
