Lemon Butter Baked Cod: 20 Min Joy

Some nights, the thought of cooking feels like just another chore after a long day, right? I remember those times all too well, feeling completely burnt out and convinced I wasn’t a “kitchen person.” But then I discovered the pure joy of making something delicious with my own two hands, starting with something as simple as bread. That’s exactly how this Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe came to be in my life! It turned into my go-to for those super busy weeknights when I needed something healthy, flavorful, and unbelievably quick. Trust me, this foolproof fish dish, bathed in a zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce, is ready in under 30 minutes and is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. It’s the kind of meal that reminds you that incredible food *doesn’t* have to be complicated.

If you want to learn more about my kitchen journey, you can check out my story! You can also follow along with all the kitchen adventures on Facebook!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Honestly, if you’re looking for a weeknight hero, this is it! You’re going to adore this lemon butter baked cod because:

• It’s incredibly FAST: We’re talking the whole meal, from start to finish, in about 20 minutes. Seriously!
• It’s SO easy: Just a few simple steps, and you’ve got something truly delicious. No fancy techniques needed.
• The flavor is amazing: That bright lemon mixed with savory garlic and butter? Pure magic on flaky cod.
• It’s healthy and light: Perfect for those nights you want something nourishing without feeling weighed down. It’s a fantastic option for Lenten dinners or just a lighter meal anytime.

Ingredients for Your Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Alright, gathering your ingredients is super simple for this stellar lemon butter baked cod! You really don’t need much, which is part of why I love it so much for busy nights. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:

• About 1.5 pounds of lovely cod fillets – make sure they look nice and fresh!
• 3 tablespoons of good quality unsalted butter, melted – this is where that rich flavor comes from.
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced super fine – don’t skimp here, garlic is key!
• 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice – a good squeeze is best!
• Just a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
• And for that beautiful finish, about 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped, plus some lemon wedges for serving.

Trust me, using fresh, good-quality ingredients really makes a difference here!

Simple Steps for Perfect Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Okay, let’s get this deliciousness going! Making this baked cod recipe is seriously so straightforward, which is exactly why I love it for busy weeknights. It feels fancy, but it’s totally doable. We’re going to break it down into just a few easy steps so you can get this amazing meal on the table without breaking a sweat.

Prepping Your Lemon Butter Baked Cod

First things first, let’s get that oven heated! You want to set it to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, grab your beautiful cod fillets. The most important thing here is to pat them really, really dry with some paper towels. This might sound small, but it makes a HUGE difference! It helps the fish get nice and flaky instead of steaming in its own moisture. So go ahead, give those fillets a good pat-down.

Creating the Lemon-Garlic Butter Sauce

Now for that yummy sauce! Grab a little bowl and whisk together the melted butter, your minced garlic (fresh is best, seriously!), a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Just give it a quick whisk until it’s all combined. It’s that simple. This little mixture is going to add so much flavor to our fish!

Baking Your Lemon Butter Baked Cod to Perfection

Alright, place those patted-dry cod fillets into your baking dish. Now, just pour that glorious lemon-garlic butter mixture evenly all over the top of the fish. Make sure every piece gets some of that goodness! Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cod looks opaque and flakes super easily with just a fork. The magic internal temperature is 145°F (63°C) – aim for that! It cooks up SO fast, it’s amazing.

Tips for the Best Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Want your lemon butter baked cod to be absolutely perfect every single time? I’ve got you covered! After making this dish countless times, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that really make a difference. First off, use the freshest cod you can find. It really does make your baked cod recipe shine! If you can’t get it fresh, make sure it was frozen properly and thawed correctly – it shouldn’t smell too fishy. Also, resist the urge to cram too many fillets into the baking dish. Give them a little space; overcrowding can make the fish steam instead of bake properly, and we want that lovely flaky texture, not mushiness. And when you’re checking for doneness, a fork is your best friend. It should slide in easily and the fish should just fall apart in tender flakes. That 145°F (63°C) internal temperature is the sweet spot for a safe and perfectly cooked piece of fish!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Baked Cod

When you’re whipping up this garlic butter cod, you might have a few questions, and that’s totally okay! The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving it is. If you can’t find cod, don’t worry! Halibut, haddock, or even tilapia work beautifully here. Just make sure whatever white fish you use is relatively thick so it doesn’t cook too fast and dry out. And while fresh lemon juice and garlic are pretty magical, if you’re in a serious pinch, about half the amount of bottled lemon juice and pre-minced garlic can work in a pinch, though you’ll miss a bit of that fresh zing! The real stars are the simple, quality ingredients that let the natural flavor of the fish shine through.

Serving Suggestions for Your Garlic Butter Cod

Now that you’ve got this amazing garlic butter cod ready to go, what do you serve it with to make it a full meal? My philosophy is always to keep it simple and let that delicious fish be the star! This dish pairs wonderfully with some of my favorite easy sides. Try it with some gorgeous Maple Glazed Carrots – the sweetness is just divine with the savory fish. Or, for a heartier option, some Roasted Butternut Squash adds a lovely touch of autumn flavor. If you’re looking for something fresh and light, a side salad like this Creamy Cucumber Salad is also fantastic. These simple additions make a quick weeknight dinner feel truly special!

Frequently Asked Questions about Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Got questions about this amazing lemon butter baked cod? I’ve got the answers! This recipe is so straightforward, but it’s always good to have a few extra tips. Here are some common ones I hear:

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re using frozen cod, just make sure you thaw it properly first. The best way is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw really slowly. If you’re in a rush, you can put the frozen fillets in a sealed bag and submerge them in cold water for about 20-30 minutes, changing the water halfway through. Remember to pat it extra dry after thawing, since frozen fish can release more water!

How do I know if my cod is perfectly cooked?

This is such an important question for fish! For this baked cod recipe, you’re looking for two main signs. First, the cod should look opaque and milky white all the way through. Second, and my favorite way to check, is to gently poke it with a fork. If it flakes away easily, it’s done! For food safety, you can also use an instant-read thermometer; aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Just be careful not to overcook it, or it can get a bit dry.

Can I add other seasonings or spices to the lemon butter sauce?

Oh, definitely! That’s the fun part about this garlic butter cod – it’s a fantastic base for creativity! If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the butter mixture is fantastic. Some fresh dill or a bit of paprika folded in before baking adds a lovely color and flavor, too. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Storing and Reheating Your Lemon Butter Baked Cod

So, what if you miraculously have leftovers of this amazing lemon butter baked cod? Well, you’re in luck because it reheats pretty nicely! Just let the fish cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is gently in the oven or a skillet over low heat. Microwaving can sometimes make fish a bit rubbery, so try to give it that gentle warmth to keep it tender!

Nutritional Information for Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Alright, let’s talk about what’s in this gorgeous dish! Giving you exact numbers is tricky because, you know, ingredients vary a bit from batch to batch. But based on our classic lemon butter baked cod recipe, each serving is roughly:

• Calories: Around 200
• Protein: A solid 28g – fish is just packed with protein!
• Fat: About 8g total, with 4g being saturated fat from that lovely butter.
• Carbohydrates: Just about 2g, so it’s super low-carb friendly!

Give or take, of course, depending on exactly how much butter you drizzle or which fillets you pick, but it’s a wonderfully light and satisfying meal!

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