If you are craving a seafood dish that is both simple and bursting with flavor, this Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod Recipe is an absolute winner. Tender cod fillets bathed in a luscious garlic lemon butter sauce come together effortlessly, creating a meal that feels elegant yet comforting. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of bright citrus, rich butter, and the gentle punch of garlic, making this dish an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, each one carefully chosen to elevate the cod without overpowering its delicate taste. The freshness of lemon juice, the richness of butter, and the aromatic punch of garlic come together beautifully to create a sauce that clings lovingly to each flaky piece of fish.
- Cod loin fillet (1 ½ pounds): Fresh or thawed, patted dry to ensure the butter sauce coats the fish perfectly.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds a smooth, fruity base to the lemon sauce and helps keep the fish moist.
- Lemon juice (4 tablespoons): Provides a bright, zesty tang that lifts the whole dish.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Infuses every bite with a warm, aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with lemon.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors in the fish and sauce.
- Butter (¼ cup, diced): Melts into rich pockets across the fish, creating a silky texture and indulgent flavor.
- Small lemon (1, sliced): Adds a wonderful visual appeal and a mild citrus essence during baking.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle of freshness and color at the end that brightens the presentation.
How to Make Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a rectangular baking dish that will comfortably fit your cod fillets. This step ensures easy cleanup afterward and helps prevent the fish from sticking during baking. Place the seasoned cod gently inside the dish, ready to be bathed in all that buttery lemon goodness.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Zesty Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and minced garlic. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to your preference. Give it a good whisk. This simple sauce packs an incredible punch of flavor that mingles perfectly with the cod as it bakes, keeping it juicy and tender.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish for Baking
Pour your bright lemon garlic sauce evenly over the cod fillets in the baking dish. Scatter the diced butter pieces over the top, allowing them to melt slowly during baking, creating a luscious coating. Finally, arrange thin lemon slices on each fillet—not only does this infuse flavor, but it also adds a lovely, inviting look.
Step 4: Bake Until Flaky Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know the cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it—the beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity, but timing is key to avoid overcooking. Once out of the oven, if desired, sprinkle chopped parsley to add that final burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped fresh parsley is a fantastic way to finish the dish, bringing a pop of green and a subtle herbaceous note that complements the rich garlic butter sauce. A few extra lemon wedges on the side invite guests to add an extra splash of brightness if they wish.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod Recipe pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides. Think fluffy steamed rice to soak up the buttery sauce, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for crunch and earthiness, or even a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to echo the citrus notes of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the cod on a bed of couscous or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful juices. You can also plate it family-style, letting everyone help themselves, which encourages sharing and enjoying the moment together. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens adds an elegant flair that’s sure to wow at any dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The rich garlic butter sauce helps maintain flavor and moisture, keeping it enjoyable for up to two days. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to preserve freshness.
Freezing
While fresh is always best for this dish, you can freeze cooked cod wrapped tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or in a freezer-safe container. It’s best eaten within one month for optimal taste and texture. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, place the cod in a low oven (around 275°F) for about 10–15 minutes to warm through without drying out the delicate fish. Alternatively, a gentle steam or microwave on low power can work, but take care not to overcook, as cod is naturally lean and can quickly become tough.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and baking. This helps prevent excess moisture and ensures the sauce clings beautifully to the fish.
What can I substitute for fresh lemon juice?
If fresh lemons aren’t on hand, bottled lemon juice will do in a pinch, but fresh is always best for brightness and flavor purity in this Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod Recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the butter for a plant-based alternative or extra olive oil. Keep in mind the flavor profile will be a bit different but still delicious and full of garlic and lemon zest.
How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?
The key signs are that the fish turns opaque, flakes easily when tested with a fork, and has an internal temperature of about 145°F if using a thermometer.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The lemon garlic sauce can be whisked together a few hours in advance and kept covered in the fridge. Just be sure to add the butter right before baking for that perfect melting effect.
Final Thoughts
From start to finish, this Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod Recipe delivers a mouthwatering seafood dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting, bright, and buttery flavors as much as I do. Once you taste it, this simple yet elegant dish will surely become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod is a flavorful and healthy seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets baked in a zesty lemon and garlic butter sauce. Perfectly seasoned and baked to flaky perfection, it’s a simple yet elegant recipe ideal for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Fish
- 1 ½ pounds cod loin fillet, patted dry and lightly seasoned with salt and pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1–2 lemons)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (or less to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup butter, diced
- 1 small lemon, sliced
Optional garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a rectangular baking dish that can comfortably hold all the cod fillets. Place the seasoned cod fillets inside the prepared dish in a single layer.
- Make sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your preference to build a bright, flavorful sauce.
- Assemble: Pour the lemon and garlic sauce evenly over the cod fillets in the baking dish. Scatter the diced butter pieces over the top to melt during baking, and arrange the lemon slices over the fish for aromatic flavor and presentation.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The cod is done when it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Once baked, sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired for a fresh finish and serve immediately.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the fish; cod can become dry if baked too long.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to your taste if you prefer a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best taste rather than bottled lemon juice.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and gently reheated.
