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
Scale
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.
