Okay, friends, let me tell you, there are some recipes that just click, right? Like, they come into your life and you wonder how you ever survived without them. For me, that’s this incredible Baked Lemon Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce. Seriously, it’s a game-changer!

I remember the first time I whipped this up. It was a crazy Tuesday evening, one of those nights where you’ve got about 20 minutes before everyone starts asking “What’s for dinner?” for the fifth time. I had some cod fillets in the fridge and a craving for something light but super flavorful. A quick peek in the pantry, a little improvisation, and boom! This dish was born. The aroma filling the kitchen was enough to make my stomach rumble, and the taste? Pure perfection.

It’s elegant enough for a little dinner party, but so simple you’ll be making it every weeknight. The cod comes out so flaky, bathed in that bright, zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. Trust me, if you’re looking for a recipe that feels fancy without any of the fuss, this Baked Lemon Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce is absolutely it. You’re going to love how quickly this comes together and how incredibly delicious it is.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Lemon Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

Honestly, what’s not to love about this baked lemon garlic cod? It hits all the marks for a perfect weeknight meal, or even when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Here’s why it’s become a staple in my kitchen:

It’s lightning fast! We’re talking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those busy evenings.
So much flavor! That lemon garlic butter sauce? Oh my goodness, it’s bright, savory, and just coats every flake of the cod beautifully.
It’s healthy (and delicious)! Fish is a fantastic lean protein, and baking keeps things light. You get all that amazing taste without any guilt.
Minimal cleanup. Everything bakes in one dish! Who doesn’t love fewer dishes to wash?

The Simplicity of Baked Lemon Garlic Cod

You truly won’t believe how easy this baked lemon garlic cod recipe is. It’s basically a “dump and bake” situation. Whisk a few things together, pour it over the fish, and pop it in the oven. Seriously, that’s it! No fancy techniques, no complicated steps. Even beginner cooks can nail this one, and it’ll look like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Essential Ingredients for Baked Lemon Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! The beauty of this baked lemon garlic cod recipe is that you probably have most of these hanging out in your pantry and fridge already. We’re not talking about anything exotic here, just good, honest ingredients that come together to make something truly spectacular. Here’s what you’ll need to get that flaky, delicious cod on your table:

4 (6-ounce) cod fillets: Fresh is always best, but I’ll talk about frozen in a bit!
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: This forms the rich base of our glorious sauce.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds another layer of flavor and helps everything cook beautifully.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Yes, four! Don’t skimp on the garlic, it’s essential for that amazing aroma and taste.
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Please, please use fresh! It makes all the difference.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: A little green for freshness and a pop of color.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just enough to bring out all those wonderful flavors.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little kick to finish it off.

Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions for Baked Lemon Garlic Cod

Now, a quick note on these ingredients. For that bright, zesty flavor in your baked lemon garlic cod, fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable. Bottled just won’t give you the same vibrant taste. And fresh garlic, always! If cod isn’t your jam, or you just have something else on hand, this recipe works beautifully with other white fish like haddock, tilapia, or even halibut. Just adjust your cooking time slightly for thicker or thinner fillets. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little!

How to Prepare Your Baked Lemon Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

Okay, now for the fun part: making this incredible baked lemon garlic cod happen! You’re going to be amazed at how quickly this comes together. Seriously, it’s so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making this all along. Let’s get cooking!

First things first, preheat that oven! You’ll want it nice and hot at 400°F (that’s about 200°C). Getting the oven to temperature before your fish goes in is super important for even cooking and that perfect flaky texture. Don’t skip this step!
Next, get your baking dish ready. A little light greasing goes a long way here. I usually just grab a paper towel with a tiny bit of olive oil and wipe down the bottom and sides of my baking dish. This just helps ensure your beautiful baked lemon garlic cod doesn’t stick.
Time to place your cod fillets. Gently lay those lovely cod fillets in your prepared baking dish. Try to give them a little space so they cook evenly. Don’t overcrowd the dish, or they might steam instead of bake, and we want that gorgeous, tender finish.
Now for the magic sauce! Grab a small bowl – not too big, we’re just whisking a few things here. Into that bowl goes your melted butter, olive oil, all that minced garlic (yum!), fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is nicely combined. It should smell amazing already!
Pour it over! This is the satisfying part. Take that glorious lemon garlic butter sauce and pour it evenly over each of the cod fillets. Make sure every piece gets a good coating. That sauce is what’s going to infuse all that incredible flavor into your fish as it bakes.
Into the oven it goes! Pop that baking dish into your preheated oven. Now, here’s the key: you’re going to bake it for about 12-15 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of your cod fillets. You’re looking for the fish to turn opaque (that means it’s no longer translucent) and, when you gently poke it with a fork, it should flake easily. Don’t overcook it! That’s the secret to tender, juicy fish.
Serve it up! As soon as it’s done, pull it out and serve it immediately. It’s best hot and fresh, soaking in all that delicious sauce.

Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Lemon Garlic Cod

To get your baked lemon garlic cod just right every time, remember these little nuggets of wisdom. First, don’t overcook it! Fish can go from perfectly flaky to dry in a flash, so keep an eye on it, especially if your fillets are on the thinner side. Also, using fresh lemon juice really makes a huge difference in that bright, zesty flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the squeeze!

Serving Suggestions for Baked Lemon Garlic Cod

Okay, so you’ve got this absolutely delicious baked lemon garlic cod, now what? The beauty of this dish is how versatile it is! My absolute favorite way to serve it is with some fluffy white rice to soak up all that incredible lemon garlic butter sauce. Steamed asparagus or broccoli make for a super quick and healthy side, or even a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. If you’re feeling a little more ambitious, some roasted potatoes or a quinoa salad would be fantastic too. Just keep it light and fresh to let that amazing cod shine!

Storing and Reheating Your Baked Lemon Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This baked lemon garlic cod actually stores pretty well. Just pop any uneaten portions into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend gently reheating it in the oven at a low temperature (around 275°F/135°C) until it’s just warmed through. This helps keep the fish moist and prevents it from drying out, which can sometimes happen in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Lemon Garlic Cod

Got questions about whipping up this fantastic baked lemon garlic cod? You’re in good company! Here are some common things folks ask about making and serving this delicious fish dish. I’m here to help you make your baked cod with butter sauce perfect every single time!

Can I use frozen cod for this Baked Lemon Garlic Cod recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely first. Pat it really dry with paper towels before you add the sauce; this helps prevent the fish from getting watery and ensures it bakes beautifully.

What kind of baking dish is best for Baked Lemon Garlic Cod?

Honestly, almost any oven-safe dish will work for your baked lemon garlic cod! I usually use a standard 9×13 inch glass or ceramic baking dish. Just make sure it’s big enough to hold your fillets in a single layer without overcrowding them.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Baked Lemon Garlic Cod

Just so you know, I’ve put together some estimated nutritional info for a single serving of this baked lemon garlic cod. Of course, these are just estimates, and things like the exact size of your cod fillets or the brands of butter and olive oil you use can tweak these numbers a bit. But generally, for one fillet, you’re looking at around 250 calories, 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and just 3g of carbs. Pretty great for such a flavorful meal, right?

Share Your Baked Lemon Garlic Cod Creation!

So, you’ve made this amazing baked lemon garlic cod, right? I’d absolutely love to hear about it! Did you serve it with rice, or maybe some roasted veggies? Drop a comment below and tell me how it turned out. And if you loved it as much as I do, please consider leaving a rating! Even better, snap a pic and share it on social media – just tag me so I can see your delicious creation. Happy cooking, friends!

Baked Lemon Garlic Cod: 20-Min Divine Taste

Author: goforecipes.com
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This recipe features flaky cod baked with a bright lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

4 (6-ounce) cod fillets
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly grease a baking dish.
Place cod fillets in the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over the cod fillets.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust baking time based on the thickness of your cod fillets.
For extra flavor, sprinkle with a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet
Calories: 250
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: baked cod, lemon garlic cod, butter sauce, fish recipe, healthy dinner