Description
This Baked Cod with Lemon Garlic Butter is a light, flavorful dish perfect for a healthy and easy dinner. The cod fillets are baked to perfection with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, enhanced by paprika and fresh parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired taste. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe offers a low-carb, gluten-free option that’s perfect served alongside steamed vegetables, rice, or potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Lemon Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Arrange Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and place them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Apply Butter Mixture: Spoon the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over each cod fillet, ensuring they are well coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake the Fish: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked cod from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately alongside your choice of vegetables, rice, or potatoes.
Notes
- You can substitute cod with haddock, tilapia, or halibut for variation.
- For added texture and crunch, sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Ensure not to overcook the fish to keep it moist and tender.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best citrus flavor.
