Lemon Butter Baked Cod is like a warm hug from the ocean, with buttery richness that dances on your taste buds while zesty lemon tickles your senses. Just picture this: a perfectly baked cod fillet glistening under a golden butter sauce, fresh herbs sprinkled on top, and all the flavors mingling together in such harmony that even Beethoven would be jealous. For more inspiration, check out this homemade Big Mac sauce recipe.
Now, let me take you back to a sunny afternoon when my grandmother decided to teach me the art of cooking fish. As I stood there, awkwardly handling a slippery cod fillet, she quipped about how fish should always be cooked with love—and maybe a little bit of butter too! The smell of lemon wafting through the kitchen was intoxicating and remains etched in my memory. This Lemon Butter Baked Cod is perfect for everything from casual family dinners to impressing your in-laws—because who doesn’t want to be known as the culinary genius of the family?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe combines ease and flavor, making dinner prep a breeze without sacrificing taste.
- The vibrant colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece on any table.
- It’s versatile enough for weeknight meals or special occasions, proving that healthy can also be delicious.
- The buttery lemon sauce adds a luscious touch that elevates every bite.
Ingredients for Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cod Fillets: Aim for about 1 pound of cod, which is flaky and mild in flavor; look for fillets with bright color.
- Unsalted Butter: You’ll need about 4 tablespoons of butter; using unsalted allows you to control the seasoning better.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice from about two lemons will give you that zingy flavor; bottled just won’t cut it!
- Garlic: A couple of cloves minced will add aromatic magic; fresh garlic gives you the best punch.
- Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped parsley adds color and freshness; feel free to swap it out for dill if you’re feeling fancy.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings are essential; adjust according to your taste preferences.
For the Sauce:
- Lemon Zest: Use zest from one lemon to enhance the citrus flavor; it’s like giving your dish a little extra sparkle.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab a baking dish and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray. This will ensure your cod slides right out after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Butter Mixture
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt your butter. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant—about one minute should do it! Then remove it from heat and whisk in lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper. honey garlic chicken stir fry.
Step 3: Place Cod Fillets in Baking Dish
Arrange those beautiful cod fillets in your prepared baking dish. Make sure they have some space between them so they can bake evenly without getting too cozy!
Step 4: Pour Sauce Over Cod
Drizzle that luscious lemon-butter-garlic mixture all over the cod fillets like it’s their spa day—make sure every piece gets its fair share.
Step 5: Bake Until Flaky
Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Watch it closely so it doesn’t get overcooked!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once done, take the cod out of the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Transfer to plates and drizzle with any remaining sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
There you have it—a delightful Lemon Butter Baked Cod that’s not only easy but also impressively flavorful! Enjoy every bite while basking in compliments from friends or family who might think you’ve taken culinary classes (but we know better!). For more inspiration, check out this easy sausage cream cheese crescents recipe.
You Must Know
- This delightful Lemon Butter Baked Cod is not just a feast for the eyes but a flavor explosion that can make any weeknight dinner feel like a special occasion.
- The buttery citrus sauce complements the flaky fish perfectly, making it a dish you’ll want to prepare again and again.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Next, prepare your cod fillets by patting them dry and seasoning them with salt and pepper. While the fish rests, you can whip up that luscious lemon butter sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the cod for another white fish like haddock or tilapia if you’re feeling adventurous. You could also throw in some capers or fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra zing—because who doesn’t love a little twist?
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, pop it back into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, ensuring it stays moist and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure your cod is as fresh as possible; it really makes a difference in taste.
- Don’t skip on letting the lemon butter sauce simmer; this step builds flavor wonderfully.
- Lastly, serve with a side of veggies for a complete meal that’s truly satisfying.
Sometimes I think back to the time I made this Lemon Butter Baked Cod for my friends’ dinner party. The way they raved about it made me feel like a culinary superstar. Their delighted faces? Priceless!
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for Lemon Butter Baked Cod?
To prepare Lemon Butter Baked Cod, you will need fresh cod fillets, unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish. It’s essential to use high-quality fish for the best flavor. You can also add optional ingredients like paprika or capers to enhance the dish further. crispy salmon bites crunchy fish tacos recipe Fresh herbs like dill or thyme can complement the lemon and butter beautifully. This simple combination of ingredients makes the recipe quick to prepare while delivering a delicious taste.
How long does it take to cook Lemon Butter Baked Cod?
Cooking Lemon Butter Baked Cod typically takes about 15-20 minutes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the cod fillets. A good rule of thumb is to bake the fish for about 10 minutes per inch of thickness. Always check for doneness; the fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when fully cooked. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure that your cod reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cod for Lemon Butter Baked Cod, but thaw it completely before cooking. Thawing ensures even cooking and helps maintain the texture of the fish. Place frozen fillets in the refrigerator overnight or submerge them in cold water for quicker thawing. After thawing, pat the fillets dry with paper towels before adding your lemon butter mixture. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect golden crust while baking.
What should I serve with Lemon Butter Baked Cod?
Lemon Butter Baked Cod pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a healthy option. A light salad can also complement the dish well. For something heartier, try pairing it with rice or quinoa to soak up any leftover lemon butter sauce. Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta are excellent choices too. These sides enhance the meal’s flavors while keeping it balanced and satisfying.
Conclusion for Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a delightful dish that combines simplicity and flavor beautifully. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home in under 30 minutes. Remember to choose high-quality cod fillets and adjust cooking times based on their thickness for perfect results every time. quick beef lo mein Pair this dish with your favorite sides to elevate your dining experience further. Enjoy this easy recipe as part of your weekly dinner rotation!
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Lemon Butter Baked Cod
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a delightful dish that marries the richness of buttery garlic sauce with the zesty brightness of fresh lemon, enveloping tender cod fillets. This recipe is not only quick and simple but also perfect for any occasion—from a cozy family dinner to impressing guests. In under 30 minutes, you can serve a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh cod fillets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Juice from 2 lemons
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest from 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant for about one minute. Remove from heat and whisk in lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
- Place cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, ensuring space between each fillet. Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over them.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
– For added flavor, substitute cod with haddock or tilapia.
– Enhance the dish with capers or additional herbs like thyme for a unique twist.
– Pair with roasted vegetables or quinoa to complete your meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cooked cod fillet (170g)
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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