Why You’ll Love Baked Lemon Butter Cod Recipe

Effortless: minimal prep — toss the fillets in the lemon‑butter sauce, bake, and serve.
Deliciously balanced: the bright zest and juice of lemon paired with rich butter and garlic elevates otherwise mild white fish.
Healthy and versatile: white fish is lean and high in protein, and you can pair the dish with a variety of sides (vegetables, rice, potatoes…).

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cod fillets (or another white‑fish alternative, if desired)
Unsalted butter, melted
Fresh garlic, minced
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Lemon (both zest and juice)
Red pepper flakes (optional — for a hint of spice)
Fresh parsley, chopped — for garnish
Lemon, sliced (to place on/around fish for baking)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400 °F (204 °C).
In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter with minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
Add the cod fillets to the bowl and toss gently until they are fully coated in the lemon‑butter mixture.
Lay the fillets in a 9×13‑inch baking dish in a single layer. Pour any remaining sauce over the fillets. Arrange lemon slices around or on top of the fish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped parsley on top, and serve with additional lemon wedges if desired.

Servings and timing

Total time: about 20 minutes (≈ 5 minutes prep + 15 minutes baking)
Serves: approximately 4 fillets

Variations

Use a different white fish such as haddock or tilapia if cod is not available.
Omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version or add more for extra heat.
Enhance with herbs like thyme or dill for an herbal twist.
Add cherry tomatoes around the fish for a juicy, roasted vegetable complement.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a 350 °F (177 °C) oven or briefly in the microwave until just heated through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to prevent the fish from drying out.

FAQs

How can I tell when the cod is done?

The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. An internal temperature of 145 °F (63 °C) is ideal.

Can I use frozen cod fillets?

Yes, just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating in the butter-lemon mixture to avoid excess moisture.

What if I don’t have unsalted butter?

You can use salted butter, but reduce or skip any added salt in the recipe.

Is it okay to skip the garlic powder or onion powder?

Yes, the fresh garlic and lemon still provide plenty of flavor. These powders add depth but are optional.

Can I add vegetables to bake alongside the cod?

Yes, vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes work well and can be baked in the same dish.

What sides go well with this dish?

Great side options include rice, roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad.

How do I make the flavor less “buttery”?

You can reduce the butter or replace some or all of it with olive oil for a lighter flavor.

Can I add more lemon flavor?

Yes, increase the amount of lemon zest or serve with extra lemon wedges.

What if the fish dries out?

Dryness usually results from overbaking. Check for doneness early and remove from the oven as soon as it flakes easily.

How to reheat leftovers without overcooking?

Reheat at a low temperature in the oven or briefly in the microwave. Add a small drizzle of lemon juice or butter before reheating if needed.

Conclusion

This baked lemon butter cod is a wonderfully simple dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter creates a mouthwatering sauce that enhances the mild taste of the fish. Whether you serve it with vegetables, grains, or salad, it’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen