This dish has been a lifesaver on those weeknights when I’m tired but still want something wholesome and flavorful on the table. The first time I tried it, I was amazed at how a few simple ingredients—lemon, garlic, butter, and fresh cod—could create something that tastes like it belongs in a restaurant. Now, it’s become a steady part of our dinner rotation, especially when I spot fresh cod at the market.
What makes it so comforting is the simplicity. Everything goes into one dish, and the oven does the heavy lifting. I often pull this recipe out on Fridays when I want an easy “end of the week” meal that still feels like a treat. The lemony garlic butter sauce doubles as a dressing for veggies or potatoes, which saves me from making an extra pan of sauce.
Why This Recipe Always Works
The real magic here is that the fish kind of poaches in its own little bath of lemony garlic butter. That keeps it juicy and flavorful without much effort. I’ve made this for family members who usually claim they don’t like fish, and they ended up asking for seconds.
Another bonus—baking fish in the oven means the house doesn’t smell as strongly of seafood compared to pan-frying. My kitchen stays tidy, I don’t have to hover over a hot stove, and we get perfectly tender cod every time.
Ingredients with Personal Notes
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Cod loin fillets: I prefer loin over regular fillets since they’re thicker and don’t dry out easily. When I’m cooking for a crowd, I grab the more affordable fillets, but I reduce the baking time a bit.
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Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor, but if I’m out, I’ll use garlic powder and it still tastes wonderful.
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Lemon: Fresh juice is best, but I’ve reached for bottled lemon juice on rushed nights and no one at the table noticed. If the lemon slices feel too bitter for you, just stick to juice only.
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Butter: Real butter makes the sauce silky and rich. Sometimes I’ll mix in a little olive oil if I want to lighten it up.
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Parsley: Optional, but it does add a nice fresh pop of color and flavor.
Step-by-Step Baked Cod with Tips
Here’s how I usually make it:
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Season the cod with salt and pepper, then place it in a greased baking dish.
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Mix together lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil, then pour it over the fish.
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Dot with butter, add lemon slices on top, and slide the dish into the oven.
That’s it—no fancy steps or special equipment. One thing I’ve learned: don’t overcook the cod. Fish cooks quickly, and I usually check mine around the 12-minute mark. When it flakes easily with a fork, it’s ready.
If I’m in the mood for minimal cleanup, I’ll use foil packets instead of a baking dish. Just wrap the fish with the sauce inside, bake, then open up the foil for a mess-free dinner.
Extra Tips for the Best Results
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Use thicker cod loins if you can—they’re much more forgiving.
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Don’t be afraid to taste the sauce before pouring it over the fish. Sometimes I’ll add an extra squeeze of lemon or a pinch more salt.
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If you like a little spice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes goes beautifully with the garlic butter.
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To keep things simple, bake the fish and veggies together on one sheet pan. Zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus all roast in about the same time as the fish.
Serving Suggestions
The garlic butter sauce is so good, you’ll want something to soak it up. We usually serve this cod with mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes. On lighter days, I’ll pair it with rice or couscous. Crusty bread is always welcome at the table because it sops up every last drop of sauce.
For vegetables, green beans, broccoli, or asparagus are my favorites. Sometimes, I’ll roast a mix of colorful veggies right alongside the fish so dinner comes together in one pan. It feels fancy, but really it’s the easiest thing.
Storage Tips
If you’ve got leftovers, let the fish cool completely before refrigerating. Store it in an airtight container and use within two days—fish is best enjoyed fresh. When reheating, I prefer the oven over the microwave since it keeps the texture better. Just warm it gently at 300°F until heated through.
This dish doesn’t freeze particularly well (fish can get rubbery after thawing), so I usually just make enough for the meal and maybe one lunch portion for the next day.
FAQs
How do I know when the cod is done?
It’s ready when it flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should be opaque and no longer translucent.
What temperature should cod be cooked to?
Cooked fish should reach about 145°F in the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, just go by texture—flaky and tender means it’s done.
Can I use another type of fish?
Yes! This method works well with haddock, tilapia, halibut, or even salmon. Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness.
Do I need fresh lemon juice, or can I use bottled?
Fresh lemon juice gives the brightest flavor, but bottled works if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce earlier in the day and keep the fish seasoned in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just pour the sauce over and bake.
Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod
This Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod is a simple yet elegant dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds cod loin fillet, patted dry and seasoned with salt and pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (use less if preferred)
- 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1–2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 small lemon, thinly sliced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the fish. Place the cod fillets inside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then pour the mixture evenly over the fish.
- Scatter the diced butter across the fillets, then lay lemon slices over the top. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cod turns opaque and flakes apart easily with a fork.
- Finish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 355Total Fat 20gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 124mgSodium 373mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 39g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This garlic butter lemon baked cod is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s fast, comforting, and always satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like you fussed in the kitchen, when in reality, it only took you a handful of ingredients and less than half an hour.
If you’ve been looking for a simple way to get more seafood into your weeknight meals, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep bookmarked.
