Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a delightful and healthy dish that showcases the delicate flavors of fresh cod fillets, perfectly complemented by a rich lemon butter sauce. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also brings a burst of freshness to your dinner table. The buttery sauce, infused with zesty lemon and fresh herbs, elevates the mild fish to new heights, making it a favorite among seafood lovers and a perfect option for weeknight meals or special occasions.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll absolutely love this Lemon Butter Baked Cod for its incredible flavor and simplicity. The bright, citrusy notes from the lemon harmonize beautifully with the richness of the butter, creating a sauce that enhances the tender, flaky cod without overpowering it. This dish is a breeze to whip up, requiring minimal prep and cook time, making it perfect for busy evenings. Plus, it’s a wonderful option for those on a low-carb or gluten-free diet, allowing you to indulge without the guilt.
Tips and Tricks
- For even more flavor, marinate the cod in lemon juice and herbs for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for a brighter taste.
- If you want a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce.
- Ensure your cod fillets are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Experiment with different herbs like dill or tarragon to customize the flavor profile.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare the lemon butter sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it up before pouring it over the cod. Additionally, you can season the cod fillets and place them in a sealed container in the fridge for a few hours ahead of time. This allows the flavors to meld and can help save time during dinner prep.
Recipe Variations
- Swap out the cod for other white fish like haddock or tilapia if preferred.
- For a Mediterranean twist, add olives and capers to the lemon butter sauce.
- If you’re looking for a crunch, top the fish with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan before baking.
- You can also grill the fish instead of baking it for a smoky flavor.
How to Serve
Serve the Lemon Butter Baked Cod on a bed of fluffy rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and lemon wedges for a pop of color and an extra burst of citrus. Arrange the dish on a large platter to create an inviting family-style presentation.
Pairing Suggestions
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with this dish, as does a light-bodied Chardonnay. If you prefer cocktails, a classic gin and tonic with a slice of lemon complements the flavors nicely. As for side dishes, consider serving a light arugula salad or creamy mashed potatoes. For dessert, a lemon sorbet would make a refreshing end to your meal.
How to Store
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want to keep the dish for longer, you can freeze the cooked cod in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then gently warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Equipment Needed
- Baking dish (9×13 or similar)
- Mixing bowl for the lemon butter sauce
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Whisk or fork for mixing
- Optional: meat thermometer for checking doneness
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil. For a gluten-free version, ensure that any breadcrumbs used are certified gluten-free. Unfortunately, this recipe is not suitable for a vegan diet as it relies on fish; however, you could use tofu or tempeh with a similar lemon sauce for a plant-based alternative.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, feel free to use fresh herbs like basil or parsley, which are abundant and flavorful. In the winter, you might consider a sprinkle of dried herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to add warmth to the dish. Additionally, during the holidays, adding a touch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the butter sauce can give it a festive twist.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen cod? Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
- How long does it take to cook cod? Typically, cod takes about 12-15 minutes at 400°F, depending on thickness.
- What can I substitute for cod? Other white fish like haddock or tilapia work well.
- Can I make this in advance? Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and season the fish in advance as well.
How To Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a delightful and healthy dish that showcases the delicate flavors of fresh cod fillets, perfectly complemented by a rich lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Place the cod fillets in a greased baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the cod fillets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 306Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 130mgSodium 217mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 42g
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 Thoughts
Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with gourmet flavors. It’s a perfect choice for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to an elegant dinner party. With its ease of preparation and fresh taste, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the process of cooking this dish and savor every flavorful bite!
