Lemon Butter Baked Cod turns simple cod fillets into a flavorful, elegant dish — with a bright lemon-butter sauce that brings richness and freshness together. I love how it’s both easy and special, whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It comes together in about 25 minutes — perfect on busy evenings.
The sauce uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
The result is a dish that’s light yet satisfying — tender, flaky fish with bright lemony-buttery flavor.
The method is forgiving and almost foolproof, even if you don’t cook fish often.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the pressed garlic, salt, paprika, black pepper, and dried basil until well combined.
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels, then place them in a small deep baking dish.
Spread the butter mixture evenly over the top of each fillet.
Place a slice of lemon on top of each cod fillet.
Bake in the oven for 14–15 minutes (depending on thickness), until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve immediately — optionally with extra lemon slices on the side.
Servings and Timing
Serves 4. Total time is about 25 minutes (roughly 5–10 minutes prep + 14–15 minutes cook).
Variations
Swap dried basil with other herbs such as thyme, dill or parsley for a different flavor profile.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slightly spicy kick.
Instead of cod, use other firm white fish like haddock or tilapia — adjust baking time depending on the thickness.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I gently warm the fish in a low-temperature oven, adding a little extra butter or lemon juice if the sauce seems dry. The buttery sauce also makes a nice drizzle over steamed veggies or rice.
FAQs
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The fish becomes opaque and flaky — it should separate easily with a fork when done.
Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?
Yes — just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. Make sure to remove excess moisture so the butter mixture coats nicely.
What if I want a dairy-free version?
You can substitute the butter with extra olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
What sides go well with this dish?
I like pairing it with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, green beans, or rice/quinoa to soak up the lemon butter. For a lighter meal, a fresh green salad works beautifully too.
Can I make the butter mixture ahead of time?
Yes — I sometimes make the butter-garlic mixture up to a day before cooking. When ready to bake, I gently rewarm it and spread over the cod fillets.
Conclusion
I find that this Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe hits the sweet spot between simplicity and elegance. It’s quick enough for a busy night, yet flavorful enough that it feels like a special meal. The buttery-lemon sauce complements the delicate cod beautifully, and with minimal effort I end up with a dish that pleases both weeknight appetites and guests at the table.
Tender, flaky cod fillets baked in a flavorful lemon butter sauce with garlic, herbs, and fresh parsley. A quick and elegant dish perfect for any occasion.
