Description
Easy Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a quick and elegant dinner featuring flaky cod fillets baked in a bright, buttery lemon sauce with garlic and dill. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a healthy, satisfying meal any time.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, dill, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour lemon butter sauce over the cod, making sure each fillet is well coated.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- Substitute haddock or pollock for cod if desired.
- Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
- Add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or asparagus to the baking dish for a one-pan meal.
- Try other herbs like thyme or rosemary for variation.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to retain texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
