Baked Lemon Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce Bliss

There’s something magical about baked lemon garlic cod with butter sauce—the way the flaky fish soaks up all that bright, buttery goodness still makes my mouth water every time. I first made this dish years ago when my best friend came over last-minute for dinner, and I needed something quick, impressive, and healthy. Fifteen minutes in the oven, a handful of pantry staples, and boom—we were scraping our plates clean. Now, it’s my go-to whenever I need a no-fuss dinner that feels special. The lemon zings, the garlic hums, and that butter sauce? Oh, it ties everything together like a cozy blanket for your taste buds.

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Why You’ll Love This Baked Lemon Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

Trust me, this dish is a game-changer. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to it:

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 25 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights.
• Healthy: Packed with lean protein and simple, wholesome ingredients.
• Flavor bomb: The combo of lemon, garlic, and butter is *chef’s kiss*.
• Versatile: Fancy enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a Tuesday night.

It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen superstar without breaking a sweat. Seriously, what’s not to love?

Ingredients for Baked Lemon Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dreamy dish—trust me, it’s all about those fresh, simple flavors coming together:

• 4 cod fillets (6 oz each): Fresh is best here—look for pearly white, firm fillets.
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Because everything’s better with butter, right?
• 4 garlic cloves, minced: Don’t skimp—this is where the cozy, savory magic starts.
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested: Zest it first, then juice it! That bright citrus punch is key.
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped: For that fresh, herby finish.
• 1/2 tsp salt & 1/4 tsp black pepper: Just enough to make all the flavors pop.

See? Nothing fussy—just good, honest ingredients that do all the heavy lifting.

How to Make Baked Lemon Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

Okay, let’s get cooking! This dish comes together so fast you’ll barely have time to set the table. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have restaurant-quality cod in no time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first—crank that oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, grab your favorite baking dish (I use a 9×13 ceramic one) and give it a quick spritz with cooking spray. No need to get fancy here—just enough to prevent any sticky situations later.

Step 2: Make the Butter Sauce

Now for the good stuff! Melt your butter (I just zap it in the microwave for 30 seconds), then whisk in the minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Oh, that smell? That’s the sound of your future self thanking you. The sauce should be golden and fragrant—if it’s not making your stomach growl, add another squeeze of lemon!

Step 3: Bake the Cod

Arrange your cod fillets in the prepared dish—don’t crowd them! Pour that glorious butter sauce over the top, making sure each piece gets some love. Slide it into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork but still looks juicy. Thicker fillets might need an extra minute or two—just keep an eye on them.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Here comes the finishing touch! Sprinkle that reserved lemon zest and fresh parsley over the top. The zest adds a bright pop, and the parsley? Well, it makes everything look fancy. Serve immediately while it’s piping hot—trust me, no one will want to wait!

Tips for Perfect Baked Lemon Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

Want to take your cod from good to “Can I have seconds?” level? Here are my tried-and-true secrets:

• Fresh is best: Look for cod that’s firm, glossy, and smells like the ocean (in a good way!). Fresh fillets bake up so much flakier than frozen.
• Watch the clock: Thinner fillets might be done in 12 minutes, while thicker ones need 15-17. Just peek early—overcooked cod is a sad, dry thing.
• Zest first, juice second: Always zest your lemon before juicing—it’s impossible to do it the other way around!
• Serve it right: This dish begs for something to soak up that buttery sauce—try crusty bread, rice, or roasted potatoes on the side.

Oh, and don’t skip the parsley at the end—it’s not just decoration, it adds the perfect fresh finish!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how forgiving it is! If you’re missing something, don’t sweat it—here are my go-to swaps and tips:

• Butter: If you’re out of butter, olive oil works beautifully. It’s lighter but still gives that rich, glossy finish.
• Fresh parsley: No fresh herbs? Use 1 tsp dried parsley instead—just sprinkle it on before baking so it has time to infuse.
• Lemon: Fresh is best, but in a pinch, 2-3 tbsp bottled lemon juice will do. Skip the zest if you’re stuck—it’s lovely but not essential.
• Cod: Not a cod fan? Try halibut, haddock, or even tilapia—just adjust the baking time for thicker or thinner fillets.

See? Flexibility is the name of the game. Make it work with what you’ve got, and it’ll still be delicious!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

I’ll be honest—leftovers rarely happen with this dish because it’s so darn good hot out of the oven! But if you do manage to save some, here’s how to keep it tasty:

• Storage: Pop any leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking—it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Gently warm it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave at 50% power for 30-second intervals. Watch it like a hawk—fish overcooks in a heartbeat!

Pro tip: The butter sauce might separate a bit when reheated—just give it a quick stir and pretend it’s meant to be rustic!

Nutritional Information

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and brands used. This baked lemon garlic cod with butter sauce is a light, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about this baked lemon garlic cod with butter sauce:

Can I Use Frozen Cod?

Absolutely! Just thaw it overnight in the fridge first—never at room temperature. Pat it dry with paper towels before baking to prevent excess water from diluting that gorgeous butter sauce.

What Can I Serve with This Dish?

Oh, the possibilities! My go-tos are garlic roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus, or a simple arugula salad. For something heartier, try lemon rice or crusty bread to mop up all that buttery goodness.

How Long Can I Store Leftovers?

They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days, though I doubt they’ll last that long! The fish tastes best fresh, but leftovers make a killer fish taco filling the next day.

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