Description
A simple, elegant, and fast weeknight dinner featuring flaky cod fillets baked in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680g) Cod Fillets
- 1/2 cup (115g) Unsalted Butter
- 6–8 cloves Fresh Garlic, minced
- 2 Fresh Lemons (1 for juice, 1 for slices)
- 1 tablespoon Dried Parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons White Wine (optional)
- Lemon Zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with aluminum foil and lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and place in the prepared dish in a single layer. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and whisk in minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried parsley, and cayenne pepper. Add white wine if using.
- Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the cod fillets, ensuring each piece is coated. Arrange lemon slices on top if desired.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Spoon remaining sauce over the fish and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Pat the fish dry to prevent steaming. Do not overcrowd the pan. Check for doneness early as cod cooks quickly and can dry out. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: baked cod, lemon butter fish, garlic cod, easy seafood dinner, weeknight meals, healthy fish recipe, gluten-free dinner