Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce is a simple and delicious dish perfect for anyone looking for an easy, healthy weeknight dinner. This recipe features tender cod fillets baked in a rich, buttery lemon-garlic sauce that’s full of fresh flavor and just the right amount of zest. You don't need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal made right at home. Pair it with your favorite steamed veggies or rice for a complete meal that's quick and satisfying.
Why You'll Love Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce - Easy Weeknight Main Dish
Enjoy a quick and easy Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce recipe that's perfect for weeknight dinners. Simple, flavorful, and family-friendly!
- Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Uses pantry staples and fresh lemon for bright, bold flavor.
- Moist, flaky cod with a buttery garlic sauce that’s beginner-friendly.
- Low carb, high protein, and naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients for Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce - Easy Weeknight Main Dish
Cod fillets: Use fresh or thawed frozen cod. Substitute with haddock or tilapia if desired.Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control salt. You can use olive oil for a lighter option.
- Cod fillets: Use fresh or thawed frozen cod. Substitute with haddock or tilapia if desired.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control salt. You can use olive oil for a lighter option.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce - Easy Weeknight Main Dish are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce - Easy Weeknight Main Dish
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Preheat your oven: Set to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or oil.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Prepare the butter sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika (if using). Remove from heat.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Arrange cod fillets: Place the cod in the prepared baking dish. Season each fillet with salt and pepper. Pour the lemon-garlic butter sauce evenly over the fillets.
Expert Tips for Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce - Easy Weeknight Main Dish
- Pat cod dry before baking for better sauce adhesion.
- Add a splash of white wine to the butter sauce for extra depth.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder won't provide the same aroma.
Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce - Easy Weeknight Main Dish
Enjoy a quick and easy Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce recipe that's perfect for weeknight dinners. Simple, flavorful, and family-friendly!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each), skinless and boneless
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for subtle depth)
Optional Toppings
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Extra fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
How to Make Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce
- Preheat your oven: Set to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or oil.
- Prepare the butter sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, crushed red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika (if using). Remove from heat.
- Arrange cod fillets: Place the cod in the prepared baking dish. Season each fillet with salt and pepper. Pour the lemon-garlic butter sauce evenly over the fillets.
- Bake the cod: Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce - Easy Weeknight Main Dish FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the butter sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake the cod just before serving to keep the fish fresh and tender.
Haddock, tilapia, or halibut are excellent substitutes with similar texture and mild flavor.
Place cooked cod in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the fish.
If baked too long or at too high a temperature, cod can dry out. Bake just until the fish flakes easily and is opaque.
Before You Go
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