Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a delightful and healthy dish that brings together tender cod fillets with a zesty lemon butter sauce. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for various occasions, from quick weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings. The bright flavors and simple ingredients make this dish a standout choice for seafood lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Flavorful Sauce: The lemon butter sauce elevates the cod with fresh citrus notes and aromatic garlic.
• Versatile Side Pairings: Enjoy this dish with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this baked cod recipe is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Easy Cleanup: Baking the cod in one dish means less mess and hassle after cooking.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making Lemon Butter Baked Cod, gather the necessary tools to streamline your cooking process. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating this delicious dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: Essential for evenly cooking the cod fillets while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining your lemon butter sauce ingredients easily without making a mess.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth consistency in your sauce, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing flavors in your dish.

Ingredients

Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a simple, delicious dish featuring tender cod fillets baked in a zesty lemon butter sauce. This easy, light recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal served with your favorite side dish.

For the Cod:

• 4 (6 oz) cod fillets
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Lemon slices, for serving

How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Arrange the Cod Fillets

Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Spoon the lemon butter sauce evenly over the fillets, ensuring they are well-coated.

Step 4: Bake the Cod

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The cod should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving. Enjoy hot alongside rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad.

How to Serve Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Whether you’re looking for something light and fresh or hearty and filling, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal.

Fresh Salads

• Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil and lemon juice.
• Arugula Salad: Peppery arugula topped with cherry tomatoes, shaved parmesan, and a light lemon vinaigrette.

Grains

• Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa cooked with vegetables for added texture and flavor; it complements the cod beautifully.
• Lemon Rice: Fragrant rice cooked with lemon zest and herbs, enhancing the citrus theme of the dish.

Vegetables

• Steamed Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears lightly steamed and drizzled with olive oil; they add color and crunch.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts seasoned with garlic for a tasty accompaniment.

Bread Options

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy bread topped with garlic butter; perfect for soaking up any remaining lemon butter sauce.
• Whole Grain Rolls: Soft rolls that provide a wholesome addition to your meal.

How to Perfect Lemon Butter Baked Cod

For the best experience with your Lemon Butter Baked Cod, consider these helpful tips that will elevate your dish to new heights.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, lemons, and herbs will enhance the flavors compared to dried or processed alternatives.
• Don’t Overcook the Cod: Keep an eye on your fish while baking; overcooking can lead to dry fillets. Aim for just flaky perfection.
• Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to modify the spices based on your personal taste preferences; adding a pinch of chili flakes can offer a nice kick.
• Experiment With Herbs: Try different herbs like dill or basil for varied flavor profiles that complement the lemon butter sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Choosing the right side dishes can elevate your Lemon Butter Baked Cod into a complete meal. Here are some top recommendations:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes made with garlic for added flavor; perfect for pairing with fish.
2. Sautéed Spinach: Quick sautéed spinach tossed in olive oil and garlic; it adds vibrant color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Couscous Salad: Light couscous mixed with diced vegetables and herbs; this side is quick to prepare and full of flavor.
4. Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini lightly sautéed in olive oil; a healthy gluten-free option that complements the fish nicely.
5. Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots seasoned with thyme; their natural sweetness balances the acidity of the lemon sauce.
6. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that absorbs flavors well; season it lightly with lemon zest for harmony in taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Lemon Butter Baked Cod, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can make a big difference in the final dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not Preheating the Oven: Failing to preheat your oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always ensure your oven reaches the correct temperature before placing the cod inside.
• Overcooking the Cod: Cooking the cod for too long can make it dry. Keep an eye on the cooking time and check for doneness at 12 minutes.
• Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using dried herbs instead of fresh ones can dull the flavor. Opt for fresh herbs when possible, especially parsley and thyme, for a brighter taste.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Under-seasoning can result in bland fish. Be generous with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the lemon butter sauce.
• Not Letting it Rest: Serving immediately after baking can lead to loss of moisture. Allowing it to rest for a couple of minutes helps retain its juiciness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Lemon Butter Baked Cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Frozen cod can be kept for up to 2 months.

Reheating Lemon Butter Baked Cod

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place cod in a baking dish covered with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place cod on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, add a small amount of olive oil, and warm cod gently for about 3-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Lemon Butter Baked Cod that may help you gain more insights into this delightful recipe.

How do I choose fresh cod?

Look for firm flesh that is translucent and has no strong fishy odor. Fresh cod should have clear eyes and bright red gills.

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before baking. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or place it under cold running water until defrosted.

What side dishes pair well with Lemon Butter Baked Cod?

Lemon Butter Baked Cod goes great with rice pilaf, steamed vegetables, or a refreshing salad.

Can I substitute other fish for cod?

Absolutely! This lemon butter sauce works well with other white fish like haddock or halibut.

How do I store leftovers of Lemon Butter Baked Cod?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Butter Baked Cod is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. Its bright flavors make it perfect for any night of the week. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding different herbs or spices according to your taste preferences. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!