Baked Cod with Lemon Butter (Printable)
Enjoy tender, flaky cod fillets infused with a zesty lemon butter sauce, creating a light and flavorful meal experience.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 skinless, boneless cod fillets (5 to 6 ounces each)
→ Lemon Butter Sauce
02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
05 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon fresh black pepper
→ Garnish
10 - Lemon slices, for serving
11 - Additional chopped fresh parsley
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish sufficient to accommodate the cod fillets in a single layer.
02 - Gently pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels, then arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
03 - In a small mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the melted unsalted butter, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and fresh black pepper.
04 - Evenly pour the prepared lemon butter sauce over each cod fillet in the baking dish.
05 - Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cod appears opaque throughout and flakes effortlessly with a fork.
06 - Garnish the baked cod with fresh lemon slices and additional chopped parsley just before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in a flash, making even a busy weeknight feel a little bit gourmet.
- The flaky, tender fish infused with bright lemon butter is just incredibly satisfying without being heavy.
02 -
- The biggest mistake you can make with fish is overcooking it; remember that it continues to cook slightly even after it's out of the oven.
- Patting the fish dry might seem like a small step, but it's crucial for preventing a steamy, rubbery texture and promoting flakiness.
03 -
- For a foolproof cook, use a meat thermometer; cod is perfectly cooked around 140-145°F (60-63°C), though visual checks are usually sufficient.
- If you're worried about fish smell lingering, a quick wipe down of surfaces with lemon water after cooking works wonders.