Description
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe features tender cod fillets baked to perfection with a zesty lemon butter sauce infused with garlic, paprika, and fresh parsley. It’s a simple, healthy, and flavorful seafood dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal. The dish is gluten-free and low-carb, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the cod from sticking during cooking.
- Prepare Cod Fillets: Place the cod fillets in a single layer evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish to ensure even cooking.
- Make Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Coat Fillets: Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets, making sure each piece is well coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Bake Cod: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked cod from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the cod in the lemon butter sauce for 15 minutes before baking.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
- You can substitute cod with haddock or halibut if desired for a different flavor or texture.
