Imagine sinking your fork into a flaky piece of cod that has soaked up the zesty embrace of lemon and melted butter. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a warm hug, promising an explosion of flavor that makes your taste buds sing. This is not just any fish dish; we’re diving into the world of Lemon Butter Baked Cod!
Now, picture this scene: you’ve invited friends over for dinner and you want to impress them without breaking a sweat. You pull out this showstopper recipe that’s as easy as it is delicious. The moment they take their first bite, their eyes widen in delight—an experience you’ll want to recreate again and again!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Lemon Butter Baked Cod is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests
- The flavor profile balances tangy lemon and rich butter, creating a mouthwatering dish everyone will love
- Its bright presentation adds visual appeal to your dining table, enhancing any meal
- Versatile enough for pairing with various sides like rice or veggies, this recipe fits seamlessly into any menu
A small paragraph of a Personal anecdote of 15 to 20 words sharing a specific experience with the recipe.
My friends were so impressed with this dish that they asked for seconds—and I gladly obliged!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cod Fillets: Choose firm fillets that glisten; they’ll cook evenly and stay moist.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning perfectly.
- Fresh Lemons: Select bright lemons; their juice and zest will elevate the flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth; crush them for maximum flavor release.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the richness of the cod.
- Parsley Flakes: Fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness at the end.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skimp on these!
- Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon rind for an extra citrus punch in every bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and helps get that delicious golden crust on your cod.
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Mix That Flavor Bomb: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and zest. Whisk until well blended—your kitchen should be smelling divine already.
Season Your Cod: Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle your buttery mixture generously over them while sprinkling salt and pepper to taste.
Bake Until Perfectly Flaky: Slide your dish into the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork—it should be cooked through but still tender.
Garnish & Serve: Once done baking, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for garnish. Serve immediately—your guests won’t know what hit them!
With these simple steps leading you to culinary glory, you’re ready to impress family or friends with this delightful Lemon Butter Baked Cod!
You Must Know
- This Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe is simple yet flavorful; it brings a burst of freshness with every bite
- The buttery sauce creates a delicate balance, making it both comforting and elegant
- Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure an even cook. While the oven warms up, prepare your cod fillets by patting them dry and seasoning them generously. Then, whip up the lemon butter sauce to infuse maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out lemon for lime for a zesty twist or add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an aromatic kick. You can also experiment with different spices, such as paprika or garlic powder, to elevate the dish further.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place the cod in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through, ensuring it stays tender.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for a vibrant flavor; bottled juice can taste flat and less fragrant
- When placing cod on the baking sheet, make sure there’s space between each piece for even cooking
- Finally, don’t skip on resting time after cooking; it allows flavors to develop beautifully
I remember the first time I made Lemon Butter Baked Cod for my family; they raved about it! My mom even asked me for the recipe, and I felt like a culinary superstar that day!
FAQ
What sides pair well with Lemon Butter Baked Cod?
Roasted vegetables or fluffy rice complement this dish perfectly, enhancing its flavors.
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes! Just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking to achieve optimal texture.
How do I know when my cod is cooked properly?
Cod should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Lemon Butter Baked Cod
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a quick and elegant seafood dish that features tender cod fillets enveloped in a rich lemon-butter sauce, making it perfect for any meal occasion.
Ingredients
- Fresh cod fillets
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh lemons (juice and zest)
- Garlic cloves
- Olive oil
- Parsley flakes
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and zest until well combined.
- Place cod fillets in the baking dish and drizzle with the butter mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (150g)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
