Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod – Easy Recipe

Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod is the perfect weeknight dinner — fast, flavorful, and family-approved. In just 30 minutes, you get tender, flaky cod infused with zesty lemon, rich garlic, and buttery goodness. This easy baked cod recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy a healthy and elegant seafood dish with minimal prep and cleanup. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a weeknight warrior, this baked cod recipe offers big flavor with little effort.

Why This Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod Recipe Works

Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod stands out for its simplicity and elegance. The recipe requires only a handful of ingredients and minimal steps, making it a go-to for busy nights or last-minute dinner plans.

Cod is naturally mild and flaky, making it ideal for absorbing the bright citrus and rich garlic butter sauce. Baking the fish keeps it juicy and allows the sauce to soak into every bite. Plus, there’s no need to stand over a stove — it’s all done in the oven, leaving your kitchen smelling fresh, not fishy.

This dish is not only quick and healthy but also naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and high in protein, making it an excellent fit for various diets.

What You’ll Need to Make This Baked Cod

• Cod Loin Fillets: Thick and meaty, cod loins stay juicy when baked and soak up the buttery lemon sauce beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the sauce blend smoothly.
• Lemon Juice: Brings bright, zesty flavor and helps tenderize the fish.
• Garlic (Minced): Enhances the dish with deep, savory notes that pair perfectly with lemon.
• Butter: Melts over the fish, creating a rich, velvety sauce that keeps the cod moist.
• Lemon Slices: Adds fresh citrus aroma and beautiful presentation.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the cod.
• Chopped Parsley (Optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and subtle herbal note.

Ingredient Swaps and Smart Substitutions

• Cod Alternatives: Try haddock, tilapia, or halibut if cod isn’t available. Just adjust bake times based on thickness.
• Butter Substitution: For dairy-free, use vegan butter or ghee.
• Garlic Options: Substitute with ½ teaspoon garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t on hand.
• Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, though fresh is preferred.
• Parsley Alternatives: Use dill, basil, or chives for a different herbaceous finish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod

1. Preheat the Oven
   Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold your cod fillets without overlapping.
2. Prepare the Fish
   Pat cod loins dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper, and place them in the baking dish (skin side down if using skin-on fish).
3. Mix the Sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning.
4. Assemble
   Pour the lemon garlic mixture evenly over the cod. Dot the top of each fillet with butter pieces, and place thin lemon slices over each.
5. Bake the Cod
   Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. Thicker fillets may take closer to 20 minutes, while thinner ones finish in 10–15. The fish is done when it flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
6. Garnish and Serve
   Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot with your favorite side.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Baked Cod

• Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer for precision; aim for 145°F at the thickest part.
• Dry the Fish: Patting the cod dry before baking helps the sauce stick and prevents sogginess.
• Room Temperature Fish: Let cod sit out for 10 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
• Check the Flake: The fish should flake easily with a fork — that’s your visual cue it’s ready.
• Don’t Skip the Butter: It creates the luxurious, rich sauce that elevates this simple recipe.

Serving Suggestions and Recipe Variations

This lemony baked cod recipe pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides:

• Mashed Potatoes: Perfect for soaking up the garlic butter sauce.
• Roasted Veggies: Try asparagus, green beans, or zucchini.
• Steamed Rice or Quinoa: Light grains balance the richness of the sauce.
• Crusty Bread: For scooping up every drop of lemon garlic butter.
• Salads: A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette enhances the fresh flavors.

Flavorful Variations to Explore

• Spicy Lemon Cod: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
• Mediterranean Style: Add cherry tomatoes, olives, and capers before baking.
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free — no swaps needed.
• Foil Packets: Wrap the fish and sauce in foil for individual servings or grilling.
• Air Fryer Version: Use the same prep, then air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.

Light, Healthy, and Seasonally Inspired

Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod is not just weeknight-friendly — it’s perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or healthy meal prep. Its low-calorie, high-protein profile makes it a great fit for weight loss or heart-healthy diets. Lemon and parsley keep the dish light and fresh, making it ideal for spring and summer menus.

And because it’s oven-baked, it’s a clean, hands-off way to cook fish without filling your home with lingering seafood smells. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or impressing guests, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Conclusion: A Simple Yet Elegant Way to Enjoy Fish

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, high-reward seafood dinner, Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod delivers every time. With just a few fresh ingredients and one baking dish, this meal comes together effortlessly — making it ideal for busy weeknights, elegant dinners, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

The combination of garlic, lemon, and butter transforms mild cod into a flavorful, flaky masterpiece that pairs well with countless sides. It’s light yet satisfying, and the built-in sauce makes it feel special without requiring complex techniques or ingredients.

Whether you’re new to cooking fish or looking to refresh your dinner rotation with something wholesome and vibrant, this baked cod recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Baked White Fish Mediterranean Recipe: This dish offers a light and flavorful take on seafood with lemon, herbs, and olive oil — perfect for those who loved the brightness of Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod.
• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Recipe: Rich and garlicky, this shrimp dish shares the same bold garlic flavor and quick cook time, making it a great companion to the baked cod recipe for seafood lovers.
• Honey Lemon Vinaigrette Recipe: While not a main dish, this tangy dressing matches the citrus profile of the cod and can be used over salads served alongside your fish dinner.

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