Name: Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe-Easy & Flavorful
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets, about 6 ounces each; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod is more than just a weeknight dinner; it’s a culinary hug in a dish, a symphony of bright citrus and savory aromatics that transforms simple cod into something truly spectacular. We all crave those meals that are simultaneously effortless to prepare and undeniably impressive, and this recipe delivers that in spades. Imagine tender, flaky cod fillets bathed in a luscious sauce of melted butter, zesty lemon, and pungent garlic, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the kind of dish that makes even the busiest evenings feel like a special occasion, and it’s no wonder why it’s a beloved classic. The beauty of Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod lies in its elegant simplicity – the ingredients are humble, but their harmonious marriage creates an explosion of flavor that is both comforting and sophisticated. Get ready to discover why this recipe is about to become your new go-to for deliciousness!

Ingredients:

4 cod fillets, about 6 ounces each
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Preheating and Preparing the Baking Dish

Before we even think about touching the cod, let’s get our oven and baking dish ready. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This moderate heat is perfect for gently cooking flaky fish like cod, ensuring it remains moist and tender without drying out. While the oven heats, take a baking dish, a 9×13 inch one is usually ideal for four fillets, and lightly grease it. You can use a little extra olive oil or cooking spray for this. This step is crucial to prevent the cod from sticking to the dish, making cleanup a breeze and ensuring the fillets lift out beautifully once cooked.

Preparing the Cod

Now, let’s turn our attention to the star of the show: the cod fillets. Gently pat each cod fillet dry with paper towels. This might seem like a minor step, but it’s important. Drying the surface of the fish helps to create a better surface for seasoning and prevents excess moisture from steaming the fish in the oven, which can lead to a less desirable texture. Once dried, place the cod fillets in your prepared baking dish. Ensure they have a little bit of space between them; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. Season each fillet generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s the foundation of flavor for our Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod.

Crafting the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

This is where the magic truly happens for our Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. We want to melt it gently; we’re not looking to brown it at this stage. Once the butter has completely melted, add the minced garlic cloves to the pan. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste. Immediately after sautéing the garlic, remove the saucepan from the heat. This stops the cooking process for the garlic and prevents it from becoming bitter. Now, stir in the zest of one lemon. The zest contains all the wonderful essential oils of the lemon, providing a bright, aromatic punch. Finally, add the juice of the same lemon to the butter and garlic mixture. Stir everything together until well combined. This simple yet incredibly flavorful sauce is the key to our delicious cod.

Basting and Baking the Cod

With our cod prepped and our luscious lemon garlic butter sauce ready, it’s time to bring them together. Spoon the melted lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over each cod fillet. Make sure to get a good amount of the minced garlic and lemon zest distributed across the top of the fish. This ensures that every bite of your Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod will be infused with that fantastic flavor. Now, carefully place the baking dish into your preheated oven. We’ll bake the cod for approximately 12 to 15 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. You’ll know the cod is perfectly cooked when it’s opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. A good way to check is to gently press down on the thickest part of a fillet with a fork. If it separates into large, moist flakes, it’s done. Be cautious not to overcook, as this is the quickest way to dry out delicate fish.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Once the cod is perfectly baked, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. The aroma in your kitchen should be incredible right about now! Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley generously over the top of the cooked cod. The vibrant green of the parsley not only adds a beautiful visual appeal but also contributes a fresh, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the richness of the butter and the tang of the lemon. Let the Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod rest in the baking dish for a minute or two before serving. This brief resting period allows the juices within the fish to redistribute, resulting in an even moister and more succulent final product. Serve the cod immediately, spooning any extra lemon garlic butter sauce from the bottom of the baking dish over the fillets. This dish is fantastic served with a side of roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a simple green salad for a complete and elegant meal.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a simple yet elegant way to prepare delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod! This recipe is a testament to how a few quality ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques can yield a truly satisfying meal. We’ve walked through each step, from selecting your cod to achieving that perfectly flaky texture. The bright citrus notes of lemon, the pungent kick of garlic, and the rich smoothness of butter come together in a harmonious symphony of flavors that will impress even the most discerning palates. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this dish your own!

Serving this Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod is a breeze. It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside fluffy steamed rice, roasted asparagus, a simple green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, a side of quinoa or couscous also works wonderfully. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility!

Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or incorporate some fresh herbs like dill or parsley into the butter mixture. You can also swap out the cod for other firm white fish like halibut or haddock. The possibilities are endless!

I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod. It’s a weeknight winner and a special occasion showstopper all rolled into one. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Absolutely! If using frozen cod, ensure it is fully thawed and patted dry before proceeding with the recipe. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or place the vacuum-sealed package in a bowl of cool water for a faster thaw. Draining any excess moisture is crucial for achieving the best texture.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

While fresh garlic provides the most vibrant flavor, you can substitute it with garlic powder. Use approximately 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic called for in the recipe. Be sure to mix it thoroughly into the butter to distribute the flavor evenly.

How can I tell if the cod is cooked through?

The best way to check for doneness is by gently flaking the cod with a fork. It should be opaque and flake easily into large pieces. You can also use an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).