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Lemon Butter Baked Cod: Easy Recipe & Health Benefits

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Flaky cod baked in a bright and flavorful lemon butter sauce with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice. A quick and easy weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs Cod fillets, about 1 inch thick
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
  3. Pat Cod Dry: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels.
  4. Arrange Cod: Arrange the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
  5. Season Cod: Lightly season the cod fillets with salt and pepper.
  6. Make Lemon Butter Sauce:
    • In a small bowl, melt the butter.
    • Add the fresh lemon juice.
    • Incorporate the minced garlic.
    • Add the chopped fresh parsley and chives.
    • Add the lemon zest, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
    • Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
    • Give everything a good whisk until it’s all nicely combined.
  7. Pour Sauce: Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the cod fillets.
  8. Bake: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  9. Check for Doneness: To be absolutely sure the cod is cooked through, you can use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
  10. Optional Broil: If you want a little extra browning on top, you can broil the cod for the last minute or two of baking. Just be careful not to burn it!
  11. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges and your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • Use other white fish like haddock, tilapia, or sea bass if you don’t have cod.
  • Add vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes to the baking dish.
  • Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
  • Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the cod before baking.
  • Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and 1 teaspoon of dried chives if you don’t have fresh herbs.
  • Prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Store leftover Lemon Butter Baked Cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Find it online: https://anasrecipes.com/lemon-butter-baked-cod/