Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod is a dish that dances on your taste buds and will have you singing “Oh, cod!” in delight. Imagine tender, flaky fish bathed in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce that wafts through your kitchen like a warm hug on a cold day. This dish is perfect for those moments when you want to impress your friends or simply treat yourself on a cozy night in.
When I first stumbled upon this recipe, I was navigating the chaotic waters of cooking for my family and desperately trying to avoid another round of takeout. This delightful cod dish became our go-to for special occasions and weeknight dinners alike, making it the culinary equivalent of finding a $20 bill in an old pair of jeans. The bright flavors and buttery goodness make it an instant classic that everyone will love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The simplicity of this Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Its bright, zesty flavor profile brings a burst of freshness to your table.
- Visually appealing with its golden-brown crust, it’s sure to impress guests at dinner parties.
- Plus, this versatile recipe can easily be paired with various sides for endless meal possibilities.
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cod Fillets: Fresh or frozen, choose fillets about 6 ounces each for even cooking.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
Fresh Garlic: Use minced garlic cloves for maximum flavor; fresh garlic packs a punch.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a vibrant acidity that elevates the cod.
Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley provides a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because nobody likes soggy fish! While it’s warming up, grab your baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so your cod doesn’t stick like an unwanted guest at a party.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt about four tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about one minute. Then stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and season with salt and pepper for that extra zing.
Step 3: Season the Cod
Place your cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle half of the lemon garlic butter sauce over them like a glorious blanket of flavor. Make sure every inch gets some love!
Step 4: Bake
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork. The smell wafting from your oven will have everyone asking what’s cooking before they even step foot into the kitchen.
Step 5: Add Fresh Parsley
Once baked, remove your cod from the oven and drizzle the remaining sauce over each fillet. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top like confetti at a celebration!
Step 6: Serve Up
Transfer to plates and serve with your favorite sides—maybe some roasted vegetables or fluffy rice—to soak up all that buttery goodness. Your family will be singing praises as they dive into their plates!
And there you have it! Your Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod is ready to steal the show! Enjoy every bite while basking in compliments from family and friends alike!
You Must Know
- This Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod brings the ocean’s flavors right to your kitchen.
- It’s quick, simple, and impressively delicious.
- Perfect for family dinners or cozy dates, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.
- You can customize it with various sides to match your mood!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, preheat your oven to a toasty 400°F. While it warms up, melt the butter and mix in the lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Place the cod fillets in a baking dish, pour the zesty butter mix over them, and bake until flaky perfection—usually about 12-15 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to jazz up your Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod with fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Swap out cod for other white fish such as haddock or tilapia. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat if you dare!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through—about 10 minutes should do the trick without drying it out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality fish; fresher cod makes all the difference in taste.
- Don’t overcook; check for flakiness after 12 minutes to avoid dryness.
- Incorporate seasonal veggies like asparagus or zucchini alongside for a complete meal.
It was a rainy Saturday evening when I first tried this recipe. My friends were skeptical at first but were soon licking their plates clean! Their surprised faces when they realized I made it all from scratch? Priceless!
FAQs:
What is Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod?
Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod is a delicious seafood dish that features tender cod fillets baked in a rich and flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce. This recipe enhances the natural taste of the fish while keeping it moist and succulent. The combination of fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and melted butter creates a savory topping that complements the mild flavor of cod perfectly.
How long does it take to cook Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod?
Cooking Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod typically takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the cod fillets for approximately 15-18 minutes, depending on their thickness. It’s important to ensure the fish flakes easily with a fork when done. This quick cooking time makes it an ideal option for busy weeknight dinners.
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cod for Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking for the best results. Thawing can be done by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or placing it in cold water for about an hour. Using frozen fish may slightly affect the cooking time, so keep an eye on it as it bakes.
What side dishes go well with Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod?
Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, for a healthy option. You could also enjoy it with rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious lemon garlic sauce. For a heartier meal, add some roasted potatoes or a fresh salad.
Conclusion for Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod:
In conclusion, Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod is an easy and flavorful dish that showcases the delicate taste of cod through its buttery lemon garlic sauce. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation time, it’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Don’t forget to experiment with different side dishes to complement your meal. Enjoy this delightful seafood recipe that will surely impress family and friends alike!
Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod
Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod is a succulent seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets drizzled in a rich, zesty garlic butter sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. With its delightful flavors and minimal prep time, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place the cod fillets in the baking dish and drizzle half of the garlic butter sauce over them.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cod flakes easily with a fork.
- Drizzle remaining sauce over cooked fillets and sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet (170g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like dill or substituting cod with haddock or tilapia. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick.
