Lemon Butter Baked Cod: A Refreshing & Healthy Dinner Delight
If you’re looking for a light, flavorful, and protein-packed dinner idea, this Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe is the perfect choice! It’s tender, flaky, and bursting with zesty lemon flavor — all balanced beautifully by the richness of melted butter and fresh herbs. Best of all, it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a quick healthy dinner.
🐟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Light and healthy: High in lean protein and low in carbs.
- Restaurant quality at home: The lemon butter sauce gives it a gourmet touch.
- Perfect for meal prep: Great reheated with rice, veggies, or a salad.
This baked cod recipe proves that simple ingredients can deliver incredible flavor and freshness.
🍋 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the cod:
- 4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the lemon butter sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (plus extra for serving)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or dill for a twist)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
👩🍳 How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Season the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper. Arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and paprika. Pour this zesty sauce evenly over the cod fillets.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your fillets.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or dill over the top. Serve warm with lemon wedges for an extra citrus kick.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair your Lemon Butter Baked Cod with:
- Steamed vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, or green beans)
- Garlic butter rice or quinoa
- Mashed or roasted potatoes
- A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or grilled zucchini noodles.
🌿 Tips for the Best Baked Cod
- Freshness is key: Choose firm, white fillets with a mild ocean scent.
- Don’t overbake: Cod cooks quickly — remove it as soon as it flakes easily.
- Add variety: Try adding capers or cherry tomatoes to the baking dish for extra color and tang.
- Make it dairy-free: Swap butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
🧈 Why Lemon Butter Works So Well
The combination of lemon and butter is timeless — the acidity of the lemon cuts through the richness of the butter, enhancing the natural sweetness of the fish. This simple duo transforms mild cod into a bright, melt-in-your-mouth dish that feels both comforting and elegant.
🕒 Storage and Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) or in a skillet over low heat.
- Avoid microwaving too long, as fish can dry out.
💡 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate values)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 0g
This makes it a keto-friendly, gluten-free, and high-protein dinner choice!
✨ Final Thoughts
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe is proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or bland. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or even when entertaining guests.
So go ahead — grab a few fresh cod fillets, whip up that zesty lemon butter sauce, and savor the refreshing taste of this healthy dinner delight!
📸 Pro Tip for Food Bloggers
When photographing this dish, use natural light and garnish with lemon slices, parsley, or a drizzle of melted butter for that glossy, appetizing finish.