Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

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Tender, flaky cod bathed in a rich garlic-butter sauce, brightened with zesty lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs — this Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce is a flavor-packed seafood dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural sweetness of the fish to shine through, while the buttery lemon infusion adds a refreshing and savory depth.

Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or just craving something light yet satisfying, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. It pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. Best of all? No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques — just clean, wholesome flavors that work in perfect harmony.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

This recipe checks all the boxes for a go-to favorite: it’s quick, it’s easy, and it tastes gourmet. The buttery sauce, spiked with garlic and lemon, creates a luxurious backdrop for the delicate cod. It’s naturally low in carbs and high in protein, making it great for various dietary preferences. Plus, it’s baked in one dish for easy cleanup.

What Kind of Cod Should I Use?

Fresh or frozen cod fillets both work well here. If using frozen, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before baking. Look for thick, firm fillets for the best texture. Atlantic or Pacific cod are both excellent options. If cod isn’t available, haddock or pollock are good substitutes.

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Ingredients for the Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating a harmonious and delicious balance of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cod Fillets: The star of the dish, cod is mild, tender, and perfect for soaking up the flavors of the sauce.
• Butter: Forms the rich, velvety base of the sauce and adds depth to the overall flavor.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the butter with an aromatic punch that brings the dish to life.
• Lemon Slices and Juice: Fresh lemon brightens the entire recipe, cutting through the richness of the butter.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the fish.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a fresh, herbaceous note that ties everything together.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but recommended for a gentle kick of heat.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.

How To Make the Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or olive oil.

Step 2: Arrange the Cod

Place cod fillets in the prepared dish. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help the seasoning stick better.

Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the lemon juice, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 4: Pour and Top

Pour the butter sauce evenly over the cod fillets. Top each fillet with lemon slices and sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Baste once halfway through baking with the sauce from the pan.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Remove from the oven and spoon the sauce over the fillets again before serving. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.

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How to Serve and Store Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

This dish is best served immediately while the fish is hot and flaky, and the butter sauce is still silky. It serves 4 people generously, making it perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering. If you do have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stove to prevent overcooking the delicate fish.

Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the cod. If you want to meal prep, you can make the sauce ahead and store it separately, then bake the fish fresh when ready to serve.

What to Serve With Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod?

Steamed Asparagus

Light and crisp, asparagus pairs beautifully with the richness of the butter sauce.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy potatoes complement the lemony-garlic flavors and soak up the extra sauce.

Herbed Quinoa

A healthy, protein-rich grain that adds a nutty balance to the meal.

Roasted Broccoli

The crispy edges of roasted broccoli offer a nice contrast in texture.

Rice Pilaf

Mild and fluffy, rice pilaf acts as a great canvas for the flavorful sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with vinaigrette keeps the meal balanced and light.

Crusty Bread

Perfect for dipping into the luscious garlic-butter sauce.

White Wine

A chilled glass of dry white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, enhances the flavors without overpowering them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cod fillets?
Yes, just make sure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before cooking to ensure even baking and a better texture.

How do I know when the cod is done baking?
The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque in the center. Typically, 15-18 minutes in a 400°F oven is perfect.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the butter with a high-quality olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version that still delivers on flavor.

Is this dish spicy?
Not necessarily. The crushed red pepper flakes are optional, so you can skip them if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the garlic-butter sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for 2 days. Just reheat gently before pouring it over the cod.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use fresh or frozen cod? Did you try adding capers or a splash of white wine?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook better, one meal at a time.

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Conclusion

Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce is everything you want in a weeknight dinner — fast, flavorful, and minimal cleanup. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that feels elegant but is effortlessly simple. Whether you’re new to cooking seafood or it’s already a staple in your kitchen, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.

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