Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce


  • Author: Livia Scott
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Elevate your dinner routine with this quick and easy recipe for Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce. This healthy seafood dish features tender, flaky cod fillets smothered in a rich, zesty butter-garlic sauce and topped with fresh lemon and herbs. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, it’s packed with protein, low in carbs, and made with clean ingredients. Ideal for those seeking healthy food ideas, easy dinner recipes, and fresh seafood dishes. Ready in under 30 minutes!


Ingredients

4 cod fillets

4 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 lemon, juiced

1 lemon, thinly sliced

1 teaspoon paprika

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

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

2. Place cod fillets in the dish and pat dry with a paper towel.

3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Stir in lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and paprika.

5. Pour the butter sauce over the cod fillets evenly.

6. Top each fillet with lemon slices and sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes if using.

7. Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

8. Baste once halfway through baking with the pan sauce.

9. Remove from the oven and spoon sauce over the fillets again before serving.

10. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.

Notes

Use fresh or fully thawed cod fillets and pat them dry for best results.

To keep the sauce from breaking, avoid overheating the butter once garlic is added.

If you want to prep ahead, make the sauce separately and refrigerate until ready to bake.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 460mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: quick dinner, easy recipe, cod recipe, baked fish, healthy seafood, lemon garlic fish