Baked Cod with Lemon Herb Butter: A Simple & Flavorful Recipe

Baked cod is a fantastic weeknight dinner option. It’s quick, healthy, and incredibly versatile. This recipe elevates simple baked cod with a vibrant and flavorful lemon herb butter that melts beautifully over the fish, infusing it with bright, aromatic notes. The combination of the flaky white fish, the zesty lemon, and the fresh herbs creates a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. It’s a perfect main course that pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it a go-to meal for busy families or anyone looking for a light and delicious dinner.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and cooks in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Healthy and Delicious:** Cod is a lean protein source, and the lemon herb butter adds flavor without excessive calories.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences by using different herbs or adding other vegetables.
* **Impressive Flavor:** The lemon herb butter elevates simple baked cod to a restaurant-quality dish.
* **Minimal Cleanup:** Baked in one pan, cleanup is a breeze.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Cod Fillets:** Fresh or frozen cod fillets work well. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Aim for about 6-8 ounce fillets per person.
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter is preferred, as you can control the salt content of the dish. Allow it to soften to room temperature for easier mixing.
* **Lemon:** You’ll need both the zest and juice of a lemon. Choose a lemon that is firm and heavy for its size.
* **Fresh Herbs:** A combination of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary, and dill adds depth of flavor. You can also use dried herbs if fresh aren’t available, but fresh is always preferable.
* **Garlic:** Minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the butter.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Essential for seasoning the cod and the butter.
* **Olive Oil:** Used to lightly coat the baking dish and prevent the cod from sticking.
* **Optional:** Lemon slices for garnish, red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

## Detailed Instructions

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

### Step 1: Prepare the Lemon Herb Butter

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix all ingredients until well combined. You can use a fork or a small spatula for this. Make sure there aren’t any large chunks of butter remaining.
3. Taste the butter and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more lemon juice for extra tanginess, more herbs for a stronger herbal flavor, or more salt and pepper to taste.

### Step 2: Prepare the Cod

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the middle position for even cooking.
2. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. You can use a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar size that can comfortably fit the cod fillets without overcrowding.
3. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps to remove excess moisture and allows the fish to brown slightly during baking.
4. Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, making sure they are not touching each other.
5. Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper. Be generous with the seasoning, as this is the only direct seasoning the fish will receive.

### Step 3: Add the Lemon Herb Butter

1. Evenly spread the lemon herb butter over the top of each cod fillet. Use a spoon or your fingers to ensure each fillet is well coated with the flavorful butter.
2. If desired, place a few lemon slices on top of each fillet for added flavor and presentation.
3. If you like a little spice, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the cod fillets.

### Step 4: Bake the Cod

1. Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the cod fillets.
2. To check for doneness, gently insert a fork into the thickest part of a fillet. If the fish flakes easily and is no longer translucent, it is cooked through.
3. Be careful not to overcook the cod, as it can become dry and rubbery. It’s better to slightly undercook it than to overcook it.

### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove the baked cod from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
3. Serve the baked cod immediately while it’s hot and the butter is still melted and flavorful.

## Tips for Success

* **Use High-Quality Cod:** The quality of your cod will significantly impact the final dish. Look for fresh, firm fillets that are free of any fishy odors. If using frozen cod, thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
* **Don’t Overcook the Cod:** Overcooked cod can become dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
* **Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste:** The lemon herb butter is the star of this dish, so make sure it’s seasoned to your liking. Taste it before adding it to the cod and adjust the salt, pepper, lemon juice, and herbs as needed.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor and aroma to the dish that dried herbs simply can’t replicate. If possible, use fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary, and dill. If you only have dried herbs, use about half the amount called for in the recipe.
* **Soften the Butter:** Softened butter is essential for creating a smooth and creamy lemon herb butter. Allow the butter to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before using it.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish:** Overcrowding the baking dish can cause the cod to steam instead of bake, resulting in a soggy texture. Make sure the fillets are not touching each other in the dish.
* **Bake on the Middle Rack:** Baking the cod on the middle rack of the oven ensures that it cooks evenly.
* **Use a Baking Dish with a Lip:** This will prevent the melted butter from spilling over the sides of the dish.
* **Add a Little Heat:** If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon herb butter.
* **Serve Immediately:** Baked cod is best served immediately while it’s hot and the butter is still melted and flavorful.

## Variations

* **Spicy Baked Cod:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon herb butter or drizzle with hot sauce before serving.
* **Parmesan Baked Cod:** Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the cod fillets before baking.
* **Garlic Parmesan Baked Cod:** Combine grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic with the lemon herb butter.
* **Mediterranean Baked Cod:** Add chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to the baking dish before baking.
* **Lemon Pepper Baked Cod:** Use lemon pepper seasoning instead of salt and pepper.
* **Herb Crusted Baked Cod:** Combine breadcrumbs, herbs, and Parmesan cheese and press onto the cod fillets before baking.
* **Baked Cod with Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans, to the baking dish before baking.
* **Coconut Curry Baked Cod:** Use coconut milk and curry powder to create a creamy and flavorful sauce for the cod.

## Serving Suggestions

Baked cod with lemon herb butter pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts are all excellent choices.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed green beans, spinach, or kale are quick and healthy options.
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or quinoa are all good choices.
* **Potatoes:** Mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or scalloped potatoes are all comforting and satisfying side dishes.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with fruits and vegetables is a refreshing accompaniment.
* **Pasta:** Pasta with a light sauce or pesto is a delicious side dish.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious lemon herb butter.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the cod in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. Add a little bit of water or broth to the dish before reheating to prevent it from drying out.

## Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

* Calories: 250-300
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 2-5g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Enjoy this simple and delicious Baked Cod with Lemon Herb Butter recipe! It’s a perfect way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.