Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod: A Simple & Delicious Recipe
Baked cod is a weeknight dinner staple for good reason: it’s quick, easy, and healthy. But sometimes, the same old baked cod can get a little boring. That’s where this lemon garlic butter baked cod recipe comes in! This recipe elevates simple baked cod to a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort. The combination of bright lemon, pungent garlic, and rich butter creates a flavor explosion that will have your family asking for seconds. Plus, it’s all baked in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s also elegant enough to serve to guests. The flaky, tender cod is infused with the flavorful sauce, making it a truly memorable meal. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and easy lemon garlic butter baked cod.
Why This Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe Works
This recipe is a winner for several reasons:
* **Simple Ingredients:** You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.
* **Quick and Easy:** From prep to plate, this dish is ready in under 30 minutes.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter creates a truly irresistible flavor.
* **Healthy:** Cod is a lean protein source, and this recipe is relatively low in calories.
* **One-Pan Meal:** Easy cleanup is always a plus!
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a rundown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this lemon garlic butter baked cod:
* **Cod Fillets:** Use fresh or frozen cod fillets. If using frozen, make sure they are completely thawed before cooking. About 1.5 to 2 pounds of cod fillets is sufficient for 4 servings.
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter is preferred, as you’ll be adding salt to the recipe. You’ll need about 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons).
* **Garlic:** Fresh garlic is essential for that pungent flavor. Use about 3-4 cloves, minced.
* **Lemon:** You’ll need both the zest and juice of one lemon. The zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma, while the juice provides acidity and flavor.
* **Fresh Parsley:** Chopped fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and color. About 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley is ideal.
* **Olive Oil:** A drizzle of olive oil helps to keep the cod moist and prevents it from sticking to the baking dish. About 1 tablespoon of olive oil is needed.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. These are essential for seasoning the cod and bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Optional: Red Pepper Flakes:** A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat. If you like a little spice, add a pinch.
* **Optional: White Wine:** A splash of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) can add depth of flavor to the sauce. About 2 tablespoons.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Baking Dish:** A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal.
* **Small Bowl:** For mixing the lemon garlic butter sauce.
* **Citrus Zester:** For zesting the lemon.
* **Citrus Juicer:** For juicing the lemon.
* **Garlic Press (optional):** For mincing the garlic.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping the parsley.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part: making the lemon garlic butter baked cod! Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:
**Step 1: Prepare the Cod**
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature allows the cod to cook through without drying out.
* If using frozen cod, make sure it’s completely thawed. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown nicely and prevents them from steaming in the oven. Excess moisture can hinder browning.
* Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil. This will prevent the cod from sticking.
* Arrange the cod fillets in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Make sure the fillets are not overlapping.
**Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce**
* In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk all ingredients together until well combined. Ensure the garlic is evenly distributed throughout the butter mixture.
* If using white wine, add it to the sauce and stir.
**Step 3: Pour the Sauce Over the Cod**
* Evenly pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over the cod fillets. Make sure each fillet is well coated in the sauce. You can use a spoon to distribute the sauce evenly.
**Step 4: Bake the Cod**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of the cod fillets. Keep an eye on the cod to prevent it from overcooking.
* To check for doneness, insert a fork into the thickest part of a fillet and gently twist. If the fish flakes easily, it’s done. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**
* Once the cod is cooked, remove it from the oven. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
* Serve immediately with your favorite sides. See serving suggestions below.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod
* **Don’t Overcook the Cod:** Overcooked cod will be dry and rubbery. Keep a close eye on it while it’s baking and test for doneness frequently. It is better to undercook slightly as it will continue cooking after you remove it from the oven.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh garlic, lemon, and parsley will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Thaw Frozen Cod Properly:** Thaw frozen cod in the refrigerator overnight or in a bowl of cold water for about an hour. Make sure the cod is completely thawed before cooking.
* **Pat the Cod Dry:** Patting the cod dry with paper towels before baking helps it to brown nicely.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce before pouring it over the cod and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
* **Broil for Extra Browning (Optional):** For a more golden-brown top, broil the cod for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Watch it carefully to prevent burning. Move the baking dish to the highest rack position in the oven.
* **Rest the Cod Briefly:** Let the cod rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Serving Suggestions
This lemon garlic butter baked cod is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions:
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potatoes are all great choices. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast them alongside the cod.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Green beans, snow peas, and spinach are quick and easy options.
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or quinoa are all excellent accompaniments. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or some chopped parsley to the rice for extra flavor.
* **Pasta:** Angel hair pasta or linguine tossed with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese is a delicious side dish.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to the rich cod.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with baked fish.
* **Crusty Bread:** For soaking up all that delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.
Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations you can try:
* **Add Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as dill, thyme, or oregano.
* **Use Different Spices:** Add a pinch of paprika, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder.
* **Add Vegetables to the Baking Dish:** Cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers can be added to the baking dish along with the cod.
* **Use Different Types of Fish:** This recipe also works well with other types of white fish, such as halibut, tilapia, or haddock.
* **Top with Breadcrumbs:** Sprinkle the cod with breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy topping. Use panko breadcrumbs for the best texture.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Add grated parmesan cheese to the sauce for extra flavor.
* **Wine Substitution:** If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth.
Make-Ahead Instructions
While this recipe is best served immediately, you can prepare the lemon garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Simply mix the ingredients in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, bring the sauce to room temperature before pouring it over the cod. This will help the sauce to melt and spread evenly.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **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 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. Covering the dish will help retain moisture.
Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Here’s the complete recipe card for your convenience:
**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 10 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5-2 pounds cod fillets, fresh or thawed
* 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
* 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 lemon, zest and juice
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
* 2 tablespoons dry white wine (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels.
3. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
4. Arrange cod fillets in a single layer in the baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add white wine (if using).
6. Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the cod fillets.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
8. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
9. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Enjoy your delicious and easy lemon garlic butter baked cod!
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: Approximately 300-350 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients).
* Protein: 30-40 grams per serving.
* Fat: 15-20 grams per serving.
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams per serving.
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.)
This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. With its simple ingredients and easy instructions, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties. So, give it a try and let me know what you think! I’m confident that this lemon garlic butter baked cod will become a new favorite in your household.