When you’re craving something light, flavorful, and fuss-free, this Lemon Butter Baked Cod is exactly what you need. With flaky white fish bathed in a zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce and baked to tender perfection, it’s the kind of meal that feels elegant but takes almost no effort at all. It’s fresh, vibrant, and ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast but still want something satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Easy: Minimal prep, one baking dish, and a handful of pantry staples. That’s it.
Incredibly Flavorful: The lemon butter sauce seeps into every bite of the cod, adding brightness and depth without overpowering the fish.
Healthy and Light: Packed with protein, low in fat, and naturally gluten-free — it checks all the boxes for a clean, feel-good dinner.
Fast Clean-Up: Since everything bakes together in one dish, there’s barely any mess to deal with after.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this Lemon Butter Baked Cod so special — and why each ingredient matters:

Cod Fillets: Choose fresh or thawed cod fillets; their mild flavor and tender texture are perfect for soaking up the lemon butter sauce.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon brings brightness and cuts through the richness of the butter. Zest adds an extra punch of citrus flavor.
Garlic: Finely minced garlic infuses the butter with bold, savory depth.
Unsalted Butter: Melted and drizzled over the fish, butter adds richness and helps create a luscious pan sauce.
Paprika: A light sprinkle of paprika adds a warm hint of spice and beautiful golden color.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning — be generous, especially with freshly cracked pepper.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of freshness and makes the dish look restaurant-worthy.

Variations

Switch things up with these fun and easy variations:

Add Veggies: Toss some asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini into the baking dish for a built-in side.
Use a Different Fish: Haddock, tilapia, or halibut all work beautifully here.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few slices of fresh chili to the butter sauce for a subtle heat.
Herby Twist: Swap parsley for dill or thyme for a more aromatic flavor profile.

How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment for easy clean-up.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well to combine all that bright, buttery goodness.

Step 3: Arrange the Fish

Place cod fillets in the baking dish in a single layer. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Drizzle the lemon butter sauce evenly over the fillets. Spoon some underneath each piece too — you want that flavor to soak in! Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley right before serving. Spoon extra sauce from the pan over each piece of fish for maximum flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overbake: Cod cooks quickly. Check it after 12 minutes — it should flake easily with a fork and be opaque all the way through.
Use Fresh Lemon: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t compare. Fresh juice and zest give the dish a clean, vibrant flavor.
Let It Rest: Let the cod sit for a couple of minutes after baking so the juices redistribute and the flavors settle.
Dry the Fish First: Pat the cod dry with paper towels before baking to help the seasoning stick and prevent watery sauce.

How to Serve

This baked cod pairs wonderfully with so many sides. Here are some favorites:

Classic and Simple

Serve over fluffy white rice, mashed potatoes, or couscous to soak up that delicious lemon butter sauce.

Fresh and Green

Pair it with roasted green beans, sautéed spinach, or a crisp arugula salad tossed with olive oil and lemon.

Crusty Bread

A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but still tasty the next day.

Freezing

Cod freezes well. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the fish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with paper towels before baking to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

What if I don’t have cod?
You can substitute any mild, flaky white fish like haddock, tilapia, or halibut. The same lemon butter method works beautifully.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a high-quality dairy-free butter alternative or even olive oil. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. A meat thermometer should read 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the fish.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Butter Baked Cod is everything a weeknight dinner should be — simple, speedy, healthy, and downright delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just for yourself, it’s a recipe that delivers big rewards with minimal effort. Give it a try and let the fresh, buttery goodness win you over.

Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe