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Baked Cod with Lemon Butter

American · Dinner · Easy

Baked Cod with Lemon Butter

Total
25 min
Prep
10 min
Serves
4
Calories
235
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Thick cod flakes bake under a lemon-garlic butter coating. The shallow pan catches the juices for spooning over the fish at the table.

A hot oven cooks Baked Cod with Lemon Butter quickly enough to keep the lean flesh moist. Melted butter carries garlic and paprika over the surface, while lemon adds acidity without a long marinade.

Thaw frozen fillets completely and pat them dry before seasoning. Tuck thin tail ends underneath themselves so each portion is roughly the same thickness and reaches doneness at the same time.

GarlickyZesty30 MinuteBakingPescatarianGluten-freeNut-freeEgg-freeHigh-proteinLow-carbKeto

Method

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the cod dry and arrange in a single layer in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.

  2. Mix the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, paprika, salt and black pepper. Spoon the mixture over every fillet.

  3. Bake for until the thickest part reaches 145°F and separates into opaque flakes. Check thinner fillets early and remove them as they finish.

  4. Scatter the parsley over the cod and spoon the lemon butter from the baking dish over each serving.

Forkue tips

  • Use a snug baking dish rather than an oversized sheet pan so the buttery juices do not evaporate before serving.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate for 2 days. Reheat covered at 300°F (150°C) with the saved pan juices until just hot; avoid a high microwave setting, which tightens the lean flakes.

Kitchen gear

Baking dishTop picks on AmazonInstant read thermometerTop picks on Amazon
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Nutrition per serving, estimated

235Calories
31gProtein
2gCarbs
11gFat

Image: AI-generated picture of the finished dish, made by Forkue. Yours will look like home cooking.

Baked Cod with Lemon Butter: FAQ

Can I use haddock instead?

Yes. Choose similarly thick pieces and check for the same internal temperature; thin haddock portions will finish sooner.

Why is there so much liquid in the pan?

Previously frozen fish can release extra water. Thaw fully and blot it well before baking so the butter sauce stays concentrated.

How do I store and reheat Baked Cod with Lemon Butter?

Refrigerate for 2 days. Reheat covered at 300°F (150°C) with the saved pan juices until just hot; avoid a high microwave setting, which tightens the lean flakes.

How long does Baked Cod with Lemon Butter take?

About 25 min in total: 10 min prep and 15 min cooking.

What do I need to make Baked Cod with Lemon Butter?

The key ingredients are cod, butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic and paprika, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Baked Cod with Lemon Butter?

Use a snug baking dish rather than an oversized sheet pan so the buttery juices do not evaporate before serving.

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