Let me tell you, there’s something absolutely magical about lemon garlic butter baked cod! This dish is not only a breeze to whip up, but it’s also bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that make your taste buds dance. Seriously, the moment that rich aroma of melted butter and garlic fills your kitchen, you know you’re in for something special. The cod comes out so tender and flaky, it practically melts in your mouth! Plus, it all comes together in just 25 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. Trust me, once you try this lemon garlic butter baked cod, it’ll become a go-to recipe in your home, and you’ll be dreaming about it for days!
Ingredients List
To make the most delicious lemon garlic butter baked cod, you’ll need just a handful of fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cod fillets (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for that rich flavor)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (the more garlic, the better!)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked if possible)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for a pop of color and freshness)
With these simple ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a dish that’s not just easy but also incredibly satisfying. I always recommend using fresh ingredients when possible—they really make a difference in flavor. Happy cooking!
How to Prepare Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod
Preparing this lemon garlic butter baked cod is as simple as it gets! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because you want that oven nice and hot to get the perfect flaky texture on your cod.
- While the oven warms up, grab a small saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t brown too much—you want that lovely, golden color!
- Once the butter is melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant. Wow, that smell is heavenly! Just make sure not to let the garlic burn.
- Next, stir in the fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic happens, so give it a good mix.
- Now, it’s time to place your cod fillets in a lightly greased baking dish. Pour that luscious lemon garlic butter sauce all over the fillets, making sure they’re well coated.
- Pop the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cod flakes easily with a fork. Trust me, the aroma will have you eagerly waiting!
- Finally, garnish with the chopped parsley before serving. It’s a beautiful touch that adds freshness!
And there you have it! This lemon garlic butter baked cod is not only quick to prepare but also a feast for the senses. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time—just 25 minutes from start to finish!
- Healthy and low-fat meal option, perfect for keeping things light.
- Flavorful and aromatic garlic butter sauce that elevates the dish to a whole new level.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time, but fancy enough for special occasions!
Seriously, it checks all the boxes for a fantastic meal. You’ll find yourself making it over and over again!
Tips for Success
To make your lemon garlic butter baked cod shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, don’t skip the fresh lemon juice—it really brightens up the dish. If you want to amp up the flavor, try adding a sprinkle of paprika or some red pepper flakes for a little kick. Also, be sure not to overbake the cod; it should flake easily when done but still remain moist. If you’re feeling fancy, serve it alongside some roasted veggies or fluffy rice to soak up that luscious garlic butter sauce. And remember, a squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving adds the perfect finishing touch! Trust me, these small tweaks will take your cod to the next level!
Nutritional Information
While I love sharing delicious recipes like this lemon garlic butter baked cod, it’s important to remember that nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. So, take this as an estimate rather than an exact science. Generally, for one serving (1 cod fillet), you can expect around:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
It’s always a good idea to check the labels of your ingredients if you’re looking for precise nutritional data. Happy cooking and eating!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making lemon garlic butter baked cod? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you navigate this delicious dish.
Can I use a different type of fish?
Absolutely! While cod is fantastic, you can also use other white fish like tilapia or haddock. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as thinner fillets may cook faster.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
No problem! You can substitute with garlic powder, about 1/8 teaspoon per clove. Just remember, fresh garlic gives a more vibrant flavor, so use it if you can!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Sure! You can prepare the lemon garlic butter sauce and marinate the cod fillets in it for up to 30 minutes before baking. Just keep it covered in the fridge and pop it in the oven when you’re ready!
What should I serve with this cod?
This lemon garlic butter baked cod pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! I love serving it with steamed veggies, fluffy rice, or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the sauce.
How do I know when the cod is done?
The best way to tell is by gently flaking it with a fork; if it flakes easily and is opaque throughout, you’re good to go! Just be careful not to overbake it, or it may dry out.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover lemon garlic butter baked cod is super easy! Just make sure to let it cool down to room temperature first. Then, place the cod fillets in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cooked cod—just wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll hold up well for up to 2 months!
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating gently is key to keeping that tender texture. I recommend popping the cod back into the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to use short bursts of heat to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your delicious meal again!
Print
Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Cod: 25 Minutes to Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Lemon garlic butter baked cod is a simple and delicious dish. It features tender cod fillets coated in a flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place the cod fillets in a baking dish.
- Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over the cod.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cod flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with vegetables or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: lemon garlic butter baked cod