If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug and brings bright, fresh flavors to your table, you have to try this Easy Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe. It’s a simple, nutritious meal that combines tender cod fillets with zesty lemon and rich butter, all baked to flaky perfection in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re cooking weeknight dinner or impressing friends with minimal fuss, this recipe offers a perfect balance of lightness, indulgence, and pure, natural flavor that makes every bite a delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its uncomplicated ingredients that each play a vital role in building vibrant taste, silky texture, and appealing color. With fresh lemon, savory spices, and quality butter and olive oil, you’ll have everything you need to make your cod shine.
- 4 fillets Cod Fillet: A mild, flaky white fish that’s perfect for baking; optionally substitute with haddock or tilapia.
- 2 slices Lemon Slices: Used for both presentation and to add fresh citrus aroma during baking.
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter: Melted for rich moisture and depth, avoiding saltiness lets you control seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Extra virgin adds a fruity undertone and prevents sticking in the baking dish.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish and adds natural acidity; lime juice works as an alternative.
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest: The essential oils in fresh zest provide a fragrant punch that elevates the flavor.
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic lends a savory sharpness that complements the lemon exceptionally well.
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally, bringing out the cod’s subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper adds mild heat and aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika (optional): Adds lovely color and a hint of smokiness, though you can skip it if you prefer lighter flavors.
How to Make Easy Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Greasing your baking dish with olive oil is essential here to keep the cod from sticking and to add that subtle olive flavor that marries well with the lemon and butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Cod
Rinse each cod fillet gently under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Dry fish bakes better with crisp edges and takes on marinades more effectively, so this step ensures the best texture.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together your melted butter, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic until everything is beautifully combined. This mixture is the heart of the dish, infusing every bite with luscious moisture and vibrant citrus notes.
Step 4: Season and Arrange
Sprinkle the cod fillets evenly with sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and optional paprika for a pop of color and smoky depth. Place a couple of lemon slices on top of each fillet—this not only adds a zesty fragrance while baking but also doubles as a beautiful garnish when served.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the prepared cod in the baking dish and spoon the lemon butter marinade over each fillet. Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. If you like a slightly crispy finish, feel free to broil for a minute or two after baking—the gentle broil caramelizes the butter and lemon for a divine touch.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once out of the oven, drizzle any remaining marinade from the pan over the fillets to keep them moist and flavorful. This easy step really seals in all the goodness and ensures every bite is succulent.
How to Serve Easy Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or dill add a lovely splash of green and a fresh herbal note that pairs beautifully with the lemon and butter. A sprinkle of lemon zest over the top just before serving brightens both look and flavor.
Side Dishes
This cod loves company! Think light and fresh: steamed asparagus, roasted baby potatoes, or a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette complement the clean, bright flavors without overpowering the dish. If you want something heartier, garlic mashed cauliflower works wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, serve the cod over a bed of quinoa or couscous tossed with lemon zest and fresh herbs. You can also plate it alongside colorful vegetable ribbons or over creamy polenta for a comforting yet sophisticated meal experience that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cod’s delicate texture holds up well if you reheat it gently to avoid drying it out.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze, wrap each cooked fillet tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Use within one month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, use a low oven setting or a microwave on medium power to avoid overcooking the fish. Adding a tiny splash of water or butter before reheating helps maintain moisture and keeps the fish tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the cod fully in the refrigerator before cooking and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture that can affect baking.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-fat diet?
While the recipe uses butter and olive oil, the amounts are moderate and combined with lean fish, making it a balanced option. You can reduce butter slightly or swap for a heart-healthy oil to fit dietary needs.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon zest?
Fresh zest packs the best flavor, but if you don’t have it, a small pinch of good quality dried lemon peel can be used as an alternative, though fresh is always preferred.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine or extra olive oil. The dish will still be flavorful and moist without butter.
How long does the cod stay good after cooking?
Cooked cod is best eaten within two days of refrigeration to maintain freshness and flavor. Always store it promptly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe truly feels like a small celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients coming together effortlessly. It’s one of those meals you can prepare with confidence any night of the week, knowing you’ll end with a plate full of flaky, flavorful fish that’s both comforting and invigorating. Give it a try and share the love—you might just find your new favorite go-to dinner!
Print
Easy Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe delivers a delicious, flaky fish dish infused with fresh lemon and garlic flavors. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick, nutritious dinner that’s both light and satisfying. The combination of melted butter and olive oil ensures a moist, flavorful bake, while optional paprika adds a subtle smoky depth.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 fillets Cod Fillet (Substitute with haddock or tilapia if desired)
Lemon and Aromatics
- 2 slices Lemon Slices (For presentation and flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice (Use lime juice if lemon is unavailable)
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest (Always choose fresh for aroma)
- 2 cloves Minced Garlic (Fresh garlic packs a stronger punch)
Fats and Seasonings
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Melted, ensures rich moisture)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Extra virgin enhances flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (Essential for enhancing flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (Use freshly cracked for maximum flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika (Optional; adds color and smokiness)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the cod, ensuring even heat distribution.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor to the fish during baking.
- Rinse and Dry Fish: Rinse the cod fillets thoroughly under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Make Lemon Butter Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic until fully blended to create a flavorful marinade.
- Season Cod: Season the cod fillets evenly with sea salt, black pepper, and paprika. Top each fillet with lemon slices for added citrus aroma and presentation.
- Bake the Fish: Place the seasoned fillets in the greased baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until the fish easily flakes with a fork, indicating it is cooked through.
- Optional Broil: For a crispy finish, broil the cod for an additional 1–2 minutes under high heat, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Serve the baked cod with the cooked lemon slices, drizzling the remaining lemon butter marinade over the fillets for extra flavor and moisture.
Notes
- Substitute cod with haddock or tilapia if preferred.
- Fresh lemon zest and juice provide the best flavor; lime juice can be used as an alternative.
- Broiling is optional but adds a nice golden crust to the fish.
- Adjust the paprika amount or omit it for a milder taste.
- Ensure fillets are patted dry to prevent sogginess and promote even baking.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
