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Easy Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the cod, ensuring even heat distribution.
  2. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and add flavor to the fish during baking.
  3. Rinse and Dry Fish: Rinse the cod fillets thoroughly under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Optional Broil: For a crispy finish, broil the cod for an additional 1–2 minutes under high heat, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  8. 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.

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Find it online: https://everydaykitchenmeals.com/easy-healthy-lemon-butter-baked-cod-recipe/