Baked Cod with Garlic and Lemon Recipe
A delicate, flaky cod fillet baked to perfection in a rich garlic-lemon butter sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Print Pin Servings: 4
Calories: 240kcal
Cost: $24-28
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz/170g each), fresh or thawed
Sauce Base:
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 medium lemons
Herbs & Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra lemon wedges for serving
- Capers (1-2 tablespoons)
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Fresh herbs (dill, thyme, or chives)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
Make sauce:
- Combine melted butter
- Add minced garlic
- Mix in lemon juice
- Stir in half the parsley
- Add oregano, salt, pepper
Prepare fish:
- Pat cod fillets dry
- Place in baking dish
- Pour sauce over fish
- Top with lemon slices
- Sprinkle with paprika
Bake:
- Cook 12-15 minutes
- Check at 12 minutes
- Fish should flake easily
- Internal temp: 145°F
Finish:
- Rest 3-5 minutes
- Garnish with remaining parsley
- Serve immediately
Notes
- Use fresh or properly thawed cod
- Pat fish completely dry
- Don't overcook
- Let rest before serving
- Don't skip patting dry
- Don't overcrowd the pan
- Fridge: 2 days
- Reheat: 275°F oven until warm
- Freezer: Not recommended
Nutrition
Serving: 6oz | Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 420mg | Potassium: 440mg