Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic

Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is a light and flavorful dish that highlights the tender, flaky texture of cod with a fresh, zesty herb butter. The combination of butter, lemon, garlic, and herbs creates a delicate yet savory sauce that enhances the cod’s natural flavors. This easy recipe is perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

The herb butter mixture—infused with lemon juice, garlic, parsley, thyme, paprika, and dill—adds layers of brightness and depth, while a touch of salt brings everything together. Baking the cod at 400°F allows it to cook gently, preserving its flaky texture. Sliced lemons around the fillets release a subtle citrus aroma that mingles with the butter and herbs, creating an inviting dish that’s as fragrant as it is delicious.

Once baked, the cod is beautifully tender and can be served with a side of steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad. This recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and more formal occasions, offering a simple yet elegant way to enjoy a nutritious seafood meal.

Why You’ll Love It:

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights.
Healthy and Light: Cod is a lean, protein-packed fish, and baking it with herbs and a touch of butter keeps it flavorful and nutritious.
Versatile: Serve it alongside your favorite sides, from roasted vegetables to a fresh salad.
Great Flavor Profile: The combination of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs brings out the best in the mild flavor of cod.

Key Ingredients:

Cod Fillets: Choose fresh or frozen fillets (thawed if frozen) with a firm texture. Cod’s mild flavor pairs beautifully with the garlic, lemon, and herbs in this dish.
Butter and Olive Oil: The mix of softened butter and olive oil creates a luscious texture for the herb butter, while olive oil keeps it light and heart-healthy.
Garlic and Lemon: Minced garlic and fresh lemon juice enhance the fish without overpowering its natural flavors. Lemon slices add visual appeal and extra brightness.
Herbs and Seasonings: Fresh parsley, thyme, dill, and paprika create a flavorful and aromatic blend that complements cod. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried thyme and parsley work well, but reduce quantities by half.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Directions:

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Herb Butter:
In a small bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, paprika, dill, and salt. Stir until well blended to create a fragrant herb butter.

Prepare the Baking Dish:
Spread 1 to 2 teaspoons of the herb butter in the bottom of a small baking dish to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.

Add the Cod Fillets:
Place the cod fillets in the baking dish and spoon about 1 tablespoon of the herb butter over each fillet, coating them thoroughly. Arrange lemon slices around the fillets for added flavor and visual appeal.

Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and is fully cooked through.

Serve:
Enjoy the herb butter baked cod warm, garnished with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a side of sautéed spinach for a well-rounded meal.
Grains: Pair with rice pilaf, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the herb butter.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the flavors and keeps the meal light.
Lemon Wedges: Additional lemon wedges on the side allow for an extra squeeze of fresh citrus flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a 300°F oven or microwave on a low setting to avoid drying out the fish.
Freezing: For the best texture, it’s recommended to enjoy the cod fresh. However, if you freeze it, do so in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations:

Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb butter for a hint of heat.
Mediterranean Style: Add a handful of cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and capers to the baking dish for a Mediterranean twist.
Herb Swap: Swap out the thyme or dill for basil, rosemary, or chives for a different herb profile.
Parmesan Crust: Sprinkle a light layer of grated Parmesan cheese over the cod before baking for a subtle, cheesy crust.
Butter-Free Option: Use only olive oil and double the amount to keep the fish moist and flavorful without butter.

Conclusion:

This Baked Cod with Lemon and Garlic is an elegant yet simple dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors. With the brightness of lemon, the warmth of garlic, and the richness of herb-infused butter, it’s a recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel special. Enjoy every bite of this light, satisfying, and delicious dish!