Let me tell you, this healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe is a total game-changer! It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is super easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. I remember the first time I made it; the smell of lemon and garlic filled my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dig in! Cod is such a light and flaky fish, and when you drizzle it with that luscious lemon butter mixture, it just takes it to another level. Plus, it’s packed with protein and low in calories, making it a guilt-free delight. Trust me, you’ll be wanting seconds!
Ingredients List
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it helps your cod cook evenly and come out perfectly flaky. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the anticipation of a hot oven ready to transform your ingredients into something delicious!
Step 2 – Prepare the Lemon Butter Mixture
While the oven is heating up, grab a bowl and mix together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Oh, and don’t skimp on the lemon juice—it’s the star here! Stir it all together until it’s well combined. The aroma of garlic and lemon will make your kitchen smell amazing!
Step 3 – Arrange the Cod Fillets
Now it’s time to get those cod fillets ready! Place them in a baking dish, making sure they’re spaced evenly. This helps them cook uniformly, so you get that delightful flakiness in every bite. Plus, it gives the lemon butter room to work its magic!
Step 4 – Pour the Mixture Over Cod
Next, take that luscious lemon butter mixture and pour it generously over the cod fillets. Make sure each piece gets a good coating—this is where the flavor comes from! It’ll soak into the fish and create a beautiful, savory glaze as it bakes.
Step 5 – Bake the Cod
Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cod flakes easily with a fork. Don’t leave it in too long, or it might dry out—just keep an eye on it! The anticipation will be worth it!
Step 6 – Serve
Finally, take your beautifully baked cod out of the oven and serve it up with some lemon wedges on the side. A little extra squeeze of lemon right before you dig in takes this dish to the next level! Trust me, every bite will be a burst of flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Healthy ingredients that are low in calories but high in protein.
- Delicious flavor from the zesty lemon and rich butter combination.
- Simple steps make it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Light and flaky cod that pairs well with various sides.
- Customizable—add your favorite herbs or spices for a personal touch!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Herbs: Seriously, fresh parsley makes a world of difference! If you can, grab fresh herbs instead of dried. They add a pop of flavor that really elevates the dish.
- Adjust Cooking Time: If your cod fillets are on the thicker side, don’t be afraid to add an extra couple of minutes to the baking time. Just keep an eye on them—overcooking can make them dry!
- Try Different Citrus: If you’re feeling adventurous, mix it up with lime or orange juice for a different twist on the flavor! Both work beautifully and add a fun zing.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Wedges: Serving with lemon wedges isn’t just for garnish! A little extra squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving enhances the dish even more.
- Pair Wisely: This cod pairs wonderfully with steamed veggies or a light salad. Think of something fresh and crisp to balance the richness of the buttery sauce!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! This healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe is not only delicious but also kind to your waistline. Here’s a typical breakdown of the nutritional values per serving (which is one fillet):
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, like the exact size of your cod fillets or the amount of butter you drizzle on. But one thing’s for sure—enjoying this dish means you’re treating yourself to a healthy, protein-packed meal that’s packed with flavor!
FAQ Section
What are the best sides to serve with this cod?
Oh, I love pairing this healthy lemon butter baked cod with steamed broccoli or a simple arugula salad! You could also serve it with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a heartier meal. The key is to keep it light and fresh to complement the fish.
Can I use frozen cod fillets?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before you start cooking. Frozen cod can actually taste just as good as fresh when cooked properly. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since they might take a minute or two longer to bake.
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), let the cod cool down, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for about 2-3 days. Just be sure to reheat gently so it doesn’t dry out!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While I recommend making it fresh for the best flavor, you can prep the lemon butter mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just pour it over the cod right before baking, and you’ll be good to go!
What can I substitute for butter?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use olive oil instead of butter! It’ll give the dish a different flavor but will still be delicious. Just use the same amount, and you’ll be off to a great start.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just check any additional sides or sauces you may want to serve with it to ensure they fit your dietary needs.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, if you find yourself with any leftovers of this delicious healthy lemon butter baked cod (which is rare because it’s that good!), you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh. First, let the cod cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help preserve its flavor and texture in the fridge. It should stay good for about 2-3 days, making for a quick meal option later on!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend doing it gently to avoid drying it out. You can place the cod in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, just until it’s warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too—just cover it with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Heat it in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking in between, until it’s nice and warm. And remember, a little squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving will brighten it up beautifully!
Print
Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe in 25 Minutes!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and healthy recipe for lemon butter baked cod.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Place cod fillets in a baking dish.
- Pour the lemon butter mixture over the cod.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cod flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Fresh herbs can enhance flavor.
- Serve with vegetables or rice.
- Adjust cooking time for thicker fillets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe
