Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my favorite dish: baked lemon butter cod! This recipe is like a little hug for your taste buds—it’s simple, yet bursting with flavor. The freshness of the cod paired with a zesty lemon and buttery sauce is just divine! I remember the first time I made it; my friends were over for dinner, and the aroma wafting through my kitchen had everyone eagerly anticipating the meal. Trust me, it’s a dish that looks fancy but comes together in a snap. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this baked lemon butter cod will impress without stressing you out. You’ll want to dive right in! So, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Baked Lemon Butter Cod
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this baked lemon butter cod shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cod fillets
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 lemons (juice and zest)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Make sure your cod fillets are fresh—that’s where the magic happens! And don’t skimp on the lemon juice and zest; it really brightens up the dish. The garlic adds a lovely depth of flavor, while the butter ties everything together in creamy goodness. You’ll see, these simple ingredients create something truly spectacular!
How to Prepare Baked Lemon Butter Cod
Preparing baked lemon butter cod is surprisingly easy, and I promise it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your cod will cook evenly and perfectly.
- While the oven heats up, grab a small saucepan and melt the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Keep an eye on it—no one likes burnt butter!
- Once the butter is melted, stir in the juice and zest of the 2 lemons, along with the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. This mixture is where the magic happens—so fragrant!
- Now, take your cod fillets and arrange them in a baking dish. Make sure they’re nice and snug! Pour that luscious lemon butter sauce over the fillets, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Pop the baking dish in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cod flakes easily with a fork—so tender and juicy!
- Finally, don’t forget to garnish your beautiful cod with the chopped parsley just before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness!
And there you have it! A simple yet elegant dish that’s sure to wow your family and friends.
Nutritional Information for Baked Lemon Butter Cod
Understanding the nutritional content of your meals is important, especially when you’re whipping up something as delightful as baked lemon butter cod! Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (1 cod fillet):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. This dish is not only delicious but also a great source of protein while being low in carbohydrates! So you can enjoy every bite without a hint of guilt. Perfect for a healthy dinner option!
Tips for Success with Baked Lemon Butter Cod
Alright, let’s make sure your baked lemon butter cod turns out absolutely perfect! First off, always choose fresh cod if you can—it makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. If your cod fillets are frozen, be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Trust me, that’ll help them cook evenly!
When it comes to seasoning, don’t be afraid to adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. I sometimes add a pinch more salt because I love that burst of flavor! And keep an eye on your cod while it bakes; ovens can be tricky. If it looks like it’s cooking too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent over-browning.
Lastly, let the cod rest for a few minutes after baking—this helps the juices redistribute, making it even more tender. Follow these tips, and you’ll have a dish that’s not just good, but spectacular!
Variations of Baked Lemon Butter Cod
If you’re looking to jazz up your baked lemon butter cod, there are so many fun variations to try! One of my favorites is adding fresh herbs—think dill or thyme—right into the lemon butter sauce. The aroma is just heavenly! You can also spice things up by sprinkling a bit of paprika or red pepper flakes over the cod before baking for a subtle kick.
Feeling adventurous? Toss some sliced cherry tomatoes or asparagus around the cod in the baking dish for a complete one-pan meal that’s not only colorful but also full of flavor! Another twist is to replace some of the butter with olive oil for a lighter version, and perhaps add a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of sophistication. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings something unique to the table!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving baked lemon butter cod, keep it simple yet satisfying! I love pairing it with a side of steamed green beans or sautéed spinach for a burst of color and nutrients. A fluffy bed of rice or quinoa also works wonders to soak up that delicious lemon butter sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, a light salad with mixed greens and a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch. Whatever you choose, just know that this delightful cod will shine on any dinner table!
FAQ about Baked Lemon Butter Cod
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cod, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. This will help ensure even cooking and the best texture.
What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
No worries! You can substitute with bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemons will give you a brighter flavor. If you go this route, use about 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for the recipe.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently in the oven or microwave, but be careful not to overcook it!
Can I cook this cod on the grill?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a grill basket or foil to prevent the fillets from falling apart. You can follow the same steps, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What sides pair well with baked lemon butter cod?
Some great sides include steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, and a light salad. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa to soak up that delicious lemon butter sauce. Enjoy!
For more information on the health benefits of cod, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about the importance of fresh ingredients in cooking, visit this Eat Right article.
Print
Baked Lemon Butter Cod: 5 Steps to Delicious Confidence
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Baked lemon butter cod is a simple and flavorful dish that highlights the freshness of cod with a zesty lemon and buttery sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 lemons (juice and zest)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper to the melted butter.
- Place cod fillets in a baking dish and pour the lemon butter sauce over them.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cod flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Fresh cod works best for this recipe.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Serve with vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: baked lemon butter cod, cod recipe, baked fish
