Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *lemon butter baked cod*! It’s like a little slice of heaven on your plate. Seriously, this dish is light, flavorful, and just so easy to whip up, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner! The fresh zing of lemon paired with the rich, buttery goodness makes each bite feel like a celebration. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something to impress at a gathering, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. Plus, it’s healthy too, which means you can indulge without the guilt. I like to serve it with a side of steamed veggies or fluffy rice to soak up that delicious lemon butter sauce. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen. So, let’s dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create this scrumptious lemon butter baked cod:
- 4 cod fillets (fresh, skinless if possible)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted, and oh-so-delicious)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds that aromatic kick)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for a touch of warmth and color)
- Salt and pepper to taste (season it just right!)
- Fresh parsley (for a vibrant garnish)
Make sure you’ve got everything measured out and ready to go—this will make the cooking process so much smoother!
How to Prepare Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this mouthwatering lemon butter baked cod! It’s super simple, and I promise, you’ll feel like a rockstar chef by the time you’re done. Ready? Here we go!
Preheat the Oven
First things first: preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because a properly preheated oven helps the cod cook evenly, ensuring that it’s tender and flaky. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part—your fish will thank you later!
Prepare the Cod Fillets
Now, grab your beautiful cod fillets! Place them in a baking dish, fitting them snugly but not overcrowding. You want them to have a bit of breathing room so they cook evenly. If you’re feeling fancy, you can line the dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup, but it’s not necessary. Just make sure those fillets are ready to soak up that lemony goodness!
Mix the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, let’s whip up that heavenly lemon butter sauce! Combine the melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything’s well mixed. The aroma will be divine! Carefully pour this luscious sauce over the cod fillets, ensuring they’re all coated. It’s like giving them a little spa treatment!
Bake the Cod
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let the cod bake for about 12-15 minutes. Now, here’s a little tip: check for doneness by gently flaking the fish with a fork. It should flake easily and look opaque. If it’s still a bit translucent, give it a couple more minutes. Just don’t overdo it, or you might end up with dry fish.
Garnish and Serve
Once your cod is perfectly baked, take it out and let it rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness. And there you have it—a stunning dish that’s ready to impress! I love serving this with a side of steamed vegetables or fluffy rice to soak up all that delicious lemon butter sauce. Enjoy every bite, my friend!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Light yet satisfying, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
- Flavorful combination of lemon and butter that elevates the cod.
- Minimal ingredients mean less fuss and more flavor!
- Versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides.
- Impressive enough to serve at a dinner party or casual gathering.
- Low in calories but high in protein, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Tips for Success
To make sure your lemon butter baked cod turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t be shy with the seasoning—feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, and even add a pinch of cayenne if you like a little heat. It’s all about what makes your taste buds happy!
When checking for doneness, remember that the fish should flake easily with a fork and look opaque. If it’s still a touch translucent, it needs a couple more minutes in the oven. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking!
And for leftovers, store your cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a couple of days, but you can reheat it gently in the microwave or oven. Just be careful not to dry it out. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Before you dig into this delicious lemon butter baked cod, let’s chat about the nutritional goodness it offers! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but here’s a rough estimate per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This dish is not only light and flavorful but also packed with protein, making it a fantastic option for a healthy meal. Enjoy the balance of taste and nutrition!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the best lemon butter baked cod? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I come across:
Can I use frozen cod fillets?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. It helps the seasoning penetrate better and ensures even cooking.
What can I serve with lemon butter baked cod?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a light salad. You could also go for fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up that amazing lemon butter sauce!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just coat the cod and bake it when you’re ready to enjoy!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy them within a couple of days for the best taste!
Is this recipe suitable for a low-fat diet?
Yes! This lemon butter baked cod is low in calories and high in protein, making it a great option for a low-fat meal. Enjoy guilt-free!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your delicious lemon butter baked cod, let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 2 days. If you’re like me and want to save it for later, you can also freeze it! Just wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag—perfect for when you need a quick meal.
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the oven to maintain that lovely texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the cod on a baking sheet, and warm it for about 10 minutes. You’ll find it tastes just as good as when it was freshly made!
Print
Lemon Butter Baked Cod: 5 Comforting Steps to Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Lemon butter baked cod is a light and flavorful dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the cod fillets in a baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the butter mixture over the cod fillets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or rice.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: lemon butter baked cod