Let me tell you, baked lemon butter cod is one of those dishes that feels like a hug on a plate! It’s incredibly simple to whip up, yet the flavors are so bright and delightful, you’ll feel like a culinary superstar in no time. I remember the first time I made this for a cozy dinner with friends—it was a hit! The combination of flaky cod, rich butter, and zesty lemon creates a meal that’s not just tasty but also feels fresh and light. Plus, it comes together in just about 25 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Trust me, once you try this baked lemon butter cod, it’ll become your go-to recipe for impressing guests or treating yourself to something special!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients for the most delicious baked lemon butter cod!
- 4 cod fillets: Choose fresh or thawed, about 6 ounces each. You want them to be firm and flake easily when cooked.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Unsalted is best so that you can control the saltiness of the dish.
- 2 lemons: You’ll need both the juice and zest, so make sure they’re juicy and fresh for that vibrant flavor!
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced garlic adds a wonderful aroma; fresh is always better, but you could use jarred in a pinch.
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as it really enhances the fish!
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish. This adds a lovely pop of color and freshness to your dish.
And there you have it! These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not only bursting with flavor but also super satisfying. Enjoy gathering them—your taste buds will thank you!
How to Prepare Baked Lemon Butter Cod
Alright, let’s dive into making this mouthwatering baked lemon butter cod! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful dish ready in no time.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that the cod cooks evenly and gets that lovely flaky texture we all adore. So, don’t skip this step!
Prepare the Lemon Butter Mixture
While the oven is heating up, grab a small saucepan and melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s all melted and bubbly, toss in the 2 minced garlic cloves and let them cook for about a minute until they’re fragrant. Then, stir in the juice and zest of the 2 lemons, and remove the pan from the heat. That zesty aroma is going to have your mouth watering already!
Assemble the Dish
Now it’s time to assemble this beauty! Place your cod fillets in a baking dish, making sure they’re spread out nicely. Then, pour that delicious lemon butter mixture right over the top. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste—this is key to bringing out all those flavors. I like to be generous with the seasoning to really enhance the dish!
Baking Instructions
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know the cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and looks beautifully white and opaque. Keep an eye on it towards the end, as you don’t want to overbake—nobody likes dry fish! Once it’s ready, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for that final touch. Enjoy your fabulous meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Perfectly flaky cod infused with rich lemony flavors.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Healthier option that’s low in fat yet satisfying.
- Versatile: pairs well with veggies, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner!
Tips for Success
To ensure your baked lemon butter cod turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite pro tips!
- Choose Fresh Cod: If you can, opt for fresh cod fillets over frozen for the best flavor and texture. But if frozen is all you have, just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Zest: The lemon zest adds an incredible depth of flavor, so don’t skip it! It’s a game-changer.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like dill or thyme instead of parsley for a different twist.
- Adjust for Your Taste: If you like it extra lemony, add more lemon juice or zest—cooking is all about making it your own!
- Check for Doneness: Use a fork to check if the cod flakes easily; this is your best indicator that it’s perfectly cooked.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be a baked lemon butter cod pro in no time!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk nutrition! This baked lemon butter cod is not only delicious but also a healthy choice. Each serving (1 fillet) contains approximately 230 calories, 14g of fat, 25g of protein, and just 1g of carbohydrates. With 300mg of sodium, it’s a heart-healthy meal option that’s low in carbs and saturated fats. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy this guilt-free delight!
FAQ Section
Got some burning questions about baked lemon butter cod? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few of the most common queries I get:
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the cod and pat it dry before baking. It will still turn out delicious!
What can I serve with baked lemon butter cod?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, or even a fresh garden salad. The bright flavors complement a variety of sides!
How do I know when the cod is cooked?
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque all the way through. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking!
Can I make this with other types of fish?
Sure thing! You can substitute cod with other white fish like haddock, tilapia, or even snapper. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary.
What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
If fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just keep in mind that fresh juice and zest will give you the best flavor!
If you have more questions or need tips, feel free to ask—I’m here to help you create the best baked lemon butter cod experience possible!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers? No worries—baked lemon butter cod stores beautifully! Simply let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer the fillets to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 2-3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the cod in a baking dish, and cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overdo it—nobody likes rubbery fish! Enjoy your delicious meal again!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your baked lemon butter cod experience, consider pairing it with some delightful sides! A fresh garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the dish beautifully. You can also serve it alongside some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a nutritious touch. And don’t forget about fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes; they soak up that luscious lemon butter sauce perfectly! These combinations not only round out the meal but also bring a pop of color and flavor to your plate. Enjoy every bite!
Imprimer
Baked Lemon Butter Cod: 25 Minutes of Pure Delight
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
Baked lemon butter cod is a simple and tasty fish dish. It features cod fillets baked with lemon juice and butter for a flavorful meal.
Ingrédients
- 4 cod fillets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest, then remove from heat.
- Place cod fillets on a baking dish.
- Pour the lemon butter mixture over the cod.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cod flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Cod can be substituted with other white fish.
- Serve with vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
- Adjust lemon juice according to your taste preference.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 fillet
- Calories: 230
- Sucre: 0g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 14g
- Graisses Saturées: 8g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 1g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: baked lemon butter cod
