Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce
A delightful dish combining the bright flavors of lemon and the richness of garlic, with tender cod fillets in a glossy butter sauce.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 pieces Cod fillets (6 oz each) Choose firm, fresh fillets for the cleanest flavor and best texture.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced Avoid burning the garlic when sautéing.
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, melted Use unsalted to control seasoning; olive oil can be substituted.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed is preferred for flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Zest only the yellow part to avoid the bitter white pith.
- 1/4 teaspoon Paprika Use sparingly as too much can overpower the dish.
- to taste Salt and Black Pepper Season generously but taste as you go to avoid over-salting.
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped Add fresh herbs at the end for vibrant color.
- as needed Lemon Slices for Garnish Use for serving; lime slices can be a fun alternative.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a baking dish lightly with cooking spray or butter.
- Place the cod fillets in the prepared dish, spaced apart.
- Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and paprika over the fillets.
Cooking
- In a small saucepan, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and zest. Cook over low heat for about 2 minutes.
- Drizzle the butter sauce generously over the fillets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding capers to the butter sauce. You can customize the dish with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.