Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, healthy, and packed with fresh flavor. The cod bakes to perfection with a delicate, flaky texture, while the lemon butter sauce adds a burst of brightness and richness. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but refined enough to serve guests. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides like vegetables, rice, or potatoes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cod fillets
salt
black pepper
olive oil
unsalted butter
garlic, minced
lemon juice
lemon zest
fresh parsley, chopped
fresh dill, chopped
fresh thyme leaves
Directions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Place the fillets in the prepared baking dish and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
While the cod is baking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, dill, and thyme. Let the sauce warm gently without boiling.
Remove the cod from the oven and spoon the herb lemon butter sauce over the top.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 3 to 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: about 20–25 minutes
Variations
You can add capers for a briny kick or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Substitute cod with other white fish like haddock or tilapia. For a crispier texture, broil the fish for the last couple of minutes. You can also add a sprinkle of grated parmesan before serving for extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature or in a pan to avoid drying out the fish. Adding a little extra butter or a splash of water can help maintain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, just make sure it is fully thawed and patted dry before baking.
How do I know when the cod is done?
The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based alternative.
What herbs work best for this recipe?
Parsley, dill, and thyme provide a fresh and balanced flavor, but you can adjust to your preference.
Can I cook this in a pan instead of the oven?
Yes, you can pan-sear the cod over medium heat until cooked through.
What sides go well with this dish?
Rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad all pair well.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but reheat it gently before serving to maintain its flavor.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it’s high in protein and relatively light, especially if you control the amount of butter.
Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Yes, vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes can be baked alongside the fish.
How do I prevent the fish from drying out?
Avoid overcooking and keep an eye on the baking time, as cod cooks quickly.
Conclusion
Baked cod with herb lemon butter sauce is a simple yet elegant dish that highlights fresh ingredients and clean flavors. With its flaky texture and bright, buttery sauce, it’s a reliable recipe that’s both nourishing and satisfying, perfect for any day of the week.
PrintBaked Cod With Herb Lemon Butter Sauce
Tender, flaky baked cod topped with a bright and buttery herb lemon sauce. This light yet flavorful dish is quick to prepare and perfect for an elegant meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- cod fillets
- salt
- black pepper
- olive oil
- unsalted butter
- garlic, minced
- lemon juice
- lemon zest
- fresh parsley, chopped
- fresh dill, chopped
- fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Pat cod fillets dry and season with salt and black pepper.
- Place fillets in the dish and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, dill, and thyme. Warm gently without boiling.
- Remove cod from oven and spoon sauce over the top.
- Serve immediately with extra herbs if desired.
Notes
- Add capers or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Substitute cod with haddock or tilapia if needed.
- Broil briefly for a slightly crisp top.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently to avoid drying out the fish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
