Okay, picture this: flaky, tender cod fillets soaking up all those bright, zesty lemon and garlicky butter flavors, baked to perfection. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love making this dish on a weeknight when I want something quick, fresh, and absolutely satisfying. The kitchen fills with the intoxicating aroma of garlic and butter — seriously, it’s like an instant mood booster. Plus, this recipe is super forgiving, so even if you’re not an expert cook, you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Trust me, once you try it, you’re going to want to keep this one in your regular rotation!
Quick Facts
Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 25-28 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking spray or a little olive oil, for greasing
For the Butter Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Salt and pepper, to taste
How I Make It
Step 1:
First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F. While it’s warming up, gently pat your cod fillets dry with paper towels to help them bake nicely without becoming soggy. Then, in a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This is the magic mixture that will make the cod shine.
Step 2:
Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Lay the cod fillets in the dish in a single layer. Brush each fillet generously with the lemon-garlic butter mixture—don’t be shy! You want every bite to be bursting with flavor.
Step 3:
Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake the cod for about 15-18 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque all the way through. If you’re worried about overcooking, check around 14 minutes to be safe.
Step 4:
While the fish is baking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1-2 minutes—just until fragrant and golden but not browned, or it will taste bitter.
Step 5:
Stir in the fresh lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and remove from the heat. This simple butter sauce will add an extra layer of richness and tangy brightness when drizzled over the baked cod.
Step 6:
Once the cod is finished baking, carefully transfer fillets to plates and spoon the warm butter sauce over each one. Sprinkle with a little dried parsley or fresh herbs if you have them on hand for that pretty pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful combination of buttery, lemony, garlicky goodness!
Variations & Tips
Swap cod for halibut, haddock, or even salmon for different flavors and textures.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture if you like a tiny kick.
If you want to get fancy, add chopped fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or parsley to the butter sauce.
Use fresh lemon juice every time—it makes a bigger difference than you’d think!
For extra crispy topping, sprinkle panko bread crumbs mixed with grated Parmesan over the fillets before baking.
How I Like to Serve It
This baked lemon garlic cod pairs beautifully with light sides—think fluffy rice, sautéed green beans, or a crisp garden salad. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve when friends drop by unexpectedly. In warmer months, serve with grilled veggies for a fresh, vibrant meal that celebrates spring and summer flavors.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; gently reheat in a low oven to prevent drying out.
If you don’t have fresh garlic, substitute with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch but fresh is always best!
Closing: I always come back to this recipe because it’s simple, quick, and packed with bright, buttery flavors that never fail to satisfy.
