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Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Delicious and Simple Recipe

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To make Lemon Garlic Butter Cod, you need a few key items. Here’s what you’ll need: - 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Juice of 1 lemon - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste You can elevate your dish with some extra touches. Consider these garnishes and sides: - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) These additions bring color and a burst of flavor. If you don’t have some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option. - Swap cod for another white fish like tilapia or haddock. - If you don’t have fresh lemon, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. - Dried herbs can replace fresh ones if that’s what you have. Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking dish. You can line it with parchment paper. This will help the cod not to stick. If you prefer, lightly grease the dish with oil. Next, pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the sauce stick better. Now, let’s make the lemon garlic butter sauce. Take a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Watch closely as it melts. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté this for about 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell good but not burn. After that, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Next, add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is what makes the cod so special. Now it’s time to bake the cod. Place the fillets in the prepared baking dish. Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the fillets. Make sure each piece is well covered. Then, place the baking dish in the oven. Bake the cod for 12-15 minutes. It will be done when it flakes easily with a fork. The fish should also look opaque. Once cooked, take it out of the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra citrusy kick. To cook cod well, you need to start with fresh fillets. Look for fish that feels firm and has a clean smell. When cooking, pat the fish dry to help it brown nicely. Always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking. Bake cod for 12-15 minutes. It should flake easily with a fork when done. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the fish tough. You can boost the flavor of your Lemon Garlic Butter Cod easily. Try adding fresh herbs like dill or basil for a fresh twist. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. You can also mix in some capers for a briny touch. If you like a richer taste, consider adding a splash of white wine to the butter sauce. This will deepen the flavor profile and make it even more delightful. Lemon Garlic Butter Cod pairs well with many sides. Serve it with roasted vegetables for a healthy meal. Mashed potatoes or rice provide a nice base too. A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the cod well. For a refreshing drink, lemon-infused iced tea or a light white wine goes perfectly. Don't forget lemon wedges on the side for extra zest! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cod and garlic will elevate the flavor of your dish significantly compared to frozen or pre-minced options. Check for Doneness: Cod is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to substitute or add different herbs like dill or parsley for unique flavor profiles. Serve with Sides: Pair the cod with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal. {{image_2}} You can jazz up your cod with fresh herbs. Try using dill, parsley, or basil. These herbs add a nice touch. Simply chop them finely and mix them into the lemon garlic butter sauce. This gives the fish a bright and fresh flavor. You can also sprinkle herbs on top before serving. This adds color and taste. Make this dish a full meal by adding veggies. I love using asparagus, bell peppers, or green beans. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and place them around the cod in the baking dish. Toss the veggies in the lemon garlic butter mixture. They will cook perfectly with the fish. This makes for an easy, tasty, and healthy one-pan meal. You can cook cod in different ways. Grilling gives the fish a nice smoky flavor. Brush the cod with the lemon garlic butter and grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side. If you prefer pan-searing, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and garlic, then place the cod in the pan. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Both methods keep the fish moist and full of flavor. To store leftover cod, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. This helps keep the fish fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Reheat your cod gently to keep it moist. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod in a baking dish. Add a splash of water or lemon juice to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat it for 1-2 minutes, checking often. To freeze cod, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze cod for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. You can tell cod is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. The fish should look opaque all the way through. Use a food thermometer if you want to be exact. The safe internal temperature for fish is 145°F (63°C). Check the thickest part of the fillet for the best results. Keep an eye on the time too. Cod usually takes about 12-15 minutes to bake. Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just remember to thaw it first. Thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best texture. If you're in a hurry, you can run it under cold water. Make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. This helps the fish cook evenly. You might need to bake it a bit longer if it’s still cold. Lemon Garlic Butter Cod goes well with many sides. Try serving it with steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. Rice or quinoa also makes a great pairing. For a fresh touch, a side salad with citrus dressing works well too. You can even serve it with crusty bread to soak up the yummy sauce. Don't forget the lemon wedges for extra flavor! This blog post covered how to cook Lemon Garlic Butter Cod, starting with key ingredients. You learned about main ingredients, optional sides, and smart substitutions. I outlined step-by-step instructions to bake the fish perfectly. Tips and tricks helped you enhance flavor and find great pairings. We explored fun variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. Enjoy cooking this dish and impress your friends and family with your skills!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you ready to elevate your dinner game? This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod recipe is not only tasty but also super easy to make. You’ll enjoy tender, flaky fish bathed in zesty lemon and rich butter sauce. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this dish is perfect for impressing family and friends. Let’s dive into the delicious details and get cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, taking only 25 minutes from start to finish.
  2. Flavorful Combination: The lemon garlic butter sauce adds a zesty and rich flavor that perfectly complements the cod.
  3. Healthy Choice: Cod is a lean fish packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious option for any meal.
  4. Versatile Serving: Serve it with a side of veggies or over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients Required

To make Lemon Garlic Butter Cod, you need a few key items. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes and Sides

You can elevate your dish with some extra touches. Consider these garnishes and sides:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

These additions bring color and a burst of flavor.

Substitutions and Adaptations

If you don’t have some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps:

  • Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option.
  • Swap cod for another white fish like tilapia or haddock.
  • If you don’t have fresh lemon, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.
  • Dried herbs can replace fresh ones if that’s what you have.

Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Oven and Baking Dish

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking dish. You can line it with parchment paper. This will help the cod not to stick. If you prefer, lightly grease the dish with oil. Next, pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the sauce stick better.

Cooking the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Now, let’s make the lemon garlic butter sauce. Take a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Watch closely as it melts. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté this for about 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell good but not burn. After that, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Next, add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is what makes the cod so special.

Baking the Cod Fillets

Now it’s time to bake the cod. Place the fillets in the prepared baking dish. Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the fillets. Make sure each piece is well covered. Then, place the baking dish in the oven. Bake the cod for 12-15 minutes. It will be done when it flakes easily with a fork. The fish should also look opaque. Once cooked, take it out of the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra citrusy kick.

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Cooking Cod

To cook cod well, you need to start with fresh fillets. Look for fish that feels firm and has a clean smell. When cooking, pat the fish dry to help it brown nicely. Always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking. Bake cod for 12-15 minutes. It should flake easily with a fork when done. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the fish tough.

Enhancing Flavor with Additional Ingredients

You can boost the flavor of your Lemon Garlic Butter Cod easily. Try adding fresh herbs like dill or basil for a fresh twist. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. You can also mix in some capers for a briny touch. If you like a richer taste, consider adding a splash of white wine to the butter sauce. This will deepen the flavor profile and make it even more delightful.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod pairs well with many sides. Serve it with roasted vegetables for a healthy meal. Mashed potatoes or rice provide a nice base too. A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the cod well. For a refreshing drink, lemon-infused iced tea or a light white wine goes perfectly. Don’t forget lemon wedges on the side for extra zest!

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cod and garlic will elevate the flavor of your dish significantly compared to frozen or pre-minced options.
  2. Check for Doneness: Cod is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist.
  3. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to substitute or add different herbs like dill or parsley for unique flavor profiles.
  4. Serve with Sides: Pair the cod with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.

Variations

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Herbs

You can jazz up your cod with fresh herbs. Try using dill, parsley, or basil. These herbs add a nice touch. Simply chop them finely and mix them into the lemon garlic butter sauce. This gives the fish a bright and fresh flavor. You can also sprinkle herbs on top before serving. This adds color and taste.

Adding Vegetables for a One-Pan Meal

Make this dish a full meal by adding veggies. I love using asparagus, bell peppers, or green beans. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and place them around the cod in the baking dish. Toss the veggies in the lemon garlic butter mixture. They will cook perfectly with the fish. This makes for an easy, tasty, and healthy one-pan meal.

Alternative Cooking Methods (Grilling, Pan-Seering)

You can cook cod in different ways. Grilling gives the fish a nice smoky flavor. Brush the cod with the lemon garlic butter and grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side. If you prefer pan-searing, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and garlic, then place the cod in the pan. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Both methods keep the fish moist and full of flavor.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Cod

To store leftover cod, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. This helps keep the fish fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it.

Reheating Instructions

Reheat your cod gently to keep it moist. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod in a baking dish. Add a splash of water or lemon juice to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat it for 1-2 minutes, checking often.

Freezing for Future Meals

To freeze cod, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze cod for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

How do I know when cod is fully cooked?

You can tell cod is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. The fish should look opaque all the way through. Use a food thermometer if you want to be exact. The safe internal temperature for fish is 145°F (63°C). Check the thickest part of the fillet for the best results. Keep an eye on the time too. Cod usually takes about 12-15 minutes to bake.

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just remember to thaw it first. Thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best texture. If you’re in a hurry, you can run it under cold water. Make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. This helps the fish cook evenly. You might need to bake it a bit longer if it’s still cold.

What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Cod?

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod goes well with many sides. Try serving it with steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. Rice or quinoa also makes a great pairing. For a fresh touch, a side salad with citrus dressing works well too. You can even serve it with crusty bread to soak up the yummy sauce. Don’t forget the lemon wedges for extra flavor!

This blog post covered how to cook Lemon Garlic Butter Cod, starting with key ingredients. You learned about main ingredients, optional sides, and smart substitutions. I outlined step-by-step instructions to bake the fish perfectly. Tips and tricks helped you enhance flavor and find great pairings. We explored fun variations, storage tips, and answered common questions.

Enjoy cooking this dish and impress your friends and family with your skill

To make Lemon Garlic Butter Cod, you need a few key items. Here’s what you’ll need: - 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Juice of 1 lemon - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste You can elevate your dish with some extra touches. Consider these garnishes and sides: - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) These additions bring color and a burst of flavor. If you don’t have some ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option. - Swap cod for another white fish like tilapia or haddock. - If you don’t have fresh lemon, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. - Dried herbs can replace fresh ones if that’s what you have. Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking dish. You can line it with parchment paper. This will help the cod not to stick. If you prefer, lightly grease the dish with oil. Next, pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the sauce stick better. Now, let’s make the lemon garlic butter sauce. Take a small saucepan and place it over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Watch closely as it melts. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté this for about 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic to smell good but not burn. After that, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the juice and zest of 1 lemon. Next, add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is what makes the cod so special. Now it’s time to bake the cod. Place the fillets in the prepared baking dish. Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the fillets. Make sure each piece is well covered. Then, place the baking dish in the oven. Bake the cod for 12-15 minutes. It will be done when it flakes easily with a fork. The fish should also look opaque. Once cooked, take it out of the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra citrusy kick. To cook cod well, you need to start with fresh fillets. Look for fish that feels firm and has a clean smell. When cooking, pat the fish dry to help it brown nicely. Always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking. Bake cod for 12-15 minutes. It should flake easily with a fork when done. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the fish tough. You can boost the flavor of your Lemon Garlic Butter Cod easily. Try adding fresh herbs like dill or basil for a fresh twist. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. You can also mix in some capers for a briny touch. If you like a richer taste, consider adding a splash of white wine to the butter sauce. This will deepen the flavor profile and make it even more delightful. Lemon Garlic Butter Cod pairs well with many sides. Serve it with roasted vegetables for a healthy meal. Mashed potatoes or rice provide a nice base too. A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the cod well. For a refreshing drink, lemon-infused iced tea or a light white wine goes perfectly. Don't forget lemon wedges on the side for extra zest! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cod and garlic will elevate the flavor of your dish significantly compared to frozen or pre-minced options. Check for Doneness: Cod is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to substitute or add different herbs like dill or parsley for unique flavor profiles. Serve with Sides: Pair the cod with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal. {{image_2}} You can jazz up your cod with fresh herbs. Try using dill, parsley, or basil. These herbs add a nice touch. Simply chop them finely and mix them into the lemon garlic butter sauce. This gives the fish a bright and fresh flavor. You can also sprinkle herbs on top before serving. This adds color and taste. Make this dish a full meal by adding veggies. I love using asparagus, bell peppers, or green beans. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and place them around the cod in the baking dish. Toss the veggies in the lemon garlic butter mixture. They will cook perfectly with the fish. This makes for an easy, tasty, and healthy one-pan meal. You can cook cod in different ways. Grilling gives the fish a nice smoky flavor. Brush the cod with the lemon garlic butter and grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side. If you prefer pan-searing, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and garlic, then place the cod in the pan. Cook for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Both methods keep the fish moist and full of flavor. To store leftover cod, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. This helps keep the fish fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. Reheat your cod gently to keep it moist. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod in a baking dish. Add a splash of water or lemon juice to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat it for 1-2 minutes, checking often. To freeze cod, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze cod for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. You can tell cod is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. The fish should look opaque all the way through. Use a food thermometer if you want to be exact. The safe internal temperature for fish is 145°F (63°C). Check the thickest part of the fillet for the best results. Keep an eye on the time too. Cod usually takes about 12-15 minutes to bake. Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just remember to thaw it first. Thaw it in the fridge overnight for the best texture. If you're in a hurry, you can run it under cold water. Make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. This helps the fish cook evenly. You might need to bake it a bit longer if it’s still cold. Lemon Garlic Butter Cod goes well with many sides. Try serving it with steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. Rice or quinoa also makes a great pairing. For a fresh touch, a side salad with citrus dressing works well too. You can even serve it with crusty bread to soak up the yummy sauce. Don't forget the lemon wedges for extra flavor! This blog post covered how to cook Lemon Garlic Butter Cod, starting with key ingredients. You learned about main ingredients, optional sides, and smart substitutions. I outlined step-by-step instructions to bake the fish perfectly. Tips and tricks helped you enhance flavor and find great pairings. We explored fun variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. Enjoy cooking this dish and impress your friends and family with your skills!

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod

A delicious and easy recipe for cod fillets baked in a lemon garlic butter sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Seafood
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
  • for serving Lemon wedges

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
  • Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and place them in the prepared baking dish.
  • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  • Add the minced garlic to the melted butter, sautéing for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets, making sure each fillet is generously covered.
  • Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
  • Once cooked, remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
  • Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges for an extra citrusy kick.
Keyword baked fish, butter, cod, garlic, lemon

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