Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Tender, flaky cod fillets baked in a silky lemon garlic butter sauce, completed in under 20 minutes. Quick, healthy, and full of bright flavors.

  • Total Time: 17-20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (6 oz each, about 1-inch thick), fresh or thawed from frozen
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. If using frozen cod, thaw completely before proceeding.
  3. Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels.
  4. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Arrange the fillets in a single layer in a baking dish (9×13-inch or similar).
  6. Melt the butter and in a small bowl whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice until combined.
  7. Pour the lemon-garlic-butter sauce evenly over the cod, coating each fillet.
  8. Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes (start checking at 12) until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork or reaches 145°F internal temperature.
  9. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

Notes

Avoid overcooking to keep the cod moist; start checking at 12 minutes., Pat fillets completely dry before seasoning to prevent steaming and ensure even baking., Choose fillets about 1 inch thick for best texture., Serve with roasted vegetables, grains, or a crisp salad for a balanced meal., Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently in a low oven to preserve moisture., Customize by adding fresh herbs like dill, thyme or oregano; red pepper flakes for heat; or sprinkled Parmesan cheese during last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust., Use other flaky white fish like haddock, halibut, or pollock if cod isn’t available.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cod fillet
  • Calories: Approximately 285 calories per serving
  • Fat: Contains fat from butter, approximately 15 grams per serving
  • Carbohydrates: Low carbohydrates, minimal from lemon juice and herbs
  • Protein: Lean protein, approximately 30 grams per serving