Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (5–6 oz each, fresh or thawed)
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 6 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- If using frozen cod fillets, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil.
- Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides of the fillets with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Place fillets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer with space between each.
- Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic to the melted butter and cook about 1 minute until fragrant, not browned.
- Remove skillet from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.
- Generously spoon the garlic-lemon butter over the cod fillets, coating them well.
- Bake the cod at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, until opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature 145°F).
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the cooked fillets and garnish with lemon slices; serve immediately.
Notes
Add roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli as vegetable sides for a balanced meal., Serve with rice pilaf, fresh arugula salad, crusty bread, or pasta to complement the dish., Avoid overcooking to maintain moist, flaky texture; stick to 12–15 minutes baking time., Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for best flavor., Dry the fillets thoroughly to prevent steaming instead of baking., Warm plates before serving and add a lemon wedge for elegant presentation., Butter can be reduced to 2 tablespoons for a lighter version, or swapped with olive oil for a Mediterranean twist., Fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or parsley can be added for extra flavor., Leftover cod should be refrigerated in airtight container and consumed within 2-3 days., Freeze raw fillets only, not cooked cod, as texture deteriorates after freezing cooked fish., Reheat gently at 325°F for 5-7 minutes covered to retain moisture; avoid microwave reheating., Cooked cod can be repurposed for fish tacos, salads, or fish cakes.
- Prep Time: 8-10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (5-6 oz)
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per serving
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams per serving
- Carbohydrates: Low, approximately 2-4 grams per serving
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams per serving