Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Flavorful and Easy Dish

Name: Lemon Garlic Butter Cod
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 fillets cod fillets (about 6 oz each); 0.25 cup unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large lemon, juiced; 1 large lemon, zested; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme); 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); to taste salt and black pepper; as needed lemon wedges (for serving)

by Ava on March 6, 2025

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both simple and packed with flavor, you’ve found it! Lemon garlic butter cod is a delightful recipe that anyone can master. With just a few fresh ingredients and easy steps, you can create a mouthwatering meal in no time. Let’s dive into how to prepare this tasty dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Ready to get started?

$To make Lemon Garlic Butter Cod, gather these simple ingredients: - 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each) - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Juice of 1 large lemon - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Salt and black pepper to taste - Lemon wedges (for serving) These ingredients create a bright and tasty dish that is easy to prepare. You will need a few basic tools for this recipe: - A baking dish - A small saucepan - A cutting board - A sharp knife - A measuring cup and spoons - A spatula or spoon for serving Having these tools on hand makes cooking smooth and fun! If you don’t have all the ingredients, here are some swaps: - Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter dish. - Swap fresh thyme for dried herbs like oregano or rosemary. - If you don't have parsley, try fresh cilantro or chives for a different flavor. - Substitute cod with another firm fish like haddock or tilapia. These easy swaps can help you make the dish your own! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This makes sure the cod cooks evenly. Next, take four cod fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step helps the seasoning stick better. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and black pepper. You want to add flavor right from the start. In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add three minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for just 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Be careful not to burn it. After that, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the juice and zest of one large lemon, plus one teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves. This mix brings a bright flavor to the cod. Now, grab a baking dish and place the seasoned cod fillets inside. Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over each fillet. Make sure each piece gets enough sauce. Bake the cod in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork. Once baked, take it out and sprinkle some chopped parsley on top. This adds a nice pop of color. Serve the cod right away with lemon wedges for extra zest. To get the best texture for your cod, start with fresh fillets. Look for cod that is firm and shiny. When you season the fish, use salt and pepper evenly on both sides. Drying the fillets with a paper towel helps them bake nicely. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. This method keeps the cod moist and tender, just how we want it. Adding fresh herbs boosts the taste of your cod. I like using thyme and parsley. Thyme gives a nice earthy note, while parsley adds a fresh touch. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. For a twist, try adding capers or sun-dried tomatoes. These ingredients pair well with the lemon garlic butter. They add new layers of flavor, making the dish even more exciting. When it comes to serving, presentation is key. Use a clean, white plate to make the colors pop. Place the cod in the center and drizzle some of the lemon garlic butter on top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a splash of color. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra zing. You can also add steamed veggies or fluffy rice to round out the meal. This not only looks great but also makes for a balanced dish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cod and herbs will enhance the flavor of the dish significantly. Whenever possible, choose fresh over frozen for the best results. Avoid Overcooking: Cod can dry out quickly if overcooked. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as it flakes easily with a fork. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as dill or basil. They can bring a new twist to the traditional lemon garlic butter flavor. Serve with Sides: Pair the cod with a light salad or steamed vegetables to create a balanced meal. Rice or quinoa also works well to soak up the delicious sauce. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your cod by adding new flavors. Capers add a briny kick. Just sprinkle some on top before baking. Sun-dried tomatoes give a sweet and tangy touch. Chop them up and mix them with the garlic butter. This simple change makes the dish exciting and new. While baking is great, you can grill or pan-sear the cod too. For grilling, brush the cod with the lemon garlic butter and place it on a hot grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. If you choose pan-searing, heat a skillet and add some butter. Cook each fillet for 3-4 minutes on both sides. Both methods give a nice crust and keep the fish moist. You can serve Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with many sides. Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans work well. They add color and a healthy touch. You can also pair it with rice or a light salad. A fresh lemon wedge on the side adds a zesty burst. This makes your meal look and taste great! To store leftover lemon garlic butter cod, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down first. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake it for about 10 minutes until it is warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but it may not keep the same texture. If you want to freeze the cod, wrap each fillet in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. I love to pair Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with fresh sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed broccoli - Garlic mashed potatoes - Roasted asparagus - Light salad with lemon vinaigrette These sides add flavor and balance to the dish. They also make your meal colorful and fun. You can mix and match to find your favorite combo! Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork. It should look opaque and white. Use a fork to check the thickest part of the fish. If it breaks apart, it's ready to eat. Cooking time is usually 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Just keep an eye on it! Yes, you can use frozen cod! Just make sure to thaw it first. Place it in the fridge overnight or run it under cold water. Once thawed, pat the cod dry and season it as you would with fresh. The cooking time may be a bit longer, so check for flakiness! This blog post covered making Lemon Garlic Butter Cod. We looked at the key ingredients and tools you'll need. You learned how to prep the cod, make the sauce, and bake it perfectly. We shared tips to enhance flavor and achieve the right texture. Consider trying variations like adding capers or using different cooking methods. Storing leftovers is easy too! Fresh cod can shine in many meals. With these steps, you'll create a tasty dish that impresses. Happy cooking!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Combination: The lemon garlic butter sauce adds a bright and savory touch that enhances the mild flavor of cod.
Healthy Meal: Cod is a lean source of protein, and paired with fresh herbs and lemon, it makes for a nutritious dish.
Impressive Presentation: With its vibrant colors and garnishes, this dish looks gourmet, perfect for entertaining guests.

Ingredients

List of Required Ingredients

To make Lemon Garlic Butter Cod, gather these simple ingredients:

– 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)

– 1/4 cup unsalted butter

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– Juice of 1 large lemon

– Zest of 1 lemon

– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

– 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

– Salt and black pepper to taste

– Lemon wedges (for serving)

These ingredients create a bright and tasty dish that is easy to prepare.

Tools and Equipment Needed

You will need a few basic tools for this recipe:

– A baking dish

– A small saucepan

– A cutting board

– A sharp knife

– A measuring cup and spoons

– A spatula or spoon for serving

Having these tools on hand makes cooking smooth and fun!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have all the ingredients, here are some swaps:

– Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter dish.

– Swap fresh thyme for dried herbs like oregano or rosemary.

– If you don’t have parsley, try fresh cilantro or chives for a different flavor.

– Substitute cod with another firm fish like haddock or tilapia.

These easy swaps can help you make the dish your own!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Cod

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This makes sure the cod cooks evenly. Next, take four cod fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step helps the seasoning stick better. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and black pepper. You want to add flavor right from the start.

Making the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add three minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for just 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Be careful not to burn it. After that, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the juice and zest of one large lemon, plus one teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves. This mix brings a bright flavor to the cod.

Baking the Cod

Now, grab a baking dish and place the seasoned cod fillets inside. Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over each fillet. Make sure each piece gets enough sauce. Bake the cod in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork. Once baked, take it out and sprinkle some chopped parsley on top. This adds a nice pop of color. Serve the cod right away with lemon wedges for extra zest.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Cod Texture

To get the best texture for your cod, start with fresh fillets. Look for cod that is firm and shiny. When you season the fish, use salt and pepper evenly on both sides. Drying the fillets with a paper towel helps them bake nicely. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. This method keeps the cod moist and tender, just how we want it.

Enhancing Flavor with Herbs and Spices

Adding fresh herbs boosts the taste of your cod. I like using thyme and parsley. Thyme gives a nice earthy note, while parsley adds a fresh touch. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. For a twist, try adding capers or sun-dried tomatoes. These ingredients pair well with the lemon garlic butter. They add new layers of flavor, making the dish even more exciting.

Presentation Ideas for Serving

When it comes to serving, presentation is key. Use a clean, white plate to make the colors pop. Place the cod in the center and drizzle some of the lemon garlic butter on top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a splash of color. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for extra zing. You can also add steamed veggies or fluffy rice to round out the meal. This not only looks great but also makes for a balanced dish.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cod and herbs will enhance the flavor of the dish significantly. Whenever possible, choose fresh over frozen for the best results.
Avoid Overcooking: Cod can dry out quickly if overcooked. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the oven as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.
Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as dill or basil. They can bring a new twist to the traditional lemon garlic butter flavor.
Serve with Sides: Pair the cod with a light salad or steamed vegetables to create a balanced meal. Rice or quinoa also works well to soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations

Adding Different Flavors (e.g., Capers or Sun-Dried Tomatoes)

You can change the taste of your cod by adding new flavors. Capers add a briny kick. Just sprinkle some on top before baking. Sun-dried tomatoes give a sweet and tangy touch. Chop them up and mix them with the garlic butter. This simple change makes the dish exciting and new.

Alternative Cooking Methods (e.g., Grilling or Pan-Searing)

While baking is great, you can grill or pan-sear the cod too. For grilling, brush the cod with the lemon garlic butter and place it on a hot grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. If you choose pan-searing, heat a skillet and add some butter. Cook each fillet for 3-4 minutes on both sides. Both methods give a nice crust and keep the fish moist.

Serving Suggestions (e.g., Pairing with Sides)

You can serve Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with many sides. Steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans work well. They add color and a healthy touch. You can also pair it with rice or a light salad. A fresh lemon wedge on the side adds a zesty burst. This makes your meal look and taste great!

Storage Information

How to Store Leftovers

To store leftover lemon garlic butter cod, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down first. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a great option.

Reheating Instructions

When you are ready to eat the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake it for about 10 minutes until it is warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but it may not keep the same texture.

Freezing Tips for Cod

If you want to freeze the cod, wrap each fillet in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What are the best sides to serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Cod?

I love to pair Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with fresh sides. Here are some great options:

– Steamed broccoli

– Garlic mashed potatoes

– Roasted asparagus

– Light salad with lemon vinaigrette

These sides add flavor and balance to the dish. They also make your meal colorful and fun. You can mix and match to find your favorite combo!

How do you know when cod is cooked properly?

Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork. It should look opaque and white. Use a fork to check the thickest part of the fish. If it breaks apart, it’s ready to eat. Cooking time is usually 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Just keep an eye on it!

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cod! Just make sure to thaw it first. Place it in the fridge overnight or run it under cold water. Once thawed, pat the cod dry and season it as you would with fresh. The cooking time may be a bit longer, so check for flakiness!

This blog post covered making Lemon Garlic Butter Cod. We looked at the key ingredients and tools you’ll need. You learned how to prep the cod, make the sauce, and bake it perfectly. We shared tips to enhance flavor and achieve the right texture.

Consider trying variations like adding capers or using different cooking methods. Storing leftovers is easy too! Fresh cod can shine in many meals. With these steps, you’ll create a tasty dish that impresses. Happy cookin

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod

A delicious and easy recipe for cod fillets baked in a flavorful lemon garlic butter sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
0.25 cup unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large lemon, juiced
1 large lemon, zested
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
to taste salt and black pepper
as needed lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté 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, and thyme. Mix well to combine.
In a baking dish, place the cod fillets and pour the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of each fillet.
Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle fresh parsley on top for garnish.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor.

Notes

Serve the cod on a white plate to enhance the vibrant colors, and drizzle some of the buttery sauce over the fish. Add a side of steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.

Keyword butter, cod, fish, garlic, lemon