Baked Cod Recipe (20 Minutes) Recipe

Introduction

This simple baked cod recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. With bright lemon butter and just a few seasonings, it brings out the delicate flavor of the fish in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 8 4-oz cod fillets (preferably thawed)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 medium lemon (juiced and zested)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 3/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). You can bake the cod fillets from frozen or thaw them first in a bowl of cold water. Thawing makes it easier to brush on the butter without it solidifying.
2. Step 2: Use paper towels to pat the cod fillets dry. Arrange them in a single layer in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest.
4. Step 4: Brush the lemon butter over the cod fillets. Season with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Flip the fillets and repeat brushing and seasoning on the other side.
5. Step 5: Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For moist, tender flakes, aim for an internal temperature of 135–140 degrees F. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
• Try using lime instead of lemon for a slightly different citrus twist.
• If you prefer, swap the parsley for fresh dill or basil to change the herb profile.

Storage

Store any leftover baked cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be packed cold for lunches.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake cod fillets from frozen?

Yes, you can bake cod directly from frozen, but thawing first helps the butter and seasonings adhere better and ensures more even cooking.

How do I know when the cod is done?

The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Using a meat thermometer, it should reach an internal temperature of 135–140 degrees F for the best texture.

Baked Cod Recipe (20 Minutes) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 138 reviews

This Baked Cod recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that takes just 20 minutes to prepare and cook. Tender cod fillets are brushed with a zesty lemon butter sauce, seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper, then baked to flaky perfection. Perfect for a healthy and light dinner, this recipe yields moist, tender fish with bright citrus notes and a touch of fresh parsley for garnish.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fish

• 8 4-oz Cod fillets (preferably thawed)

Seasoning & Sauce

• 1/4 cup Unsalted butter
• 1 medium Lemon (juiced and zested)
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• 3/4 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). You can bake the cod fillets directly from frozen or thaw them first in cold water. Thawing is preferred as it allows for easier application of the butter without it solidifying.
2. Prepare Cod Fillets: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Arrange the fillets in a single layer in a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure even cooking.
3. Melt Butter and Mix Lemon: In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter using a microwave or stovetop saucepan. Once melted, mix in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest to create the lemon butter sauce.
4. Brush and Season Fillets: Brush the lemon butter generously over one side of the cod fillets. Sprinkle garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper evenly over the brushed side. Flip the fillets carefully and repeat the brushing and seasoning process on the other side.
5. Bake the Cod: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the cod for 12-15 minutes. Cooking time varies depending on the thickness of the fillets. The cod is done when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For optimal moistness, the internal temperature should reach 135-140°F.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the cod with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Thawing the cod before baking helps the butter brush on more smoothly and prevents it from solidifying immediately.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest to maximize flavor brightness in the butter sauce.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; tender flakes are ideal at 135-140°F.
• For a richer flavor, you can substitute some butter with olive oil if desired.
• Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: baked cod, lemon butter cod, easy fish recipe, healthy seafood, quick dinner, cod fillets, baked fish