Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
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Healthy and Nutritious: Cod is a lean source of protein, low in fat, and rich in essential nutrients.
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Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and butter creates a savory and zesty sauce that enhances the mild flavor of the cod.
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Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of sides, from steamed vegetables to rice or potatoes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)
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¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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Zest of one lemon
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2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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1 lemon, sliced
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
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In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
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Add the cod fillets to the bowl and gently coat them with the lemon butter mixture.
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Place the coated cod fillets in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour any remaining lemon butter sauce over the fish and arrange lemon slices around and on top of the fillets.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Herb Substitutions: Replace parsley with dill or basil for a different flavor profile.
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Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat.
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Protein Options: Substitute cod with other white fish like haddock or tilapia.
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Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave on low power or in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.
FAQs
What type of cod should I use?
You can use either Atlantic or Pacific cod fillets. Ensure they are fresh or properly thawed if frozen.
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, but thaw the cod completely and pat it dry before using to ensure proper cooking and flavor absorption.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?
The cod is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
Can I prepare the lemon butter sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad complement the flavors of the lemon butter baked cod.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, this dish is low in carbohydrates and fits well into a low-carb or keto diet.
Can I add other seasonings to the sauce?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill to customize the flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.
Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
Can I grill the cod instead of baking?
Yes, you can grill the cod over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, basting with the lemon butter sauce.
Conclusion
Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together the delicate flavor of cod with the richness of a zesty lemon butter sauce. Its quick preparation and versatility make it a go-to recipe for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy this flavorful meal with your favorite sides for a satisfying dining experience.
Lemon Butter Baked Cod
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a delightful dish featuring tender cod fillets baked to perfection in a rich, garlicky lemon butter sauce. With minimal preparation and cooking time, it's an ideal choice for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Zest of one lemon
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 lemon, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the cod fillets to the bowl and gently coat them with the lemon butter mixture.
- Place the coated cod fillets in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour any remaining lemon butter sauce over the fish and arrange lemon slices around and on top of the fillets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Herb Substitutions: Replace parsley with dill or basil for a different flavor profile.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat.
- Protein Options: Substitute cod with other white fish like haddock or tilapia.
- Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave on low power or in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
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