If you are craving a dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, the Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe is here to delight you. This recipe transforms simple white fish into a luxurious, flaky masterpiece with bright lemon butter flavor and a subtle hint of paprika for that golden finish. It is the kind of meal that’s both elegant and comforting, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without any fuss. Once you try this Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again.

Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen for its ability to elevate the delicate flavor of cod, creating a harmonious balance of richness, zest, and just a touch of spice. These essentials are pantry-friendly yet essential for capturing that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

2 lb cod fillet (any white fish): The star of the dish, fresh and flaky cod offers a mild flavor that complements the lemon butter perfectly.
1/4 cup butter or margarine: Butter adds richness and helps create that luscious sauce that wraps the fish in flavor.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Fresh and tangy, lemon juice brightens the dish and cuts through the richness of the butter.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps to lightly coat the fish, giving it a slight crust and sealing in moisture.
Dash(es) paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and lovely golden color when baked.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simply seasoning the fish to ensure every bite is perfectly balanced.

How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fish and Sauce

Start by cutting the cod fillets into even serving sizes. Keeping the pieces uniform ensures they cook evenly and stay tender. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the butter until smooth, then mix in the lemon juice. This lemon butter sauce is the flavor base and provides that irresistible tangy richness.

Step 2: Coat the Fish in Butter and Flour

Now, coat each fish piece generously in the lemon butter mixture. This step infuses the fillets with bright, buttery goodness. After that, dredge each piece lightly in the all-purpose flour mixed with salt and pepper. This creates a delicate crust that keeps the fish moist inside and adds a touch of crispness once baked.

Step 3: Arrange and Season for Baking

Place the coated fish fillets in a buttered baking dish, spacing them evenly so they cook perfectly without steaming. Drizzle any leftover lemon butter sauce over the top of the fillets, then sprinkle a dash of paprika for color and subtle spice. This final touch makes the fish look as delicious as it tastes.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (around 200°C) for 8 minutes or until the fish turns golden brown and flakes easily when tested with a fork. This quick baking method ensures the cod stays tender and juicy, soaking up all the wonderful flavors of the lemon butter without drying out.

How to Serve Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few thin lemon slices can brighten up the presentation and add a fresh, herbal contrast to the buttery fish. A light dusting of extra paprika or a little cracked black pepper also complements the flavors while making the dish pop visually.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe pairs beautifully with a range of sides. Think fluffy mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf to soak up the buttery sauce. Roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad add a fresh, crunchy balance to the tender, flaky fish, making every forkful a complete, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the baked cod atop a bed of creamy polenta or alongside buttery garlic noodles. You could even portion it over a vibrant quinoa salad to add texture and color. Using a shallow bowl for plating helps catch any extra lemon butter sauce, allowing your guests to enjoy every last bit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from this Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, maintaining much of the original flavor and texture.

Freezing

While fresh is always best, you can freeze the cooked cod wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil or placed in a freezer-safe container. It’s best consumed within 1 month for optimal taste. Note that the texture might be slightly softer after freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the fish in a low oven (around 300°F) or in a skillet over low heat. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can dry the fish out. Reheating slowly preserves the buttery sauce and delicate flakiness of the cod.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe?

Absolutely! While cod is preferred for its mild flavor and flaky texture, other white fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia work wonderfully with this recipe as well.

Is it necessary to coat the fish in flour?

The flour provides a light crust that seals in moisture and adds a slight crispness. However, if you prefer, you can skip the flour for a lighter, more delicate texture.

Can I use lemon zest instead of lemon juice?

Using lemon zest adds a bright citrus aroma but does not provide the acidity of lemon juice. For the best balance of tang, it’s ideal to include fresh lemon juice as the recipe suggests.

What sides complement this dish best?

Light vegetables like steamed asparagus, a fresh green salad, or buttery mashed potatoes are classic options. The lemon butter sauce pairs well with mild, simple sides that soak up the flavor.

How long can I bake the cod without drying it out?

About 8 minutes at 400°F is perfect for tender, flaky cod. Overbaking can dry it out, so keep an eye on the fish and test for flakiness with a fork.

Final Thoughts

Ready to brighten your dinner menu with a dish that’s both simple and spectacular? The Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe is a delicious celebration of fresh flavors and easy preparation. Give it a try—you’ll love how this buttery, lemony fish becomes your new go-to meal for any occasion!

Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

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4 from 67 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe features tender white fish fillets baked to perfection in a zesty lemon butter sauce. Lightly coated with seasoned flour and finished with a sprinkle of paprika, it’s an easy and flavorful meal perfect for dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Fish

2 lb cod fillet (or any white fish), cut into serving sizes

Sauce and Coating

1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Dash of paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Fish and Sauce: Cut the cod fillets into serving-sized pieces. In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in the lemon juice to create the lemon butter sauce.
Coat the Fish: Dip each piece of cod first into the lemon butter mixture to coat thoroughly, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture (flour combined with salt and pepper) ensuring even coverage.
Arrange and Season: Place the coated cod pieces in a baking dish in a single layer. Drizzle the remaining lemon butter sauce over the fish and sprinkle with a dash of paprika for color and mild flavor.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the fish for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the cod is golden brown on top and flakes easily with a fork.