Lemon Butter Baked Cod
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
195 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Description
This recipe layers cod fillets with a lemon butter mixture combining melted unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, and briny capers. After coating the fish evenly and sprinkling with paprika, the fillets bake at a high temperature until the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily, typically about 15 minutes for fresh, 25 for frozen fillets. Baking uncovered ensures the sauce infuses the fish without steaming it, producing a delicate texture.
The combination of citrus and butter brightens the mild cod flavor while garlic and capers add savory depth and freshness. The touch of red pepper flakes lends subtle warmth without overpowering the fish. Careful cooking ensures the cod retains moisture and flakes cleanly.
Lemon Butter Baked Cod suits a straightforward dinner, pairing well with simple sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or salad. The recipe accommodates substitutions with other firm white fish if fillet thickness is similar. Leftovers store safely in the refrigerator for a few days and are best reheated gently to maintain moisture.
The recipe advises against covering during cooking and recommends using an instant-read thermometer or fork flake test to confirm doneness. Butter is recommended only for fresh fillets; olive oil is better for frozen as butter hardens on frozen fish.
Ingredients
- cooking spray for the pan, nonstick
- 2 tablespoons butter melted, unsalted
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced, fresh
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt or ½ teaspoon of any other salt, including Morton kosher salt, Diamond Crystal brand
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons capers drained
- 4 cod 6 ounces each, 1 inch thick, fresh or frozen, fillets
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a small bowl, whisk the butter, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the capers.
- Place the cod fillets in the baking dish. Pour the butter mixture on top. Use a brush to evenly distribute the thick sauce over the fillets. Sprinkle them with paprika.
- Bake uncovered until the fish is fully cooked, opaque, and flakes easily with a fork. Depending on the thickness of your cod fillets and your oven, this should take about 15 minutes (25 minutes if using frozen fish). Serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe works well with firm-fleshed white fish like halibut if fillets are about 1 inch thick.
- Bake the fish uncovered to maintain texture and proper cooking.
- For frozen fillets, substitute olive oil for butter to avoid hardening of butter on cold fish.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to verify an internal temperature of 145°F for doneness or check flaking with a fork.
- Store leftovers sealed in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheat gently to keep fish moist.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 195 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cod fillet | |
| Calories | 195kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Sodium | 530mg | 22% |
| Fiber | 0.2g | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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