Name: Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 oz each); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); For the butter sauce:; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 clove garlic, finely minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 tablespoons white wine or chicken broth (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

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Baked lemon-garlic cod with butter sauce is a light, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare yet elegant enough for a special dinner. The cod is tender and flaky, seasoned simply with lemon and garlic, then topped with a silky butter sauce that adds richness without overpowering the fish. It’s a go-to recipe I turn to when I want something healthy, easy, and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal ingredients and effort. The lemon and garlic give the cod a bright, fresh taste, while the butter sauce adds just the right amount of richness. It bakes quickly in the oven, which means I can have a wholesome meal on the table in under 30 minutes. It pairs beautifully with rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad, and cleanup is a breeze. Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh cod fillets
Olive oil
Fresh garlic, minced
Lemon juice
Lemon zest
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika (optional, for color)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the butter sauce:

Unsalted butter
Garlic, finely minced
Lemon juice
White wine or chicken broth (optional, for extra depth)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

I preheat the oven and lightly grease a baking dish.
I pat the cod fillets dry and season them with salt, pepper, garlic, lemon juice, zest, and a drizzle of olive oil.
I lay the fillets in the dish and optionally sprinkle a bit of paprika for color.
I bake the cod until it flakes easily with a fork—about 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness.
While the fish bakes, I melt the butter in a small saucepan, add garlic, lemon juice, and white wine or broth, and simmer briefly until fragrant and smooth.
Once the cod is done, I spoon the warm butter sauce over each fillet and top with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake. Including time to make the sauce, it’s ready in roughly 25 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add a handful of cherry tomatoes to the baking dish or lay the cod over a bed of thinly sliced zucchini or asparagus. When I want a more Mediterranean flavor, I toss in olives and capers. I’ve also made the butter sauce with a touch of Dijon mustard or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Storage/reheating

I store any leftover cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place it in a baking dish with a bit of leftover sauce, cover it with foil, and warm it in the oven at 300°F until heated through. I avoid microwaving it, since that can dry out the fish. Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod?

Yes, I’ve used frozen cod many times. I just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before baking so it cooks evenly and doesn’t release too much water.

How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque all the way through. I usually check the thickest part after about 12 minutes in the oven.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. I’ve swapped the butter with a good-quality dairy-free alternative or olive oil, and the results are still flavorful and light.

What side dishes go well with lemon-garlic cod?

I like to serve it with rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes, along with a green vegetable like steamed broccoli, green beans, or sautéed spinach.

Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, this recipe works well with haddock, halibut, or tilapia. I just adjust the baking time based on the thickness of the fillets.

Conclusion

This baked lemon-garlic cod with butter sauce is one of my favorite quick meals when I want something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable to whatever I have on hand, and always comes out tasting like something special. Whether I’m cooking for myself or serving guests, this dish never disappoints.