Baked Cod With Lemon
Flaky, tender cod fillets baked in a bright, buttery lemon sauce. The fish stays incredibly moist and delicate, while the lemon adds a fresh zesty tang. A simple, elegant dinner ready in under 30 minutes — no fuss, just clean, delicious flavors.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish.
1.Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).2.Grease the baking dish with olive oil. - mix · ~2 min
Prepare the lemon butter sauce.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- assemble · ~3 min
Assemble the cod in the baking dish.
1.Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels.2.Place the fillets in the greased baking dish in a single layer.3.Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the fillets.4.Arrange the lemon slices on top of and around the cod. - bake · ~15 min
Bake the cod until flaky and tender.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
TIPDo not overbake. Cod cooks quickly; check for doneness at the 12-minute mark. The fish should be opaque and flake easily. - garnish · ~1 min
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Remove from oven. Spoon the pan juices over the fillets and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the cod fillets completely dry before adding the sauce to ensure even cooking and better sauce adhesion.
- 2Use a fish spatula or thin metal turner to lift the delicate baked fillets without breaking them apart.
- 3If your fillets are different thicknesses, fold thinner ends underneath so they cook at the same rate as thicker parts.
- 4Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential — bottled juice lacks the brightness that makes this dish sing.
- 5Let the cod rest for 1-2 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute before serving.
- 6For extra golden edges, switch the oven to broil for the final 1 minute of cooking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb-crusted
Mix 2 tablespoons of panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and chopped fresh dill or thyme, then sprinkle over the fillets before baking for a golden, crunchy topping.
low oilLow-oil
Swap the butter for an equal amount of olive oil or ghee and reduce the butter to 1 tablespoon, using the remaining lemon juice as the main cooking liquid for a lighter yet still flavorful dish.
high proteinHigh-protein
Serve the baked cod over a bed of steamed lentils or quinoa, and double the garlic and parsley to boost the savory, nutrient-dense profile without adding carbs.
tomato lemonTomato-lemon
Add 1 cup of cherry tomatoes halved around the fillets before baking; they will soften and burst, creating a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that complements the lemon butter.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Source of Protein
Cod is a low-fat, high-quality protein fish that supports muscle repair and keeps you feeling full without excess calories.
Rich in Omega-3 Fats (EPA & DHA)
The cod provides heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) that support brain health and reduce inflammation — and the butter adds a small amount of vitamin A.
Good Source of Selenium
Cod is naturally high in selenium, an antioxidant mineral that helps protect cells from damage and supports thyroid function.
Low in Saturated Fat
With only 3 tablespoons of butter for four servings, this dish keeps saturated fat moderate while relying on the healthy fats from the cod and minimal olive oil.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat very dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before baking.
