Baked Cod
Flaky, tender cod fillets baked in a bright lemon-butter sauce with garlic and herbs. This light, healthy dish comes together in under 30 minutes with just a handful of pantry staples. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special without the fuss.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~10 min
Preheat oven and prepare the baking dish.
1.Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).2.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a small pat of butter or a drizzle of oil. - mix · ~2 min
Make the lemon-butter sauce.
1.In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.2.Whisk until well blended. - prep · ~2 min
Arrange the cod in the baking dish.
1.Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels — this helps the sauce cling.2.Place fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer, spaced evenly apart.TIPDry fish means better browning and no watery sauce. Don't skip this step. - assemble · ~1 min
Pour the lemon-butter sauce over the cod.
1.Spoon or pour the lemon-butter mixture evenly over each fillet.2.Use the back of the spoon to spread it across the surface of the fish. - bake · ~14 min
Bake until the cod is flaky and opaque.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The flesh should be completely opaque and the sauce gently bubbling around the edges.
TIPCod cooks fast — start checking at 12 minutes. Overcooked cod turns rubbery and dry. - garnish · ~2 min
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Remove from the oven and rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, spoon any pan juices over the top, and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels before baking to ensure the sauce clings and the fish browns nicely.
- 2Check for doneness at 12 minutes; the cod flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internal temp.
- 3Let the baked cod rest for 2 minutes out of the oven so the juices redistribute and the fish stays moist.
- 4Use freshly squeezed lemon juice, not bottled, for the brightest flavor in the butter sauce.
- 5If your fillets are thick on one end and thin on the other, fold the thin tail under so they cook evenly.
Adapt it for your goals.
Dairy-free
Replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor shifts to a fruity, Mediterranean profile, and the dish remains just as tender.
herb swapHerb swap
Substitute fresh dill or thyme for the dried oregano. Dill pairs beautifully with lemon and cod, giving a fresher, more delicate herbal note.
spicy versionSpicy version
Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the butter sauce. This gives the mild cod a gentle, warming heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Cod is naturally low in fat and high in high-quality protein, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.
Rich in Selenium
Cod provides selenium, an antioxidant mineral important for thyroid function and immune health.
Low Calorie
This dish is light and satisfying, with only a small amount of butter, making it suitable for calorie-conscious meals.
Vitamin C from Lemon
Fresh lemon juice adds a boost of vitamin C, which supports immune health and helps the body absorb iron.
Frequently asked questions
The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reads 145°F (63°C). The flesh should be opaque and the sauce bubbling around the edges.
