Lemon-Pepper Baked Cod
Flaky, tender cod fillets baked with a bright, zesty lemon-pepper seasoning and a touch of butter. This light and healthy dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special enough for company.
For 4 servings
- prep
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease the baking dish with a small dab of butter or a light spray of oil.
- prep
Pat the cod fillets completely dry.
Use paper towels to pat each cod fillet very dry on both sides. This helps the butter mixture adhere and ensures the fish bakes rather than steams.
TIPRemoving excess moisture is key to getting that delicate, flaky texture instead of a watery result. - mix · ~2 min
Make the lemon-pepper butter.
1.In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced garlic.2.Stir in the freshly cracked black pepper, salt, and paprika.3.Whisk until everything is well blended. - assemble · ~2 min
Arrange the cod in the baking dish and coat with butter mixture.
1.Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish in a single layer, spaced slightly apart.2.Spoon the lemon-pepper butter evenly over each fillet, using the back of the spoon to coat the top completely.3.Drizzle any remaining mixture around the fish in the dish. - bake · ~15 min
Bake until the cod is flaky and opaque.
Place the baking dish on the center rack and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns from translucent to opaque white throughout. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
TIPStart checking at 12 minutes — cod goes from perfectly done to overcooked quickly. - garnish
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the fillets and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of brightness.
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 thoroughly dry with paper towels for better browning.
- 2Use fresh lemon zest, not bottled juice, for the brightest flavor.
- 3Start checking doneness at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking the fish.
- 4Let the cod rest for 1 minute after baking so the juices redistribute.
- 5Serve immediately; baked cod dries out quickly if left sitting.
- 6Use a fish spatula to lift fillets gently from the baking dish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb-crusted
Mix 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs with the lemon-pepper butter and spoon over the cod before baking for a light, crispy topping.
dairy freeDairy-free
Replace melted butter with 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil for a dairy-free version that still yields flaky fish.
spicySpicy
Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a gentle heat that pairs well with lemon.
garlic loversGarlic lovers
Increase garlic to 4 cloves and add 1/2 tsp garlic powder to the butter for a deeper savory note.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Cod is a low-fat, high-quality protein that supports muscle maintenance and repair.
Rich in Selenium
This fish is naturally rich in selenium, an antioxidant mineral that supports thyroid function.
Low in Saturated Fat
Using just 2 tablespoons of butter keeps the dish light while still delivering flavor.
Vitamin C from Lemon
Fresh lemon juice and zest provide vitamin C, aiding immune health and iron absorption.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat very dry before baking to avoid excess moisture.
