Name: Lemon Baked Cod Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets 4 ounces each; ¼ cup butter softened; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon minced parsley; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 4 slices lemon

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 31 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a simple, fresh, and utterly delicious way to enjoy fish, you’ve gotta try this Lemon Baked Cod Recipe. It’s one of those foolproof dishes that’s bright, buttery, and so easy to pull together on a busy weeknight or for impressing guests without stress. Trust me, once you see how the lemon and garlic cozy up to the flaky cod, you’ll be making this a go-to in your dinner rotation. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

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Why This Recipe Works

Effortless Prep: No fancy equipment or long ingredient lists—this dish comes together in just minutes.
Bright and Balanced Flavor: The lemon juice and parsley brighten the buttery garlic topping, keeping it fresh and zesty.
Perfect Texture: Baking at 400°F gives the cod a tender, flaky texture without drying it out.
Versatile and Friendly: Easily swap cod for other white fish or tweak seasonings to your liking.

Lemon Baked Cod, baked cod with lemon and garlic, healthy baked fish recipes, easy seafood dinner ideas, flaky cod recipes - The image shows four raw white fish fillets placed on a silver baking tray with small droplets of water on it. Each fillet has a thick layer of a creamy white sauce with green herbs spread evenly on top. On each fillet, a thin, round bright yellow lemon slice sits in the center. In the background on the left side, there is a clear glass bowl with more creamy sauce and another smaller clear bowl with lemon slices visible. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Lemon Baked Cod Recipe plays a simple but crucial role, bringing out the best in the fish with minimal fuss. Let me walk you through why I choose these and some tips for picking them out.

Lemon Baked Cod, baked cod with lemon and garlic, healthy baked fish recipes, easy seafood dinner ideas, flaky cod recipes - Flat lay of four fresh cod fillets arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl with softened butter, a small white bowl containing bright yellow lemon juice, a few sprigs of vivid green minced parsley, a small white bowl filled with minced garlic cloves, two small white bowls with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, and four thin slices of fresh lemon, all placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cod Fillets: Fresh, firm white fish is key here; cod’s mild flavor is perfect for soaking up lemon and garlic without overpowering it.
Butter: Softened butter creates a luscious coating that keeps the fish moist and adds richness.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon adds just the right amount of zing and brightness.
Minced Parsley: A touch of green freshness that balances butter and garlic beautifully.
Minced Garlic: Adds depth and warmth; don’t skip this if you love a little savory punch.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
Lemon Slices: For a pretty garnish and a gentle burst of citrus during baking.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Lemon Baked Cod Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you’re craving a little extra herbiness or want to dial up the heat, there’s always room to make this your own.

Herb Swap: I sometimes swap parsley for fresh dill or thyme to mix up the herbal notes—it’s amazing how a small change refreshes the whole dish.
Spice Kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the fish before baking; it adds a nice subtle warmth.
Butter Alternative: Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter touch and a Mediterranean spin.
Fish Choice: Tilapia, haddock, or halibut work great too if cod isn’t available; just adjust baking times slightly for thickness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Baked Cod Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. While it’s warming up, spray a large rimmed baking sheet with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper—this keeps your cod from sticking and makes cleanup way easier. I always like to have my tools ready before moving on.

Step 2: Mix the Zesty Butter Topping

Grab a small bowl and combine softened butter, fresh lemon juice, minced parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use a fork to mash and mix everything until it’s evenly combined and ready to spread. The butter should be soft enough to blend easily—if it’s too cold, it won’t spread well on the fish.

Step 3: Coat the Cod Fillets

Place your cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet, then spread the butter mixture evenly across the top of each one. Don’t be shy—use your fingers or a spoon to get a nice, even layer that covers the entire surface. Then top each fillet with a thin slice of lemon for that fresh, citrus aroma as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Flaky

Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cod turns opaque and flakes easily if you gently prod it with a fork. Don’t overbake or it’ll dry out—if your filets are thicker, keep an eye on them, maybe add a few extra minutes.

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Pro Tips for Making Lemon Baked Cod Recipe

Choose Fresh Cod: Whenever possible, buy fresh or thawed cod fillets rather than frozen for the best texture and flavor.
Softened Butter is Key: Let your butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing—this helps the flavor blend smoothly.
Don’t Skimp on Lemon: The lemon juice and slices brighten the dish; I like to zest an extra lemon over the top before serving for an extra punch.
Watch the Bake Time: Overcooking will dry your fish; start checking at 12 minutes if you have thinner fillets.

How to Serve Lemon Baked Cod Recipe

Lemon Baked Cod, baked cod with lemon and garlic, healthy baked fish recipes, easy seafood dinner ideas, flaky cod recipes - A white round plate holds a single piece of cooked white fish fillet with a smooth, slightly flaky texture from the top to the bottom layer. The fish is topped with a thin, bright yellow lemon slice centered on it, sprinkled with green herb leaves and black pepper, adding texture and color contrast. A silver fork rests at the top right edge of the plate, its handle pointing away from the fish. In the blurred background, more fish fillets garnished with lemon slices and herbs sit on a wooden cutting board. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth and green leaves nearby, giving a fresh and simple look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right when the cod comes out of the oven—it adds such a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor. Sometimes, I like to add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few capers for a briny contrast. A few lemon wedges on the side never hurt either!

Side Dishes

This Lemon Baked Cod Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed veggies like asparagus or broccoli. For something heartier, I love serving it alongside garlicky roasted potatoes or fluffy couscous flavored with fresh herbs. Those sides soak up the buttery lemon sauce perfectly!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated these fillets on a bed of lemony rice pilaf with edible flowers and microgreens—super fresh and fancy! You could also bake the cod in parchment paper packets with lemon and herbs, making a beautiful presentation and keeping every bite juicy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover lemon baked cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The butter and lemon flavors hold up beautifully, but the fish is best eaten soon for the juiciest texture.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze cooked cod because the texture can get a little mushy after thawing, but if you must, wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap then foil and freeze for up to a month. Thaw slowly in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I place leftovers in a single layer on a baking sheet and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the fish moist and prevents dryness better than the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets, but it’s best to thaw them completely in the refrigerator first and pat them dry before baking. This helps avoid excess moisture, so the fish bakes evenly and gets that perfect flaky texture.
How can I tell when the cod is done baking?

Look for the fish to turn opaque and use a fork to check if it flakes easily—it should separate with gentle pressure. Overcooked cod becomes tough and dry, so keep an eye on it starting around 12-15 minutes depending on thickness.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is ideal for its bright flavor, but in a pinch, high-quality bottled lemon juice can work. Just use a little less and taste before adding more, as bottled juice can be more concentrated or bitter.
Can I bake the cod with other seasonings?

Absolutely! This recipe is very flexible. Try adding paprika, dill, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a different twist. Just adjust seasonings to your preference—cooking times stay roughly the same.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Baked Cod Recipe is one of those simple joy dishes that feels special every time. It’s fresh, flavorful, and fast, hitting all the right notes for a no-fuss meal. I always find it’s a crowd-pleaser that helps me get dinner on the table without stress—and I hope you’ll love it just as much. Give it a try, and soon you’ll have a new favorite way to enjoy cod (or any white fish you love) with a bright lemony twist.