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Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe

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4.2 from 6 reviews

Delicious Lemon Butter Baked Cod combines tender, flaky cod fillets with a zesty lemon butter sauce infused with garlic, capers, and a hint of red pepper flakes. This quick and easy baked fish recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that cooks up in just 25 minutes.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Fish and Seasoning

  • 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each, 1 inch thick, fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons capers (drained)

Others

  • Nonstick spray (for the pan)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure the cod fillets won’t stick during baking.
  2. Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, sea salt, and red pepper flakes until well combined. Stir in the drained capers to add a burst of briny flavor to the sauce.
  3. Coat the Cod Fillets: Place the cod fillets evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish. Pour the lemon butter sauce over the fillets, using a brush to coat each fillet thoroughly and evenly. Finally, sprinkle the paprika over the top to add color and a subtle smoky flavor.
  4. Bake the Fish: Bake the cod uncovered in the preheated oven until the fish is fully cooked, opaque, and flakes easily with a fork. For fresh fillets, this should take about 15 minutes; if using frozen fillets, bake for approximately 25 minutes. Serve the dish immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Sea salt can be substituted with kosher salt or regular table salt if needed; adjust quantity to taste.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor; bottled lemon juice may alter the taste.
  • If your cod fillets are thicker or thinner than 1 inch, adjust baking time accordingly to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
  • For a milder heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
  • You can serve this dish with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad for a balanced meal.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/lemon-butter-baked-cod-recipe/