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If you are looking for a delightful dish that feels like a warm hug on your plate, this Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender, flaky cod bathed in a luscious lemon butter sauce and a hint of paprika’s gentle warmth, this recipe combines simplicity and elegance in every bite. It’s a dish that’s as comforting as it is bright, perfect for both weeknight dinners and impressing guests. Trust me, once you try this Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe plays an important role, from bringing brightness and tenderness to adding just the right amount of seasoning and color. The beauty lies in the simplicity and quality of each element, ensuring a dish that’s effortless yet impactful.
- 2 lb cod fillet: Use fresh or thawed white fish fillets for the best flaky texture and mild flavor.
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine: Provides richness and creates that silky lemon butter sauce that everything soaks into.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Adds a vibrant, zesty punch that elevates the mild cod perfectly.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Coats the fish lightly, helping create a delicate crust when baked.
- Dash(es) paprika: Sprinkled on top for a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color contrast.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fish and Sauce
Start by cutting your cod fillet into serving-sized pieces for even cooking. Then, melt the butter or margarine gently and mix in the fresh lemon juice to form your luscious lemon butter sauce. This sauce is the star of the show, adding both moisture and a burst of fresh flavor to the fish.
Step 2: Coat and Arrange the Cod
Coat each piece of cod first with the lemon butter sauce, ensuring it’s nicely covered, which helps lock in moisture. Then, dust the fish lightly with the seasoned flour—this step creates a delicate crust during baking that gives the cod just enough texture without overpowering its tenderness. Arrange the coated fillets in your baking dish in a single layer, ready for the oven.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Drizzle any remaining lemon butter sauce over the fish pieces and sprinkle paprika evenly on top for color and a subtle smoky undertone. Bake in a preheated oven until the cod becomes golden brown on top and flakes easily with a fork, signaling it’s perfectly cooked but still juicy inside. This step brings all the flavors together in a warm, inviting plate of comfort.
How to Serve Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your plate with fresh herbs like parsley or dill, which add a fresh, herbaceous aroma and a pop of green color. A few thin lemon slices or zest scattered on top can also elevate the dish visually and complement the lemon flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as steamed asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light quinoa salad. These choices balance the richness of the butter sauce and keep the meal fresh and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your cod over a bed of herbed couscous or with a drizzle of extra lemon butter sauce right at the table for a touch of elegance. For a fun family meal, build individual plates with layers of fish, roasted vegetables, and a sprinkle of crunchy toasted almonds on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to cool it before refrigerating to maintain the texture and flavor of the fish and sauce.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze cooked cod wrapped tightly in freezer-safe wrap or containers for up to one month. Freeze portions separately if possible to avoid thawing more than you need at once.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave at medium power to keep the fish tender and prevent drying out. Adding a small dab of butter or a splash of water can help restore moisture during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish instead of cod?
Absolutely! While this Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe is made with cod, any firm white fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia can work beautifully, yielding similarly delicious results.
Is it necessary to coat the fish in flour?
Coating the fish in flour helps create a light crust that locks in moisture and adds a subtle texture contrast, but it’s optional if you prefer a lighter dish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use a plant-based butter alternative or margarine to keep the rich buttery flavor while making it suitable for dairy-free diets.
How do I know when the cod is done baking?
The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has turned opaque throughout. Depending on thickness, baking usually takes around 10-15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Can I add other seasonings or herbs?
Definitely! Adding garlic powder, thyme, or smoked paprika can bring extra layers of flavor. Fresh herbs added after baking make the dish even more vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward techniques can create unforgettable flavors. It feels special but comes together effortlessly, perfect for sharing with loved ones any night of the week. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find your new favorite fish dinner.
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Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring tender white fish fillets baked to golden perfection in a zesty lemon butter sauce. The cod is lightly coated in seasoned flour to add a delicate crust and finished with a sprinkle of paprika for a subtle smoky touch. Perfect for a quick and elegant weeknight dinner, this recipe serves 4 and takes just under 20 minutes to prepare and cook.
Ingredients
Fish
- 2 lb cod fillet (any white fish), cut into serving sizes
Lemon Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Coating & Seasoning
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Dash of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the fillets and sauce: Cut the cod fillets into individual serving portions. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter or margarine and mix in the lemon juice to create the lemon butter sauce.
- Coat the fish: Dip each cod piece first into the lemon butter mixture to coat it evenly. Then, dredge the fillets in the all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper, ensuring they have a light, even coating.
- Arrange and bake: Place the coated cod fillets in a baking dish in a single layer. Drizzle any remaining lemon butter mixture over the top and sprinkle with a dash of paprika for color and flavor.
- Bake to perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the cod for approximately 8 minutes or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
- You can substitute cod with other white fish such as haddock or tilapia if desired.
- Ensure the fish is fresh or properly thawed if using frozen to achieve best results.
- For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter and adjust the added salt accordingly.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
- Do not overbake to keep the fish moist and tender.
