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
Scale
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.
