Perfect Baked Cod with Lemon-Garlic Butter
A foolproof 20-minute recipe for moist, flaky cod that never fails
Key Info:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary: Low-carb, Gluten-free, Keto-friendly
Equipment Needed:
• Baking dish (9×13 inch)
• Small mixing bowl
• Pastry brush (or spoon)
• Paper towels
• Instant-read thermometer (optional)
Ingredients:
For the Fish:
• 4 cod fillets (6oz/170g each, about 1-inch thick)
• ¼ tsp salt
• Fresh black pepper to taste
For the Topping:
• 4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C
2. Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels
3. Place fillets in greased baking dish, season with salt and pepper
4. Mix melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl
5. Pour butter mixture evenly over fish
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until fish reaches 145°F/63°C internal temperature
7. Fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done
Crucial Tips:
• Pat fish VERY dry – excess moisture makes fish soggy
• Don’t overcook – fish continues cooking after removal from oven
• Let rest 3-5 minutes before serving
Storage & Reheating:
• Refrigerate up to 2 days in airtight container
• Reheat gently at 300°F/150°C until just warm
Scaling:
• Recipe easily doubles
• Maintain single layer of fish in baking dish
• Increase sauce proportionally
Variations:
• Mediterranean: Add capers and cherry tomatoes
• Herb-crusted: Top with seasoned breadcrumbs
• Asian-inspired: Use soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil instead of butter mixture
Common Mistakes:
• Overcooking (makes fish tough and dry)
• Not drying fish thoroughly
• Cooking cold fish straight from fridge
• Using old or poor quality fish
This foolproof method delivers perfectly cooked cod every time – moist inside with a buttery, garlicky crust that will make anyone a fish lover!
