Name: Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 filets Cod, bones and skin removed; 1 tablespoon Seasoned salt; 2 teaspoon Old bay seasoning; 2 teaspoons Garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Lemon pepper; 1 whole Lemon, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons Butter, cut into 5 pats

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Lemon butter baked cod are seasoned cod fish filets baked to buttery, tender, flaky perfection. Ready in just 20 minutes, this is a delicious and simple solution to a weeknight dinner.

For more, easy fish recipes try my Crispy Southern Fried Catfish, Honey Sriracha Glazed Salmon, and this Blackened Salmon recipe.

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Why We Love This Baked Cod Recipe:
Ingredients you need:
How to Bake Cod:
Alternatives and Variations:
Pro-Tips:
What to Serve with Baked Cod:
Storing and Reheating:
FAQ:
More Seafood Recipes to Try
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close up view of plated baked cod with mashed potatoes and carrots

Lemon baked cod is seasoned and topped with butter and lemon slices for a fresh, citrusy twist. It has a mild, buttery flavor and meaty, tender texture that will melt in your mouth with each forkful.

Why We Love This Baked Cod Recipe:

A Healthy Dinner! This lean protein is packed with nutrients so it is a light and nutritious main course.

Quick and Easy! This comes together in just 20 minutes for a simple family meal.

Great for Picky Eaters! If you are not a huge seafood fan, this easy baked cod recipe may be the solution. There is no fishy aftertaste and it is a versatile fish that pairs well with so many different sides.

overhead view of plated baked cod with mashed potatoes and carrots

Ingredients you need:

Cod: Opt for wild-caught Atlantic cod or Pacific cod. Use whichever cut of fish you would like (cod loins or cod filets). The cod loin is the thickest part of the filet whereas cod filets are vertical cuts. Just remember to remove the skin and bones.
Seasoning: I keep it simple with a blend of seasoned salt, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and lemon pepper.
Lemon: The acidity of the fruit brightens the flavor of the fish. Apply it thinly sliced. Fresh lemon juice would be another option.
Butter: Cut into 5 pats and place it on the filets before baking. If sodium is a concern, use unsalted butter and season to taste. Olive oil would be a good replacement, if necessary.

How to Bake Cod:

Prepare Cod

Preheat your oven to 375° F. Then clean and dry the fish filets thoroughly. Lay the cod out onto a flat dry surface.

Mix your seasoned salt, old bay seasoning, garlic powder, and lemon pepper in a small bowl until they are fully combined.

Then sprinkle the seasoning over each piece of fish, and season the front and the back of each filet.

Bake Cod Filets

Add a piece of parchment paper to a baking sheet or baking dish. Then place the well seasoned fish directly on the parchment paper.

Add one pat of butter on top of each piece of fish, top the butter with a slice of the lemon.

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cod for 15 minutes, uninterrupted.

Finally, remove it from the oven and serve it with your favorite sides!

Alternatives and Variations:

Types of Fish: Not a fan of cod? Use this recipe for another flaky white fish like halibut or mahi mahi.
Different Seasoning: Make it spicy with a cajun seasoning blend. Italian seasoning would be delicious too.
Crispy Baked Cod: Add breadcrumbs, ritz crackers or panko to the filets for a light, crispy texture. If you want full-on crunch, try baked breaded cod.
Add Vegetables: Add tomatoes to the pan when baking for a fresh veggie side dish.

Pro-Tips:

Use fresh cod or frozen cod for this recipe. But it might be a good idea to purchase frozen instead. There is no way of telling how long "fresh" cod was sitting on ice in the seafood section before you grabbed it.
Remember to season both sides of each filet in order to achieve maximum flavor.
Do not bake frozen cod. Defrost the filets before baking.

What to Serve with Baked Cod:

Oven baked cod tastes good with a variety of sides. Here are a few:

Rice: White rice is a classic choice for baked fish.
Potatoes: Serve baked cod with mashed potatoes, Crispy Smashed Potatoes, or potato salad.
Roasted Vegetables: For a healthy, balanced meal, add roasted brussels sprouts, carrots, broccoli, or asparagus.
Fish Tacos: The flavor and texture of cod make this perfect for some corn tortillas. Cod fish tacos would be a delicious way to serve this fish.

Storing and Reheating:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I do not recommend freezing the fish after cooking it because it may alter the texture.

When you want to reheat, gently warm up the fish on a low setting in the oven or in 30-second intervals in the microwave.

FAQ:

What temperature should cod be cooked at?

Bake cod to an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Visually, you can tell the filet is cooked when it easily flakes with a fork.

How to thaw frozen fish?

The best way to thaw frozen fish is to defrost it overnight in the fridge. If you need it sooner, thaw packaged cod fillets in the sink by running cold water over them until they are thawed.

Do you flip cod when baking?

There is no need to flip cod during the baking process. It may fall apart if flipped.

overhead view of fish fresh out of the oven

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5 Filets