Growing up, fish was always a dinner option I approached with caution. My mom’s way of cooking it usually ended with dry, flaky pieces that needed a ton of tartar sauce to be edible. It wasn’t until I discovered baked cod that I realized fish could actually be good – really good.
This lemon butter garlic baked cod changed everything for me. It’s the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to make fish taste amazing. With just a few minutes of prep and some time in the oven, you’ll end up with tender fish that my family now requests at least once a week.
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
For the cod, other mild white fish like haddock, pollack, or tilapia can be used as substitutes. These fish have similar textures and flavors, allowing them to work well with the lemon-butter sauce. Adjust cooking time slightly based on the thickness of the fillets. Unsalted butter can be replaced with olive oil or ghee for those avoiding dairy. Use the same amount of oil or ghee as butter called for in the recipe. For a low-carb option, replace the lemon pepper mix with a combination of freshly ground black pepper and lemon zest. This substitution maintains the citrusy, peppery flavor while reducing potential added sugars or fillers found in some pre-made mixes.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 25-35 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 45-50 g
- Fat: 40-45 g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15 g
Ingredients
- 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper mix
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 4 cod pieces (or fillets, 4-5 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Lemon
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F.
While the oven is heating up, slice half of a lemon and juice the other half — you’ll need about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
Lay the lemon slices in the bottom of a casserole dish to create a flavorful base for the fish.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, and the 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until well combined.
This will be your delicious marinade for the cod.
Step 3: Season the Cod
Pat the cod filets or loins dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps them cook evenly.
Sprinkle the cod with lemon pepper and dill weed for added flavor.
Place the seasoned cod over the lemon slices in the casserole dish.
Step 4: Bake the Cod
Evenly pour the garlic butter mixture over the cod in the casserole dish.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the fish tough.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the cod is perfectly baked, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor.
Spoon some of the lemony garlic butter from the dish over the fish to serve, enhancing the taste even further.
Enjoy your flavorful lemon garlic cod!
