Name: Lemon Baked Cod Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 fillets 4 ounces each cod; ¼ cup softened butter; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon minced parsley; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 4 slices lemon

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 11 reviews

If you’re looking for a light yet flavorful dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this Lemon Baked Cod Recipe is about to become your new best friend. I stumbled on this recipe on a busy weeknight, and it quickly earned a permanent spot in my meal rotation. It’s fresh, buttery, and so easy to pull together that you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Let me walk you through everything you need to nail this simple but absolutely delicious dish.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Just a few pantry staples come together for maximum flavor without fuss.
Moist & Flaky Cod: Baking with butter and lemon juice keeps the fish tender and perfectly flaky.
Quick to Make: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
Versatile & Easy to Customize: You can swap cod for other white fish or add herbs to match your flavor mood.

Lemon Baked Cod, baked cod recipe, healthy seafood dinner, easy fish recipes, lemon baked fish - The image shows four raw white fish fillets placed on a silver baking tray with small droplets of water on it. Each fillet has a thick layer of a creamy white sauce with green herbs spread evenly on top. On each fillet, a thin, round bright yellow lemon slice sits in the center. In the background on the left side, there is a clear glass bowl with more creamy sauce and another smaller clear bowl with lemon slices visible. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Lemon Baked Cod Recipe plays a starring role, bringing brightness, richness, and that coastal charm we all crave in a good fish dish. Here’s a little about why I pick these specific ingredients—plus some tips if you want to switch things up.

Lemon Baked Cod, baked cod recipe, healthy seafood dinner, easy fish recipes, lemon baked fish - Flat lay of four fresh cod fillets arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl with softened butter, a small white bowl containing bright yellow lemon juice, a few sprigs of vivid green minced parsley, a small white bowl filled with minced garlic cloves, two small white bowls with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, and four thin slices of fresh lemon, all placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cod fillets: I love cod for its mild flavor and firm texture that bakes beautifully without falling apart.
Butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps keep the fish moist as it bakes.
Lemon juice: The magic ingredient! Adds just the right zing and brightness that cuts through the butter.
Minced parsley: It freshens up the dish and adds a nice color contrast on the plate.
Minced garlic: Garlic infuses the butter with savory depth—don’t skip it unless you hate garlic (but then, who are you?).
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning — I find sprinkling these evenly makes all the difference.
Fresh lemon slices: A lemon wheel right on top not only looks pretty but intensifies lemon flavor as it roasts.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’m all about making a recipe that works for you, so I encourage you to experiment a little. Sometimes, I swap parsley for dill when I want a more herbaceous twist or add a pinch of red pepper flakes if I’m craving some heat. This flexibility is what makes the Lemon Baked Cod Recipe so friendly—not stuck in one flavor lane.

Variation: One time, I used fresh thyme instead of parsley—it gave the cod a woodsy aroma that paired perfectly with lemon.
Dietary change: If you want to reduce fat, try olive oil instead of butter. The lemon still shines through beautifully.
Seasonal twist: In late summer, I add chopped cherry tomatoes on top before baking for a juicy burst.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Baked Cod Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

First things first: get your oven to 400°F (about 200°C). While it’s heating, I like to give a large rimmed baking sheet a quick spray with non-stick spray—it prevents the fish from sticking and makes clean-up super easy. You’ll thank me later!

Step 2: Make the Lemon-Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, mash together softened butter, fresh lemon juice, minced parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper using a fork. It might look simple, but this combo is where all the magic starts. Be sure your butter is soft enough to blend smoothly—cold butter won’t mix properly and can leave lumps.

Step 3: Coat and Top the Cod

Now, spread that luscious lemon-butter mix evenly over each cod fillet—use all of it, don’t be shy! Then lay a fresh lemon slice on top of each piece; this not only looks beautiful but adds extra moisture and flavor as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Flaky

Pop the fillets into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. The fish is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. I like to check at 12 minutes just to make sure it doesn’t overcook—nothing worse than dry fish!

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Pro Tips for Making Lemon Baked Cod Recipe

Pick Fresh Cod: Fresh or high-quality frozen cod ensures that tender melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Don’t Skip Softened Butter: Soft butter blends more evenly, helping the flavors coat the fish perfectly.
Watch Your Oven Time: Overbaking dries out cod quickly, so keep an eye after the 12-minute mark.
Serve Immediately: Cod tastes best hot and fresh right out of the oven—leftovers are great but the texture shifts slightly.

How to Serve Lemon Baked Cod Recipe

Lemon Baked Cod, baked cod recipe, healthy seafood dinner, easy fish recipes, lemon baked fish - A white round plate holds a single piece of cooked white fish fillet with a smooth, slightly flaky texture from the top to the bottom layer. The fish is topped with a thin, bright yellow lemon slice centered on it, sprinkled with green herb leaves and black pepper, adding texture and color contrast. A silver fork rests at the top right edge of the plate, its handle pointing away from the fish. In the blurred background, more fish fillets garnished with lemon slices and herbs sit on a wooden cutting board. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth and green leaves nearby, giving a fresh and simple look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to finish my Lemon Baked Cod with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley for that pop of green and a light drizzle of good quality olive oil to add a subtle richness. Sometimes, a few thinly sliced scallions add color and crunch. The fresh lemon slices baked on top are already a beautiful garnish, so keep it simple to let the fish shine.

Side Dishes

For sides, I’ve had fun pairing this dish with roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple quinoa salad. If you’re feeling cozy, creamy risotto complements the light, lemony fish beautifully. And when I want something fresh and fast, steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon make a perfect partner.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this cod over a bed of colorful ratatouille or nestling it alongside a vibrant beetroot purée—both add festive flair and flavor contrast. You could also bake individual portions in small ceramic dishes for an elegant look that’s perfect when guests come over.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from the Lemon Baked Cod Recipe store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend letting the fish cool to room temperature before sealing it to avoid condensation, which can affect texture.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze cooked cod because the texture tends to change upon thawing, but if you must, wrap tightly in plastic wrap then aluminum foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw gently overnight in the fridge and reheat carefully.

Reheating

To reheat, I find low and slow is best—place leftovers in a preheated oven at 275°F for about 10 minutes to gently warm without drying out the fish. Microwave reheating makes it rubbery pretty fast, so avoid if you want to keep things delicate.

FAQs

Can I use different fish for this Lemon Baked Cod Recipe?

Absolutely! While cod works great because of its firm, flaky texture, you can easily substitute tilapia, haddock, pollock, or even sole. Just keep an eye on baking time as thinner fillets may cook faster.
How can I tell when the cod is cooked perfectly?

The cod is done when it looks opaque all the way through and flakes easily when you gently test it with a fork. Avoid overcooking, which leads to dry fish. Checking a few minutes before the suggested baking time can save your dinner.
Do I need to thaw frozen cod before baking?

Yes, it’s best to fully thaw frozen cod in the refrigerator before baking for an even cook and better texture. Baking frozen cod directly can result in uneven cooking and a rubbery outside.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine. The lemon and garlic will still shine, and you won’t miss the butter’s richness much at all.

Final Thoughts

I’ve shared this Lemon Baked Cod Recipe with so many friends, and it consistently wows everyone—even the ones who claim they don’t like fish. It’s simple, fresh, and incredibly forgiving. Next time you want to impress yourself or someone special without fuss, give this recipe a shot. I promise, you’ll love how effortlessly delicious and tender the cod comes out. Now, grab some lemons and get baking—you’ve got this!