When you’re in the mood for a fresh, light yet deeply flavorful meal that doesn’t take hours to make, this Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce is your new go-to. With a tender, flaky texture and a bright, buttery finish, this dish brings coastal elegance straight to your dinner table.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few key ingredients and one baking dish, you can create a restaurant-worthy seafood entree that feels both fancy and comforting. Perfect for weeknights or impressing guests, it pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce, your kitchen doesn’t need to be packed with gadgets. Here are the essential tools and why each matters:

Baking Dish (ceramic or glass): This helps evenly distribute heat around the cod for gentle cooking without drying it out.
Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing lemons thinly, which infuses the cod with citrus flavor during baking.
Microplane or Garlic Press: To mince or grate garlic finely, allowing it to melt into the butter sauce and coat the fish.

Measuring Spoons: Ensures balance in flavor—especially with garlic, salt, pepper, and seasoning blends.
Basting Brush or Spoon: Helps coat the fish with the buttery lemon-garlic mixture before and after baking for flavor layering.
Foil or Lid (optional): If you prefer a steamed texture or want to trap more moisture during baking.

Ingredients for the Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in balancing freshness, richness, and spice. Here’s what you need and why it matters:

Cod Fillets: The star of the show. Cod is mild, flaky, and perfect for absorbing the citrusy, buttery sauce.
Lemons: Both sliced and juiced. Lemons brighten the dish and help tenderize the fish while baking.

Garlic Cloves: Grated or minced to infuse the butter with robust aroma and flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Creates a velvety, rich sauce that melds all the flavors together.
Olive Oil: Adds depth to the sauce and helps the fish caramelize slightly on top.

Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances the natural flavor of cod and balances acidity from lemon.
Paprika or Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For a gentle kick and a hint of smokiness or heat.
Fresh Parsley: A final sprinkle for color and herby freshness.

How To Make the Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Arrange the Cod Fillets

Pat the cod dry with paper towels. Place them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika or red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Layer the Lemon and Garlic

Top each fillet with thin lemon slices. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and mix in the garlic and lemon juice.

Step 4: Pour the Butter Sauce

Drizzle the lemon-garlic butter mixture generously over the cod fillets, making sure each piece is coated well.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, spoon any remaining sauce from the dish over the fish. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.

Best Ways to Serve and Store Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

This baked cod is best served hot and fresh from the oven, when the buttery lemon sauce is at its silkiest. It pairs wonderfully with roasted asparagus, herbed rice, or a crisp garden salad to keep the meal light and refreshing. Crusty bread is also a welcome addition to soak up the flavorful juices.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use the oven or stovetop on low heat to avoid overcooking the delicate fish. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque all the way through. The internal temperature should be around 145°F (63°C).

Can I use frozen cod fillets?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which helps the sauce stick and the texture stay firm.

What other fish can I use instead of cod?

Halibut, haddock, or tilapia work well as substitutes. Just adjust the bake time based on the thickness.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Swap the butter with a quality dairy-free alternative like olive oil-based margarine or vegan butter.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and slice the lemons in advance, but for best texture, bake the fish fresh when ready to serve.

Should I cover the fish while baking?

It’s optional. Baking uncovered gives a slightly golden top, while covering locks in more moisture. Choose based on your texture preference.

Want More Seafood Dinner Ideas?

If this Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce won your heart, check out these flavorful favorites from Life With Olivia:

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you keep it classic or spice it up? Maybe you swapped in halibut or added capers?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better and eat brighter.

Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

This Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce is a light and elegant seafood dish that comes together quickly in one baking dish. With juicy, flaky cod bathed in a bright lemon-garlic butter sauce and finished with fresh herbs, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.