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

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 23 reviews

If you’re searching for a light, flavorful dinner that feels both fresh and comforting, I can’t recommend this Lemon Baked Cod Recipe enough. It’s one of those meals that comes together super quickly but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. The tangy lemon paired with tender, flaky cod makes for a dream dish you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to fish recipe!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Ingredients: Using just butter, lemon, garlic, and parsley lets the delicate cod shine without overpowering it.
Quick Cooking Time: In about 20 minutes, dinner is ready, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Versatile and Adaptable: You can swap cod for other firm white fish, and easily customize flavors.
Moist and Tender Texture: The lemon butter keeps the fish juicy and flaky, avoiding dryness—a common challenge with baked fish.

Lemon Baked Cod, baked cod quick dinner, healthy fish recipes, easy lemon fish, flaky baked cod - 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

This Lemon Baked Cod Recipe relies on simple pantry ingredients that complement one another beautifully. The butter melds with the lemon’s brightness, garlic’s savory warmth, and parsley’s fresh herbaceousness—together creating a flavor-packed, moist dish. When choosing your cod, aim for fresh or good-quality frozen fillets to ensure the best texture and taste.

Lemon Baked Cod, baked cod quick dinner, healthy fish recipes, easy lemon fish, flaky baked cod - 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: Choose fresh or well-thawed firm cod for flaky, tender fish that holds up well in the oven.
Butter: Softened for easy mixing, it adds richness and helps keep the fish moist.
Lemon Juice: Provides vibrant acidity to brighten the buttery flavors without overwhelming the cod.
Minced Parsley: Adds fresh, subtle herb flavor that lifts the entire dish.
Minced Garlic: Offers a punch of savoriness and depth—don’t skimp here!
Salt & Pepper: Essential to season and bring all the flavors together.
Lemon Slices: Placed on top to infuse extra citrus aroma and make for a pretty presentation.

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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 always like to adjust this Lemon Baked Cod Recipe to suit whatever mood I’m in or what I have on hand. It’s so flexible! Sometimes I’ll add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or swap fresh parsley for fresh dill when I want a different herb vibe. And don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite lemon zest or even a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a twist.

Variation: I once added capers and chopped olives for a Mediterranean flair—it was a hit with friends!
Dietary Modification: For dairy-free, swap butter for olive oil; it keeps the fish just as moist with a slightly different richness.
Seasonal Changes: In summer, I toss in some cherry tomatoes around the fillets before baking for a bright, colorful plate.

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

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (about 200°C). Grab a rimmed baking sheet and spray it with non-stick spray or brush lightly with oil to prevent sticking. This step’s straightforward but crucial to get a smooth release of the fish once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Lemon Butter

In a small bowl, combine softened butter, fresh lemon juice, minced parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Use a fork to mash and blend everything until smooth and well incorporated. This mixture will not only season the cod but keep it tender and juicy as it bakes.

Step 3: Coat the Cod Fillets

Lay your cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet, then spread the lemon butter mixture evenly over each piece. Pop a thin slice of lemon right on top of each fillet—this adds extra brightness and makes your dish look pretty without much effort.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake the cod for about 15 minutes. The fish is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Timing is key here—overbaking dries the fish out, so set a timer and keep an eye on it.

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Pro Tips for Making Lemon Baked Cod Recipe

Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter isn’t cold to mix easily with the other ingredients for an even coating.
Don’t Skip Fresh Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice just won’t deliver the same vibrant flavor and brightness.
Watch the Bake Time: Thin fillets might cook quicker than thicker ones; start checking a few minutes early to avoid dry fish.
Use a Fork to Check Flaking: Gently test the thickest part of the fish for easy flaking, which signals it’s perfectly cooked.

How to Serve Lemon Baked Cod Recipe

Lemon Baked Cod, baked cod quick dinner, healthy fish recipes, easy lemon fish, flaky baked cod - 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

For garnish, I like to sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of green and a fresh herbal note. Sometimes, I zest a bit of lemon peel for added fragrance that brightens each bite. A few flaky sea salt crystals sprinkled on right before serving also deepen the flavor and add a lovely texture contrast.

Side Dishes

This lemon baked cod pairs wonderfully with simple roasted vegetables or a green salad. My personal favorites are garlic roasted asparagus or a light quinoa salad with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. For something cozy, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice also balance the acidic lemon flavors nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve also served this cod over a bed of buttery garlic noodles for a special dinner, adding edible flowers and microgreens for a beautiful look. On holidays or dinner parties, I like placing the fillets on large white plates, drizzling some extra lemon butter sauce around them, and adding a lemon wedge on the side—presentation really levels up the whole experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which sometimes I don’t!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay tasty for up to 2 days, but try to enjoy as soon as possible because delicate baked fish loses its perfect texture with time.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze cooked cod, but the raw fillets with the lemon butter mixture freeze well before baking. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake fresh. This trick saves time and keeps the flavors intact.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers in the oven at 275°F for about 10 minutes, covered lightly with foil to avoid drying out. Microwaving is doable but can make the fish rubbery, so low and slow in the oven is your best bet.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this Lemon Baked Cod Recipe?

Absolutely! While cod is ideal for its flaky texture and mild taste, you can substitute tilapia, haddock, halibut, or any firm white fish. Just adjust the baking time depending on thickness, keeping an eye so the fish remains moist and tender.
How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

The best indicator is the fish’s color and texture: it should be opaque throughout and flake easily when you gently press with a fork. Usually, 15 minutes at 400°F works perfectly for 4-ounce fillets, but thinner pieces may cook quicker.
Can I prepare the lemon butter mixture ahead of time?

Yes! Feel free to prep the lemon butter a few hours or even the day before. Just store it covered in the fridge and bring to room temperature before spreading on the fish for easy assembly.
Is this Lemon Baked Cod Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. The cod reheats well and pairs with a variety of sides, making it perfect for healthy, quick meals throughout the week. Just store portions separately and reheat gently to preserve texture.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Baked Cod Recipe holds a special place in my cooking rotation because it’s just so reliable and delicious every time. Whether you’re cooking for family, a date night, or just treating yourself, it’s a recipe that feels like a little act of kindness for your taste buds. Give it a try—you’re going to love how effortlessly impressive it is, plus it’s healthy and packed with bright flavors. I’m rooting for you to nail this one and make it your own!