Description
Imagine flaky, tender cod bathed in a bright, zesty lemon butter sauce with a hint of spice and the delightful pop of capers. This Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe is your answer to a quick, elegant, and utterly delicious weeknight meal that tastes like it came from a gourmet restaurant but is surprisingly simple to make at home.
Ingredients
• Nonstick spray (for the pan)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic (minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (see notes below)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons capers (drained)
• 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each, 1 inch thick, fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425F. Lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, sea salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix in the drained capers.
3. Arrange the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Pour the butter mixture over the fish, using a brush to ensure each fillet is evenly coated. Sprinkle the tops with paprika.
4. Bake uncovered until the cod is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 145F. This usually takes about 15 minutes for fresh fish or 25 minutes for frozen, depending on thickness and your oven. Serve right away.
Notes
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure your cod fillets have a little breathing room in the baking dish. This allows the heat to circulate evenly, promoting consistent cooking.
Check for Doneness: The most reliable way to ensure perfectly cooked fish is to use an instant-read thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F in the thickest part of the fillet.
Pat it Dry: If using fresh cod, gently pat the fillets dry with paper towels before coating them in the butter mixture. This helps the sauce adhere better and can contribute to a slightly better texture.
Frozen Cod Prep: If using frozen cod, make sure it is completely thawed before baking. This ensures even cooking. You can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or by running it under cool water.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-25 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Protein: N/A