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Baked Lemon Herb Cod with Garlic Butter Sauce

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An Easy and Delicious Baked Fish Recipe

Looking for a healthy, delicious, and easy baked fish recipe? This baked lemon herb cod with garlic butter sauce is sure to become a new family favorite. The combination of flaky white cod, bright lemon, fresh herbs, and rich garlic butter sauce makes this baked fish dish simply irresistible.

Cod is a wonderful choice for baking, as it remains moist and tender even after cooking. Just a few simple ingredients are all you need to bring out cod's mild, sweet flavor. Lemon brightens up the fish, while fresh dill, thyme, and parsley provide herbal notes. And let's not forget the garlic butter - slathered on top of the cod fillets, it bastes the fish as it bakes, keeping it extra moist and infusing it with nutty garlic flavor.

Serve the cod with some roasted potatoes or rice pilaf on the side. The garlic butter sauce doubles as a wonderful drizzle for the veggies or grains. Enjoy this easy baked cod dinner on a busy weeknight, or impress guests at your next dinner party. However you make it, this baked lemon herb cod with garlic butter sauce makes cooking fresh fish at home totally foolproof and delicious!

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to make this simple baked cod recipe:

  • Cod fillets - use fresh or thawed cod fillets. Look for thick, white fillets without any brown spots.
  • Lemon - fresh lemon juice and zest add brightness.
  • Fresh herbs - dill, thyme, and Italian parsley provide fresh flavor.
  • Garlic - minced garlic adds a punch of flavor to the butter sauce.
  • Butter - use salted butter for the tastiest garlic butter sauce.
  • Optional extras - capers, chili flakes, shallots, breadcrumbs.
  • Salt and pepper - season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Olive oil - for drizzling.

That's it! Just a handful of ingredients makes this incredible baked cod dish. Now let's get to the easy method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to make baked lemon herb cod with garlic butter sauce in just a few easy steps:

Prep the Fresh Herbs

Start by mincing the fresh herbs - dill, thyme, and Italian parsley. You'll want about 1 tablespoon each. Finely grate the lemon zest as well. Having these ingredients prepped will make the recipe come together quickly.

Make the Garlic Butter

Next, make the flavored garlic butter sauce. Soften 4 tablespoons of salted butter at room temperature, then mix in 1 clove of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and the lemon zest. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add any extras like chopped capers or chili flakes.

Prepare the Cod

Pat the cod fillets dry and season all over with salt and pepper. Place in a lightly greased baking dish. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and rub to coat the fish.

Top with Garlic Butter and Herbs

Spoon the garlic butter mixture over the top of each cod fillet, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the minced fresh herbs over the butter layer. This topping will keep the cod super moist and infuse it with amazing flavor.

Bake

Bake the cod in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes, until it flakes easily with a fork. Baking time will vary slightly depending on thickness.

Finish with Lemon

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cod when removing from the oven. This adds brightness to balance the richness of the garlic butter sauce.

Serve

Plate the baked lemon herb cod fillets. Spoon any juices from the baking dish over the top. Garnish with lemon wedges and extra fresh herbs. Enjoy immediately with your favorite sides!

Tips for the Best Baked Lemon Herb Cod

Follow these tips for irresistible baked cod cooked to flaky perfection:

  • Choose thick, white cod fillets for the best texture and moisture after baking.
  • Pat the fish dry before seasoning to help it brown slightly.
  • Drizzle cod with oil before baking to keep it from drying out.
  • Spread garlic butter over the cod to baste it as it bakes.
  • Sprinkle on the fresh herbs just before baking so they don't burn.
  • Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cod when hot out of the oven.
  • Allow thicker fillets to rest 5 minutes before serving.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently for a quick lunch or dinner.

Flavor Variations

This basic recipe for baked lemon herb cod is endlessly adaptable. Try these easy variations for new flavors:

  • Lemon Pepper Cod: Use lemon pepper instead of plain black pepper.
  • Parsley-Dill Cod: Omit the thyme and increase the dill and parsley.
  • Tarragon Cod: Substitute fresh tarragon for the dill.
  • Lemon-Caper Cod: Add 2 tablespoons drained capers to the garlic butter.
  • Chipotle Cod: Add 1 minced chipotle chili to the garlic butter for a smoky kick.
  • Lemon-Thyme Cod: Omit the dill and increase the thyme.
  • Creamy Parmesan Cod: Substitute Italian parsley for the dill, and add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan to the butter.

As you can see, it's easy to give this baked cod recipe your own unique twist by varying the fresh herbs and garlic butter flavorings.

Serving Suggestions

Baked lemon herb cod is delicious with all kinds of side dish options. Here are some tasty suggestions:

  • Rice pilaf or risotto
  • Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
  • Sautéed spinach or kale
  • Green salad with vinaigrette
  • Asparagus
  • Quinoa salad
  • Garlic bread
  • Pasta tossed with olive oil or pesto

The possibilities are endless! Whatever bright, fresh sides you choose, this baked cod will be the star at dinner time.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Like many fish dishes, this garlic herb cod tastes best fresh and hot. But you can still enjoy leftovers. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:

  • Let cod cool completely before storing.
  • Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
  • Add any leftover butter sauce to a separate container so the fish doesn't get soggy.
  • Gently reheat cod in a 375°F oven or skillet, adding a splash of milk or water to moisten.
  • Flake with a fork and add a bit more fresh herbs before serving.

With proper storage, you can enjoy the flavors of this baked cod later in the week. The great thing about fish is that it reheats much better than many meats.

How to Bake Cod to Perfection

For the best results when baking cod fillets, follow these essential tips:

  • Allow cod to come to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
  • Pat fillets dry with paper towels and brush lightly with oil.
  • Use a rimmed baking sheet for easier transfer in and out of oven.
  • Bake at 400°F - high heat helps cod get a nice browned exterior before the interior overcooks.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes based on thickness - check for doneness early.
  • Fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
  • Baste with garlic butter halfway through baking to help keep cod moist.
  • Do not overbake or the fish will dry out. Cod cooks quickly!

Master these simple tricks and you'll be able to bake juicy, flaky cod fillets to perfection every time.

Common Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making this easy baked cod recipe:

What if I don't have fresh herbs?

You can use dry herbs instead. About 1 teaspoon each of dried dill, thyme, and parsley flakes equals the tablespoon amounts of fresh herbs.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

It's best to use salted butter for the richest flavor in the sauce. Margarine or olive oil spreads can work in a pinch.

How long does the fish bake?

For 1-inch thick cod fillets, bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. Check thickness and adjust bake time as needed.

Can I swap different fish?

The recipe works great with any thick, white fish fillets like halibut, haddock, tilapia or Chilean sea bass.

How do I know when the cod is done?

Check for doneness early. Fish is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.

The Takeaway

There you have it - all the tips and tricks for making the best baked lemon herb cod with garlic butter sauce. This simple recipe truly delivers on big, bold flavors the whole family will love. The topping of zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and rich garlic butter keeps the tender cod fillets extra moist and tasty. Serve up this easy yet impressive baked fish dinner tonight!

Conclusion

Baked Lemon Herb Cod with Garlic Butter Sauce is a fresh and delicious way to enjoy fish for dinner. The bright citrus and herbal flavors pair perfectly with the flaky cod fillets. Smothering them in garlic butter before baking keeps the fish incredibly moist and infused with flavor. This simple recipe comes together quickly and works for both weeknight meals or impressing guests. Follow the easy tips above for baked cod that turns out perfectly flaky every time. Just a few basic ingredients make an amazing main dish the whole family will love!

FAQs

How long should I bake cod fillets?

For 1-inch thick cod fillets, bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Thinner or thicker fillets may take less or more time. Check often for doneness.

What sides go well with baked cod?

Try rice, potatoes, pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables. Cod pairs well with almost any fresh sides.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the cod fillets in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for several hours before baking.

What kind of cod is best?

Use fresh or thoroughly thawed cod fillets. Look for thick white fillets without any discoloration.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Cooked cod freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw gently in the refrigerator before reheating.

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