Name: Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488175H41M38S
Total time: PT-488175H41M38S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4-6 cod fillets (about 1 1/2 lbs of cod); 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 4-6 lemon slices; 1 teaspoon coarse salt; 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon parsley, minced; 1 teaspoon thyme leaves; 1 teaspoon dill leaves, minced

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If you’ve been searching for a dazzling yet easy seafood dinner, the Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod is an absolute game changer. This dish combines perfectly flaky cod fillets with a zesty lemon-herb butter that infuses the fish with bright, fresh flavors and a buttery richness you just can’t resist. It’s simple to make, vibrant in color, and packed with aromatic herbs that elevate this meal to something truly special — a plate you’ll want to share with family, friends, or simply savor all by yourself.

Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod recipe uses straightforward, honest ingredients. Each one plays a critical role in building layers of flavor and texture — from the tangy brightness of lemon to the sweet juiciness of cherry tomatoes and the fresh, fragrant herbs that bring everything together.

Cod fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets for the best texture and mild flavor that soaks up the butter sauce beautifully.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved to release their juicy sweetness during baking, adding a lovely pop of color.
Lemon juice: Provides a bright, acidic punch that balances the richness of butter.
Lemon zest: Adds a concentrated lemon aroma that invigorates every bite.
Unsalted butter: Melted to create a lush sauce, allowing you to control the salt level perfectly.
Garlic: Minced finely to infuse the butter with an irresistible savory depth.
Paprika: Offers a subtle smoky warmth and enhances the golden hue of the dish.
Parsley: Fresh and minced, it brings a clean herbal note and vibrant green flecks.
Thyme leaves: Earthy and aromatic, grounding the flavors beautifully.
Lemon slices: Thin rounds to layer on top for added tang and an elegant presentation.
Dill leaves: Delicate and slightly sweet, they complement the fish and butter sauce beautifully.
Coarse salt: Essential for seasoning the cod perfectly.
Fresh ground black pepper: Adds a little bite to round out the seasoning.

How to Make Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F so it’s nice and hot by the time your cod is ready to bake. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the fillets won’t stick and so that the luscious butter sauce will stay beautifully contained for spooning over later.

Step 2: Mix Your Herb Butter Sauce

Whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, dill, and parsley in a small bowl. This mixture is the heart of the dish, blending tart citrus, fragrant herbs, and buttery richness into a sauce that will permeate the cod as it bakes.

Step 3: Season the Cod

Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels — this helps the butter sauce adhere better. Then, season both sides generously with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper. Brush each fillet with the herb butter sauce, making sure every inch is lacquered with that vibrant flavor.

Step 4: Arrange and Add the Garnishes

Place the butter-coated cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the fish, tucking in lemon slices on top and between the fillets. Drizzle any remaining herb butter mixture evenly over everything — this will combine with the natural juices from the fish and tomatoes, creating a delicious pan sauce.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cod in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. During baking, the tomatoes will soften, releasing their juices, which blend with the lemon herb butter to make a beautifully glossy sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, garnish your Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod with any remaining fresh herbs for a burst of color and fresh aroma. Spoon some of the buttery pan sauce over the top to keep every bite moist and indulgent. It’s ready to grace your table!

How to Serve Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill brightens the plate and enhances freshness, while a few extra lemon slices add a zesty visual appeal. Adding a small drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving elevates the richness.

Side Dishes

Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod pairs beautifully with simple steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to keep the meal light and fresh. Roasted baby potatoes or fluffy couscous are perfect if you want something heartier to soak up that delicious buttery sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the cod over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or atop a swirl of garlic-infused cauliflower puree for an elegant touch. For a more Mediterranean vibe, bring it alongside a chilled quinoa salad studded with olives and feta. The bright, buttery cod makes every plate a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2 days to preserve the delicate flavors and flaky texture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cod is best eaten within 1 month to maintain quality and freshness.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod gently in the oven at 300°F until warmed through, about 10 minutes. This helps prevent the fish from drying out. Avoid the microwave if possible to maintain that beautifully flaky texture.

FAQs

Can I use other fish instead of cod for this recipe?

Absolutely! Mild, flaky white fish like haddock, tilapia, or halibut work wonderfully with the lemon herb butter sauce, offering a similar texture and flavor profile.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for anyone avoiding gluten without needing any substitutions.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil to keep the buttery richness while making it friendly for dairy-free diets.

Can I prepare the herb butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the herb butter sauce up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it back to room temperature and whisk before using it on the cod.

What’s the best way to know when the fish is perfectly cooked?

The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. It should be tender and moist, not dry or rubbery, so check after 15 minutes and use your judgment.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an impressive yet fuss-free recipe, the Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod is a true winner. Each bite bursts with bright citrus notes, fragrant herbs, and buttery goodness that feels both comforting and special. Once you try it, this dish is sure to become one of your go-to favorites whenever you crave a light, flavorful seafood meal. Dive in and enjoy the magic of this simple but stunning recipe!

Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 14 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod is a light and flavorful seafood dish that combines tender cod fillets with a zesty lemon-herb butter sauce. Bursting with fresh herbs, garlic, and bright citrus notes, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. The cod bakes to flaky perfection alongside juicy cherry tomatoes and lemon slices, creating a deliciously aromatic and satisfying plate.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent the fish from sticking.
Prepare Herb Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, dill, and parsley until all ingredients are well combined, creating a fragrant sauce.
Season the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of the fillets evenly with the coarse salt and fresh ground black pepper. Brush each fillet generously with the prepared herb butter sauce.
Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the seasoned and butter-coated cod fillets in the greased baking dish. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and lemon slices evenly around and on top of the fillets. Drizzle any remaining herb butter mixture over the entire dish to enhance flavor.
Bake the Cod: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cod becomes opaque in color and flakes easily when tested with a fork, ensuring it is cooked through but still tender.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with any remaining fresh herbs if desired. Serve the baked cod hot, spooning the pan sauce over the fillets for extra moisture and flavor.

Notes

To ensure even cooking, choose cod fillets of similar thickness.
You can substitute cod with other white fish such as haddock or halibut if preferred.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
If fresh herbs are unavailable, dried herbs can be used, but reduce quantity by half for potency.
Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American