Looking for a quick, tasty meal? Lemon Garlic Butter Cod is your answer! This dish combines simple, fresh ingredients to create a flavorful delight. In just a few steps, you’ll have tender cod fillets drowning in rich butter, zesty lemon, and fragrant garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner, this recipe offers a delightful experience that you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive into the details!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of lemon, garlic, and thyme creates a deliciously vibrant sauce that enhances the mild flavor of cod.
- Healthy Choice: Cod is a lean source of protein and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish a wholesome option for any meal.
- Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices, this dish looks as good as it tastes, impressing family and guests alike.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
Seasoning Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for serving)
I love the main ingredients for this dish. Cod fillets are mild and flaky. They soak up flavor well. Unsalted butter gives a rich taste. Garlic adds a bold punch.
Lemon zest and juice bring bright notes. The herbs and spices are simple but effective. Dried thyme adds warmth. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors.
Garnishing with parsley is key. It adds a fresh touch. Lemon slices look great on the plate. They also boost the lemon flavor.
This dish uses everyday items you can find at any store. It’s a simple recipe with big taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to ensure the cod cooks evenly. Next, take a small saucepan and melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant, but don’t let it burn.
Making the Sauce
Now, you will make the sauce. Stir in the zest of 1 lemon and the juice of that lemon. Add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix it all well and then remove the saucepan from the heat. Set the sauce aside for now.
Baking the Cod
Take your cod fillets and place them in a baking dish. Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the fillets. Make sure each piece is coated well. Bake the cod in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. You will know the cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Once cooked, take it out and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve warm with lemon slices for a bright touch.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To ensure cod fillets cook evenly, use fillets of the same size. This helps them cook at the same rate. Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Make sure to pour the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the cod. This will keep it moist and full of flavor.
To check for doneness, use a fork. Gently flake the cod in the thickest part. If it flakes easily, it is ready. The flesh should be opaque and white. If it still looks translucent, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon garlic butter cod pairs well with steamed veggies, rice, or a fresh salad. Consider serving it with garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. You can also add a side of roasted asparagus for color and taste.
For plating, place the cod on a clean white plate. Drizzle some of the sauce over the top. Add fresh parsley for color and garnish with lemon slices. This makes the dish look vibrant and inviting.
Storage Tips
To store leftovers, let the cod cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for up to three days.
For reheating, use the oven at a low temperature. This helps to keep the fish moist. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. Heat until just warm. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Pro Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh cod fillets for the best flavor and texture. Look for fillets that are moist and have a clean, ocean-like smell.
- Butter Temperature: Melt the butter on medium heat to prevent it from burning. This ensures a rich flavor profile without any bitterness.
- Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cod while baking; it should flake easily with a fork when done. Overcooking can lead to a dry texture.
- Enhancing Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a subtle heat that complements the lemon and garlic.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can switch out cod for other fish. Options like halibut, tilapia, or salmon work well. Each fish has its own taste and texture. Feel free to choose what you like best.
You can also try different herbs. Instead of thyme, consider dill or oregano. Both herbs add a fresh twist to the dish. Use what you have on hand for a unique flavor.
Cooking Method Variations
Grilling cod gives it a nice smoky flavor. If you prefer, you can grill the fish instead of baking. Just be sure to oil the grill well. This helps the fish not stick.
Pan-searing is another great method. It gives the cod a crisp outside while keeping it tender inside. Heat oil in a pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side.
Flavor Enhancements
Adding other citrus fruits brightens the dish. You might try lime or orange juice. Both will add a sweet and tangy flavor. Experiment to see which ones you like most.
If you enjoy spicy food, add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes. This will give the cod a kick. Just a pinch can make a big difference in taste.
FAQs
What can I serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Cod?
You can serve Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with a variety of tasty sides. Here are some great options:
- Roasted vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers work well.
- Rice: Try jasmine or brown rice for a nice base.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy potatoes balance the fish flavors.
- Salad: A fresh green salad adds crispness.
- Quinoa: This healthy grain is a great alternative.
These sides can enhance your meal and bring out the fish’s flavor.
How long do I bake cod at 400°F?
For cod fillets, baking at 400°F takes about 12-15 minutes. The exact time depends on the fillet’s thickness. A thicker piece may need more time. You know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Can I substitute other fish for cod?
Yes, you can use other fish! Here are some good substitutes:
- Haddock: It has a similar flavor and texture.
- Tilapia: This fish is mild and cooks quickly.
- Salmon: Rich in flavor, it will change the dish a bit.
- Snapper: It adds a nice sweetness to the meal.
These fish will work well with the lemon garlic butter sauce.
Schema Information
Recipe Metadata
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Serving Size: 4 servings
This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod is quick to make. You only need 10 minutes to prep. Then, cook it for 15 minutes. In just 25 minutes, you have a tasty meal for four. This dish looks good and tastes great. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the bright flavors of lemon and garlic with every bite.
This blog post covered how to make Lemon Garlic Butter Cod. We listed the main and seasoning ingredients, along with garnishing tips. The step-by-step instructions help you prepare, make the sauce, and bake the cod perfectly. I shared cooking tips and storage advice to help you enjoy your meal later. Finally, the variations section suggests ingredient swaps and new flavors. Overall, this recipe is simple and tasty, and you can easily adapt it to suit your taste. Enjoy your cooking adventur
Lemon Garlic Butter Cod
Ingredients
- 4 fillets cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon zest of
- 1 lemon juice of
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- as needed lemon slices (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Place the cod fillets in a baking dish. Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the fillets, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley for an added pop of color and flavor.
- Serve the cod fillets warm, garnished with lemon slices and a drizzle of the remaining butter sauce from the baking dish.