Lemon Baked Cod

Lemon baked cod is a marvel of minimalism, a dish so deceptively simple it verges on genius. You take a fish—an unassuming, mild-mannered cod—dress it in lemon and butter, and let cooking alchemy do the rest. The result? A delicate balance of tangy citrus, savory richness and a crispy coat of seasoned flour that makes you feel like you’ve unlocked some secret recipe.

Ingredients for Lemon Baked Cod

• Lemon juice: The acidity of lemon juice tenderizes the cod and brightens the overall flavor of the dish.
• Butter: Melted butter adds a rich, velvety texture to the cod and helps the coating crisp during baking.
• All-purpose flour: The flour creates a light coating that helps form a delicate crust on the fish.
• Salt: A bit of salt enhances the natural flavor of the cod and balances the acidity of the lemon juice.
• Paprika: Paprika adds a touch of smoky warmth and contributes a subtle reddish color to the coating.
• Lemon-pepper seasoning: The lemon-pepper seasoning provides a zesty citrus punch along with a mild peppery heat, perfectly complementing the lemon juice.
• Cod fillets: The mild and flaky nature of cod is ideal for absorbing the tangy and buttery flavors of the recipe.
• Fresh parsley: Parsley adds a fresh, herbal note that contrasts the richness of the butter and fish.
• Lemon zest: Fragrant lemon zest intensifies the citrus element, adding a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.

Directions

Step 1: Coat the fish

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Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and melted butter until fully combined. In a separate shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, paprika and lemon-pepper seasoning. Dip each cod fillet into the lemon juice mixture, ensuring both sides are coated, then dredge the fillet in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Step 2: Bake the cod

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Place the cod fillets in a 13×9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Drizzle the remaining lemon juice mixture over the fish. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork.

Step 3: Finish with parsley-lemon topping

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In a small bowl, mix the parsley and lemon zest, then sprinkle it over the cooked fillets just before serving.

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Lemon Baked Cod Variations

• Add some garlic: Stir minced garlic into the lemon juice and butter mixture for an extra layer of savory flavor.
• Use a different fish: Substitute cod with another white fish like haddock, tilapia or halibut for a slightly different texture and taste.
• Try different herbs: Replace the parsley with fresh dill, thyme or chives for a different herbaceous note.
• Swap the fish with chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of cod for a heartier, protein-packed variation.
• Add a little white wine: Replace the lemon juice with dry white wine, such as sauvignon blanc or chardonnay, for a rich, tangy depth of flavor.
• Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream to the white wine and butter mixture for a creamy, decadent sauce.

How to Store Lemon Baked Cod

To store any leftovers, place the cooled baked cod in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to two days. When you’re ready to reheat the dish, warm it in a preheated oven at 350° for about 10 minutes, or until it’s heated through. For the best results, avoid microwaving, as it may cause the fish to become rubbery and lose its crispy coating.

Can you freeze lemon butter baked cod?

Yes, you can freeze lemon baked cod. Allow the cooked fillets to cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. The cod can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat the fillets, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven at 350° until they’re heated through.

Can you make baked cod with lemon ahead of time?

You can make lemon baked cod a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to reheat and serve it. To preserve the best texture, avoid preparing it more than a day in advance, as the coating can become soggy. For reheating, place the fillets in a 350° oven until they’re warmed through and the coating has crisped up slightly.

Lemon Baked Cod Tips

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What side dishes pair well with lemon baked cod?

Great side dishes to serve with lemon baked cod include roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. A light, quinoa salad or lemon couscous complements the flavors of the cod while offering a satisfying grain option. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or herbed rice pilaf would round out the plate nicely, absorbing the delicious juices from the fish.

How do you know when cod is fully cooked?

Cod is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque in the center. The internal temperature should reach 145° on a meat thermometer for safe consumption.

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cod, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking to ensure even baking and proper adhesion of the coating.

What kind of lemon juice should I use—fresh or bottled?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for this recipe because it provides a brighter, more natural citrus flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.