Chef Jake Thompson - Comfort Food Specialist
👨‍🍳 Comfort Food Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Culinary Arts Graduate ⏰ 18+ Years Experience 🍽️ BBQ & Grill Master

❤️ My Recipe Story

"This lemon butter cod recipe was inspired by my Mediterranean travels, where simple, fresh ingredients create the most memorable meals. The key is using quality cod and not overcooking it - the fish should be flaky and moist with the bright lemon butter sauce complementing its delicate flavor."

While Jake is known for his comfort food expertise, his culinary training includes Mediterranean techniques that emphasize fresh ingredients and simple preparations that let natural flavors shine.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Perfectly baked cod fillets with golden lemon butter sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and lemon slices on a white ceramic baking dish

The Art of Perfect Baked Cod

The secret to exceptional baked cod lies in gentle cooking and timing. Cod is a delicate fish that can quickly become dry and flaky in an unpleasant way if overcooked. The key is high heat for a short time, which creates a tender, moist interior while the lemon butter keeps everything succulent.

Fresh cod should have a clean, ocean-like smell and firm, translucent flesh. Avoid fish that looks dull or has a strong fishy odor. The lemon butter sauce not only adds incredible flavor but also helps protect the fish from drying out during the brief baking process.

💡 Professional Tip

Pat the cod completely dry before seasoning - this helps the seasoning adhere and prevents the lemon butter sauce from becoming watery during baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The flesh should be opaque white throughout.

Yes, but thaw completely first and pat very dry. Frozen cod may release more moisture, so you might need to bake 2-3 minutes longer.

Halibut, haddock, or mahi-mahi work well with similar cooking times. Thicker fish like salmon may need a few extra minutes.

The lemon butter sauce can be made ahead, but cod is best cooked fresh. You can season the fish and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking.

Rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, or a simple green salad complement the light, fresh flavors perfectly.

Yes, grill on foil packets at medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes. The foil helps contain the butter sauce and prevents the fish from falling through grates.

Make sure to grease your baking dish well and don't move the fish until it's fully cooked. The lemon butter also helps prevent sticking.

Yes, use a larger baking dish or two 9x13 pans. Don't overcrowd the fish - pieces should have space around them for even cooking.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Dry, Overcooked Fish

Problem: Cod turns out dry and tough despite following timing

Solution: Check oven temperature with thermometer. Reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes next time. Thicker fillets need more time, thinner ones less.

✅

Watery Pan Juices

Problem: Excess liquid accumulates in the baking dish

Solution: Pat fish completely dry before cooking. If using frozen cod, thaw thoroughly and drain well. Don't over-sauce the fish.

✅

Bland Flavor

Problem: Fish lacks flavor despite seasoning

Prevention: Season fish 15-20 minutes before cooking to let salt penetrate. Use fresh lemon juice and don't skip the garlic and herbs.

✅

Uneven Cooking

Problem: Some parts of fish are overcooked while others are underdone

Recovery: Choose fillets of similar thickness. If thickness varies, fold thin ends under or cut thicker pieces to match.

✅

Burnt Butter

Problem: Butter in sauce turns brown or burns during baking

Prevention: Mix butter with olive oil to raise smoke point. Don't overheat butter when melting - it should be warm, not sizzling.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Add more lemon juice or a pinch of salt to brighten

Too Salty: Serve with plain rice or add more butter to mellow

Bland: Increase garlic, add fresh herbs, or finish with lemon zest

Fresh cod fillets, melted butter, lemons, garlic, and fresh herbs arranged on a marble countertop with a baking dish

Selecting Quality Fish and Ingredients

Fresh cod should have firm, white flesh with no brown spots or strong odor. The fillets should spring back when gently pressed and have a translucent appearance. If fresh isn't available, high-quality frozen cod works well when properly thawed and drained.

Fresh lemon juice makes a significant difference in this recipe - bottled juice lacks the bright, vibrant flavor that makes this dish shine. Similarly, fresh herbs add aromatic complexity that dried herbs simply can't match in this light preparation.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Cod Quality: Look for thick, even fillets without dark spots. Sustainable Pacific cod or Atlantic cod from reputable sources ensure both quality and environmental responsibility.
  • Butter Choice: Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level. European-style butter with higher fat content creates an even richer sauce.
  • Lemon Freshness: Choose lemons that feel heavy for their size with bright, unblemished skin. Roll them before juicing to release more juice.
Golden-brown baked cod fillets in a glass baking dish with bubbling lemon butter sauce and caramelized lemon slices

Mastering the Baking Technique

The high-heat, short-time method ensures the cod stays moist and flaky. Preheating the oven properly is crucial - the fish should start cooking immediately when it goes in, creating a gentle steam effect with the lemon butter that keeps everything tender.

Don't overcrowd the baking dish, as this can cause uneven cooking and steaming instead of gentle baking. The lemon slices on top not only look beautiful but also infuse additional citrus flavor while protecting the fish from direct heat.

The Perfect Flake Test

Gently insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and twist slightly. The fish should separate into clean, moist flakes without resistance.

Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Prep 10 min
Cook 15 min
Serves 4 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

For the Fish

  • 90g melted butter
    Use unsalted for better control
  • 60ml fresh lemon juice
    About 2 large lemons
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    Fresh garlic is essential
  • 30ml olive oil
    Helps prevent butter from burning
  • 15ml fresh parsley, chopped
    Adds color and freshness
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
    Classic herb pairing with fish
  • 1 lemon, sliced
    For topping and extra flavor

For the Lemon Butter Sauce

  • 680g cod fillets, cut into 4 portions
    Choose thick, even pieces for uniform cooking
  • 1 tsp salt
    Essential for bringing out fish flavor
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
    Freshly ground works best
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
    Adds mild flavor and color
  • 15ml capers (optional)
    Adds briny, tangy accent
  • Fresh dill sprigs
    Perfect garnish for fish dishes
  • Lemon wedges
    For serving and extra brightness

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Pan

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

  2. Season the Cod

    Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Arrange in prepared baking dish.

  3. Make Lemon Butter Sauce

    In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, parsley, and thyme until well combined.

  4. Bake the Cod

    Pour lemon butter mixture over cod fillets. Top with lemon slices and capers if using. Bake for 12-15 minutes until fish flakes easily with a fork.

  5. Serve

    Remove from oven and let rest 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh dill and serve immediately with lemon wedges and pan juices spooned over top.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Cooked cod is best enjoyed immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a 275°F oven to avoid overcooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over rice pilaf, with roasted vegetables, or alongside a fresh Mediterranean salad. The pan juices make an excellent light sauce for grains or vegetables.

Variations

Try adding white wine to the butter sauce, or experiment with different herbs like oregano or rosemary. Cherry tomatoes can be added for extra color and flavor.