Pin it
I made this for my family last Sunday and was shocked when even the picky kids who usually turn up their noses at fish ate everything. That amazing lemony butter sauce makes all the difference.
Key Components
- Cod fillets: Pick thick, white chunks that feel firm and don't have any grayish spots.
- Butter: Go with unsalted so you can control the saltiness yourself.
- Fresh lemons: We'll use both the juice and the zest for extra punch.
- Olive oil: Helps the sauce blend perfectly.
- Fresh garlic: Gives flavor backbone without taking over.
- Fresh parsley: Makes the dish look good and taste even better.
Directions
- Step 1: Get Everything Ready
- Take cod out of fridge and let it sit for 15 minutes. Turn your oven on to 400°F. Put parchment in your baking dish to make cleanup way easier.
- Step 2: Mix Your Sauce
- Slowly melt the butter until it's just turned liquid. Mix it with olive oil, freshly chopped garlic, lemon juice, and grated lemon peel. Stir until everything's combined nicely.
- Step 3: Prep The Fish
- Use paper towels to dry off the cod completely. Sprinkle plenty of salt and pepper on both sides. Lay the pieces in your lined baking dish.
- Step 4: Put It All Together
- Drizzle the sauce all over the fish so each piece gets coated well. Cook until the fish just starts to flake apart, around 12-15 minutes.
Pin it
Coming from a seaside family, we've always gone for basic cooking that lets seafood's natural taste stand out. This dish takes me back to warm evenings when we could get cod right off the boats.
Tasty Combos and Sides
This cod goes great with oven-cooked asparagus, plain broccoli, or quick-fried green beans. The yummy sauce soaks into fluffy rice or quinoa perfectly. Grab a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to match the light fish flavors.
Prep Ahead and Keeping Leftovers
You can mix up the sauce three days early and keep it in a sealed container. Just warm it gently and stir before using. Though it's best eaten fresh, any extras will stay good for two days if stored right.
Twists and Changes
Throw in some capers for a taste of the Mediterranean, or try fresh dill or thyme. For extra crunch, add some toasted breadcrumbs just before serving. In summer, mixing in tiny tomatoes and fresh basil works wonders.
Good For You Too
Packed with lean protein and heart-healthy omega-3s, Doesn't pile on calories but keeps you satisfied, Gives you lots of B vitamins and minerals.
Being raised in a family that fished taught me to love simple cooking that brings out natural tastes. Cod remains my go-to fish because it works in so many dishes and has a mild flavor everybody likes.
Plan Ahead For Busy Days
Make twice as much and turn leftovers into fish tacos or toss into salads. This same sauce works great on other white fish like halibut or haddock too.
Pin it
After cooking seafood for many years, I still come back to this dish because it never fails and looks fancy without much work. The mix of butter, lemon and perfectly done cod makes something that's both good for you and totally satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen fish for this?
- Yep, just leave it in the fridge overnight to thaw, then pat it dry to remove extra water.
- → How can I tell when the cod's ready?
- The fish is done when it turns opaque and flakes with a fork. It should also hit 145°F inside.
- → Is it possible to prep this ahead?
- You can make the sauce up to a day in advance, but cook the fish fresh for the best texture.
- → What sides pair well with this meal?
- Try it with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or fluffy rice to round out the plate.
- → Can I make this without dairy?
- Sure, swap the butter out for olive oil or a dairy-free alternative for similar results.