A mixture of melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic seasons these cod fillets. Bake them in a single layer and check the thickest portion for doneness, since thin and thick fillets cook at different rates.
Recipe Details
- Fish: 4 cod fillets, 6–8 ounces each
- Oven: 400°F (200°C)
- Start checking at about 10–12 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets, 6–8 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 lemon, half juiced and half sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Lemon Garlic Baked Cod
Prepare the oven and fish
Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. Pat the cod fillets dry and arrange them in a single layer.
Mix the lemon garlic butter
Whisk the melted butter, juice from half the lemon, olive oil and minced garlic together.
Season the fillets
Spoon the mixture over the cod. Season with salt and pepper, then place thin slices from the remaining lemon over the fish.
Bake and check
Bake for about 10–12 minutes, adjusting for thickness. The thickest part should reach 145°F (63°C), and the flesh should be opaque and flake easily. Continue cooking if needed rather than serving a thick fillet by the clock alone.
Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot, spooning some of the pan juices over each fillet.
Tips and Common Mistakes
- Pat the fish dry so excess water does not dilute the sauce.
- Keep the fillets in one layer and choose similar thicknesses where possible.
- Thaw frozen cod safely in the refrigerator before using it here.
- Check early so a thin fillet does not overcook while a thicker one finishes.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerate cooked cod within 2 hours in a covered container and use within 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a little of its sauce to 165°F (74°C); fish can dry out if reheated aggressively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, after safely thawing it in the refrigerator and patting it dry.
Is 12 minutes always enough?
No. Thickness and oven performance affect the timing. Verify 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part.
Can I skip the parsley?
Yes. It is a finishing garnish; the main sauce is lemon, garlic, butter and olive oil.