Name: Lemon Baked Cod Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 fillets cod, 4 ounces each; ¼ cup butter, softened; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon minced parsley; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 4 slices lemon

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving something light, fresh, and incredibly easy to make, this Lemon Baked Cod Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for dinner guests but comes together quicker than takeout. The buttery lemon sauce melds perfectly with the flaky white fish, creating a flavor combo that’s simply irresistible. I promise, once you try this, it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity: Just a handful of ingredients, but they come together to create bright, balanced flavors.
Moisture Boost: The butter and lemon juice keep the cod tender and juicy as it bakes, preventing dryness.
Speedy Prep and Cook: From start to finish in under 30 minutes—you’ll love how fast this comes together.
Versatility: Perfect with cod, but you can easily swap in tilapia or other white fish for variety.

Lemon Baked Cod, baked cod with lemon, lemon fish recipe, easy baked fish, healthy seafood dinner - The image shows four raw white fish fillets placed on a silver baking tray with small droplets of water on it. Each fillet has a thick layer of a creamy white sauce with green herbs spread evenly on top. On each fillet, a thin, round bright yellow lemon slice sits in the center. In the background on the left side, there is a clear glass bowl with more creamy sauce and another smaller clear bowl with lemon slices visible. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Lemon Baked Cod Recipe plays a purposeful role. You’re aiming for bright, buttery, aromatic flavors that complement the mild fish without overpowering it. Plus, choosing quality fresh ingredients is key here—especially the cod and fresh lemon.

Lemon Baked Cod, baked cod with lemon, lemon fish recipe, easy baked fish, healthy seafood dinner - Flat lay of four fresh cod fillets arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl with softened butter, a small white bowl containing bright yellow lemon juice, a few sprigs of vivid green minced parsley, a small white bowl filled with minced garlic cloves, two small white bowls with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, and four thin slices of fresh lemon, all placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cod fillets: I recommend fresh, firm white fish fillets—cod has mild flavor and flaky texture perfect for baking.
Butter: The base of the sauce, adds richness and helps the fish stay moist during baking.
Lemon juice: Brings brightness and acidity that cuts through the butter’s richness.
Minced parsley: Fresh parsley adds a subtle herbaceous note and lovely color contrast.
Minced garlic: Just a little garlic packs a punch of savory flavor without overwhelming.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.
Lemon slices: These not only look pretty on top but gently infuse more citrus aroma as they bake.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Lemon Baked Cod Recipe is wonderfully versatile, and I love experimenting with little tweaks depending on what’s in my pantry or mood. Don’t be afraid to make it your own—the fish is such a blank canvas, it welcomes personalization!

Variation: I’ve swapped lemon juice for fresh lime juice once, and it gave the dish a slightly tropical twist—I highly recommend trying it if you like a tangier flavor.
Herbs swap: If parsley isn’t your thing, dill or thyme also pair beautifully with cod and lemon.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes into the butter mixture for a gentle kick.
Dairy-free option: Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter, dairy-free version while still keeping it moist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Baked Cod Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

First things first: preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). I always spray a rimmed baking sheet with non-stick spray to make cleanup easier and prevent the fish from sticking. Using a rimmed sheet is crucial because the butter mixture can bubble a little during baking, and you don’t want it spilling all over your oven.

Step 2: Whip Up That Buttery Lemon Mixture

Grab a small bowl and combine softened butter, lemon juice, minced parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. I like to use a fork to mix it all well. This little medley not only flavors the fish but ensures it stays luscious and tender once baked. The butter should be soft but not melted for easy spreading.

Step 3: Spread & Assemble

Arrange your cod fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Spread an even layer of the butter mixture over each fillet—don’t be shy here; this is where most of the flavor magic happens. Top each piece with a fresh lemon slice. This looks beautiful when it’s done and adds a subtle citrus fragrance.

Step 4: Bake to Perfect Flakiness

Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You want the fish to turn opaque and flake easily with a fork—that’s how you know it’s perfectly cooked. Overcooking dries it out, so keep a close eye near the 15-minute mark.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and slices bring brightness that bottled lemon juice just can’t match.
Don’t Skip the Butter: It keeps the cod moist and gives that rich, comforting flavor that’s hard to beat.
Watch the Bake Time: Fish cooks fast—check at 12 minutes if your fillets are thinner to prevent overcooking.
Make Ahead Ease: Prepare the butter mixture in advance to save time on busy days.

How to Serve Lemon Baked Cod Recipe

Lemon Baked Cod, baked cod with lemon, lemon fish recipe, easy baked fish, healthy seafood dinner - A white round plate holds a single piece of cooked white fish fillet with a smooth, slightly flaky texture from the top to the bottom layer. The fish is topped with a thin, bright yellow lemon slice centered on it, sprinkled with green herb leaves and black pepper, adding texture and color contrast. A silver fork rests at the top right edge of the plate, its handle pointing away from the fish. In the blurred background, more fish fillets garnished with lemon slices and herbs sit on a wooden cutting board. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a striped cloth and green leaves nearby, giving a fresh and simple look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right before serving for a pop of color, plus a lemon wedge on the side so everyone can add an extra zing if they like. Sometimes, a dash of flaky sea salt on top just before serving takes it up a notch—trust me on this one!

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to go with this lemon baked cod are roasted asparagus or green beans for crunch and freshness, and a simple garlic mashed potato or fluffy couscous to soak up the buttery lemon sauce. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully and keeps the meal light.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to plate the cod on a generous bed of herbed quinoa, garnish with microgreens and a thin lemon zest twist. Using colorful plates adds an extra wow factor. You can even bake the cod in individual foil packets for a fun, rustic presentation that keeps everything perfectly moist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover lemon baked cod in an airtight container in the fridge and usually eat it within two days. The fish stays surprisingly tender, especially if you keep the sauce on it. Just give it a gentle press to keep the fillet intact when transferring.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked cod before, but it can get a little watery upon thawing, so I recommend freezing only if necessary. For best results, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge. Freshly baked is always the best, but this method works in a pinch.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I usually pop the cod in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to warm it evenly without drying it out. You can cover it loosely with foil to preserve moisture. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to toughen the fish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this Lemon Baked Cod Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the cod completely and pat it dry with paper towels before applying the lemon butter mixture. This helps prevent the fish from being watery and ensures better flavor absorption.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon slices?

If fresh lemon slices aren’t available, you can skip them or use lemon zest instead for that bright citrus aroma. The sliced lemon adds a lovely look and some extra flavor, but it’s definitely not mandatory for success.
Can I make this recipe using other fish?

Yes! This Lemon Baked Cod Recipe is perfect for other firm white fish like tilapia, haddock, or halibut. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as thinner or thicker fillets may need adjustment.
How do I know when the cod is cooked perfectly?

The cod is done when it turns opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. Depending on fillet thickness, this usually takes 12–15 minutes at 400°F.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Baked Cod Recipe holds a special place in my meal rotation because it’s quick, forgiving, and bursting with fresh flavors. I love how it feels like a treat but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. If you want a simple, elegant fish dinner that pairs beautifully with so many sides, this one’s for you. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!