Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce – Easy, Juicy & Ready in 30 Minutes

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Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce is the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something truly satisfying. If you’re like me, you know the best meals are often born from weeknights when time is short, but your craving for something warm and homemade runs deep. This one checks all the boxes: quick, comforting, and full of flavor — without relying on processed shortcuts.

I first made this dish on a quiet evening with just a couple of cod loins, some garlic, and a lemon that had seen better days. With a few knobs of butter and a drizzle of olive oil, I threw it in the oven and hoped for the best. What came out was a buttery, citrusy revelation — so good we sopped up every last drop of sauce with crusty bread.

It’s been in our regular rotation ever since. The simplicity is part of the charm, but it’s the flavor that brings us back. When a 30-minute recipe tastes like something you’d order at a seaside bistro, you know it’s a keeper.

Why This Recipe Is So Special

It’s hard not to fall in love with this recipe once you’ve tried it. Here’s why:

• Just a handful of ingredients. Cod, lemon, garlic, butter, olive oil — the basics, elevated.

• Quick prep, no mess. No stovetop, no splatter. Just one baking dish and your oven.

• The flavor is elegant, but effortless. The garlic butter sauce bastes the cod as it bakes, creating a silky texture with just the right zing from lemon juice.

• Family-friendly. Even picky eaters tend to approve of this — the mild flavor of cod lets the butter and garlic shine.

• Pairs with everything. From Mediterranean Lemon Chicken to Grilled Zucchini and Feta Chickpea Wraps, this dish fits right into any wholesome menu.

Best of all? There’s nothing fussy about it. This is the kind of meal that lets the oven do the heavy lifting, while you unwind with a glass of white wine or prep a quick side.

Ingredients & Preparation

This Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce comes together with just a few pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients. What makes it truly special is the way the cod gently bakes in a pool of lemony, garlicky butter — turning into tender, flaky perfection with no effort at all.

In fact, if you’re stocking your kitchen for more simple, flavorful seafood dishes, you’ll also love the way Zesty Fish Tacos with Spicy Sriracha Lime Sauce use minimal ingredients but pack major flavor.

Ingredient Breakdown

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Cod loin fillet	1 ½ pounds	Use thick loin cuts for juicier texture
Olive oil	2 tablespoons	Helps emulsify the lemon garlic sauce
Lemon juice	4 tablespoons	Fresh squeezed for best flavor
Garlic, minced	4 cloves	Adjust to taste
Salt & pepper	To taste	Season both the cod and the sauce
Butter, diced	¼ cup	Adds richness and moisture
Lemon, sliced	1 small	Optional for garnish and flavor layering
Fresh parsley	Chopped (optional)	For garnish and color

Tools & Substitutions

Making this dish couldn’t be easier, especially since you don’t need any fancy equipment. Here’s what I use every time:

• Rectangular baking dish – ceramic or glass, sized to snugly fit the cod pieces

• Small whisk or fork – to blend the lemon, olive oil, and garlic

• Cutting board & knife – for slicing lemons and parsley

• Aluminum foil (optional) – to tent the fish if it’s browning too quickly

If you’re out of fresh garlic, you can substitute ½ teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch. Not a fan of lemon slices baked into the dish? Skip them and just use the juice — it’ll still taste amazing.

If you’re looking to keep dinner light but satisfying, try pairing this with Creamy Salmon and Spinach Orzo — the creamy richness balances beautifully with the lemony cod.

Cooking Instructions & Tips

One of the best things about Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce is that it’s nearly effortless. The oven handles most of the work, gently poaching the cod in that fragrant lemon garlic butter sauce while you prep a side, pour a drink, or just relax. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can get it just right.

 Step-by-Step Cooking Method

1. Preheat and Prep the Dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized rectangular baking dish with olive oil or butter — just enough to keep the cod from sticking.

2. Arrange the Cod

Pat the cod loin fillets dry with paper towels. Place them skin-side down (if applicable) in the baking dish. Lightly season each with salt and pepper.

3. Make the Lemon-Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 4 minced garlic cloves
  Add a bit of salt and pepper. Then pour this sauce evenly over the fish in the baking dish.

4. Top with Butter & Lemon Slices

Scatter the diced butter over and around the fish. Lay fresh lemon slices directly on top for added flavor and visual appeal.

5. Bake Until Tender and Flaky

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout. A thermometer inserted in the thickest part should read 145°F.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

 Tips & Tricks for Perfect Results

• Use cod loin for best texture. It stays moist and juicy, even in a hot oven.

• Don’t overbake — it only takes 15–20 minutes. Watch for flaking and internal temp.

• Let the cod rest 5 minutes before serving so the juices settle.

• Bottled lemon juice works, but fresh has that unmatched brightness.

• Want easier cleanup? Line your dish with parchment paper.

For another citrus-forward entrée that’s both simple and elegant, check out Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes and Olives — it makes a beautiful complement to this cod recipe for back-to-back fresh dinners.

And if you’re craving a wholesome, veggie-packed pairing, Grilled Zucchini and Feta Chickpea Wraps are bright, bold, and full of Mediterranean flair.

Serving, Storing & Pairing

This Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce is so versatile, you’ll find yourself making it for both weeknight dinners and weekend guests. It’s elegant on the plate, but totally unfussy in execution. And best of all — it works with nearly everything you already have in your kitchen.

 What to Serve with Baked Cod

You’ll want something that can soak up that luxurious lemon butter sauce — and you’ve got options. My personal favorite? A crusty sourdough baguette to mop up every drop. But if you’re leaning more toward a full plate, here are a few ideas:

• Mashed or roasted potatoes: The creamy texture is a dream with cod.

• Steamed white or brown rice: Simple, neutral, and perfect for that buttery sauce.

• Air-fried or roasted veggies: Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans all pair beautifully.

• Fresh leafy salads: Something crisp and citrusy can balance the richness.

If you’re after a dish that brings just as much color and flavor to the table, try pairing it with Greek Style Beef and Zucchini Rice Bowl — the fresh herbs and bright lemon flavor mirror the cod wonderfully.

Another delicious companion would be the Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche, especially if you’re serving a brunch-style seafood spread.

 How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in our house), this cod stores beautifully with just a few precautions:

• To store: Transfer cooled cod into an airtight glass container. Spoon any remaining lemon butter sauce over the top. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.

• To reheat: Place in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and reheat at 300°F for 10–12 minutes — just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to dry out the delicate fish.

• To freeze: Not recommended. The butter and lemon sauce may separate and affect texture once thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes — just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking. Excess moisture can dilute the lemon butter sauce and affect texture.

What’s the best way to tell when cod is done?
Look for the fish to turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. For accuracy, check that the internal temperature has reached 145°F at the thickest part.

Can I use regular cod fillets instead of cod loin?
You can! Just reduce the baking time slightly — thinner fillets will cook in 10–15 minutes depending on thickness.

Does it taste too lemony?
Not at all. The lemon brightens the dish without overpowering it. You can adjust the juice or skip the slices if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I add vegetables to the same baking dish?
Absolutely. Just make sure they cook at the same rate — thin-sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus are perfect.

Conclusion

There’s something truly comforting about a recipe that’s simple, quick, and deeply satisfying — and that’s exactly what you get with this Baked Lemon-Garlic Cod with Butter Sauce. With just a few fresh ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a dinner on the table that’s light, flavorful, and absolutely company-worthy.

What I love most is that it’s flexible enough for a quiet night in but elegant enough for guests. Once you taste that rich, buttery lemon garlic sauce spooned over perfectly flaky cod, you’ll see why this has become a staple in my kitchen — and likely will in yours too.

This recipe was inspired by Savory Nothings’ Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod, a longtime favorite of mine that never disappoints.

If you’re in the mood for more balanced weeknight winners, try my Zesty Fish Tacos with Spicy Sriracha Lime Sauce or the creamy, comforting Salmon and Spinach Orzo.

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