Lemon Herb Cod

Name: Lemon Herb Cod
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 cod fillets about 6 oz each, patted dry; 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic minced; 1 lemon zested and juiced (about 3 tbsp juice); 1 tsp lemon zest from above lemon; 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped; 1 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped; 1 tsp dried oregano; 0.75 tsp kosher salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground; 0.25 tsp paprika sweet or smoked; 1 lemon thinly sliced, for topping; 1 tbsp fresh parsley roughly chopped

Main25 min4 servingsEasy

About this recipe

A light, flavorful baked cod that's weeknight-easy and endlessly reliable. Tender flaky fillets are seasoned with a bright lemon-herb butter, then baked to perfection in just 15 minutes. Clean, fresh flavors with minimal cleanup — a true family staple that never disappoints.

Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to ![400°F]. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold all 4 fillets in a single layer without overlapping.
2
Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels — this is key for a good texture and helps the butter sauce cling to the fish. Season both sides lightly with kosher salt and black pepper, then arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
3
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, dill (if using), dried oregano, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper until combined.
4
Spoon and spread the lemon-herb butter evenly over the top of each fillet, making sure every piece is well coated. If using lemon slices, lay 1–2 thin slices on top of each fillet.
5
Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through. A 1-inch thick fillet takes about 15 minutes. Do not overbake — cod turns dry and rubbery quickly.
6
Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Spoon the pan juices over the fillets, scatter with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Lemon Herb Cod

Main25 min4 servingsEasy

About this recipe

Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to ![400°F]. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold all 4 fillets in a single layer without overlapping.
2
Pat the cod fillets completely dry with paper towels — this is key for a good texture and helps the butter sauce cling to the fish. Season both sides lightly with kosher salt and black pepper, then arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
3
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, dill (if using), dried oregano, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper until combined.
4
Spoon and spread the lemon-herb butter evenly over the top of each fillet, making sure every piece is well coated. If using lemon slices, lay 1–2 thin slices on top of each fillet.
5
Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through. A 1-inch thick fillet takes about 15 minutes. Do not overbake — cod turns dry and rubbery quickly.
6
Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Spoon the pan juices over the fillets, scatter with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with your choice of sides.