Buttery Lemon Cod Bake (Printer-Friendly)

Flaky cod fillets baked with lemon, butter, garlic, and herbs. An easy, bright seafood dish for busy weeknights.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Main

01 - 1.5 pounds fresh cod fillets, evenly cut

→ Sauce

02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
05 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
06 - 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
07 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Garnish

09 - 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
10 - 1 lemon, thinly sliced

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, kosher salt, and black pepper until fully blended.
03 - Pat cod fillets dry and place them in the prepared baking dish, maintaining space between pieces. Gently season both sides with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
04 - Evenly spoon the lemon butter mixture over each cod fillet, ensuring a thorough coating.
05 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on fillet thickness, until the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
06 - Remove cod from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices before serving.

# Additional Suggestions:

01 - Blot excess moisture from cod before seasoning to ensure the sauce adheres properly.
02 - Cod continues to cook after removal from the oven; let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes for optimal texture.
03 - For a golden finish, briefly broil the cod for 1 minute after baking.