Description
At its core, Baked Cod with Herb Butter and Lemon Zest is a modern culinary staple that emphasizes the “less is more” philosophy of cooking. Cod is a lean, white fish known for its thick, meaty flakes and subtle flavor profile. Because it does not have a strong, “fishy” taste, it serves as the perfect canvas for a rich, flavorful compound butter.
Ingredients
4 cod fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh dill or chives, finely chopped
1 tsp lemon zest (plus extra for garnish)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional: lemon slices, for serving
Instructions
Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.Prepare the herb butter
In a small bowl, mix:Softened butter
Parsley
Dill or chives
Lemon zest
Lemon juice
Garlic
Salt and pepper
Stir until well combined.
Season the cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Place them in the prepared baking dish and season lightly with salt and pepper.Top with herb butter
Spread an even layer of the herb butter over each cod fillet.Bake
Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temp ~145°F / 63°C).Finish and serve
Sprinkle with extra lemon zest and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately with lemon slices on the side.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine or a few capers to the baking dish before cooking. You can also serve the cod with roasted asparagus, garlic green beans, or a light quinoa salad for a complete, balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 280 kcal
Keywords: Lemon Herb Baked Cod, Buttery Oven Baked Cod, Garlic Herb Cod Fillets, Healthy Baked White Fish