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
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4 cod fillets (about 5–6 oz each)
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4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
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1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
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1 tbsp fresh dill or chives, finely chopped
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1 tsp lemon zest (plus extra for garnish)
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Optional: lemon slices, for serving
Instructions
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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
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Parsley
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Dill or chives
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Lemon zest
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Lemon juice
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Garlic
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Salt and pepper
Stir until well combined.
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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