Hey there, friends! You’re going to absolutely love this healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe. I can’t tell you how many times this dish has saved my weeknights! It’s simple, fresh, and packed with flavor, which is why it’s become a staple in my kitchen. The combination of lemon and butter really elevates the cod, making it a delightful experience with every bite. Trust me, even if you’re not a fish fan, this recipe has a way of winning you over! It’s light yet satisfying, and it comes together in no time at all. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes – pure bliss! So, let’s dive into this deliciously easy recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week!
Ingredients List
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is key because we want that cod to bake perfectly! While that’s heating up, grab a baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This little trick makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your cod won’t stick. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Mix the Lemon Butter Sauce
Now, let’s whip up that delicious lemon butter sauce! In a mixing bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, dried parsley, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely blended. The aroma will get your taste buds dancing, I promise!
Bake the Cod
Place the cod fillets in your prepared baking dish, making sure they’re spaced evenly. Pour that zesty lemon butter mixture all over the fish, ensuring they’re well coated. Pop it in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork. It’s such a satisfying sight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation – ready in just 25 minutes!
- Healthy ingredients that make you feel good about your meal.
- Delicious flavor from the vibrant lemon and rich butter combination.
- Low-calorie option, perfect for those watching their intake.
- Great for weeknight dinners when you want something easy yet satisfying.
Tips for Success
To make sure your healthy lemon butter baked cod turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t be shy with the seasoning—taste your lemon butter mixture before pouring it over the fish and adjust as needed. Fresh ingredients really make a difference, so try to use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for that bright flavor. And when picking your cod, look for fillets that are firm and have a nice, clean smell. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutrition for one serving of this healthy lemon butter baked cod. Each fillet contains approximately 220 calories, 10 grams of fat (with 4 grams being saturated), and a whopping 28 grams of protein! Plus, it has just 1 gram of carbohydrates and 0 grams of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a great idea of how light and nutritious this dish really is. Perfect for a guilt-free meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making this healthy lemon butter baked cod? I’ve got you covered! First off, how do you know when the cod is done? You’re looking for the fish to flake easily with a fork and have an opaque appearance. If it still looks translucent, give it a couple more minutes in the oven.
As for substitutions, if you’re out of cod, any white fish like tilapia or haddock will work beautifully! You can also switch up the herbs – dill or chives would add a lovely twist if you’re feeling adventurous. And for serving suggestions, I love pairing this dish with steamed veggies or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the cod again, just pop it in the microwave for about a minute or so, or reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. It’s an easy way to savor that delicious flavor all over again!
For more healthy recipes, check out this healthy burger wrap recipe or these healthy chicken bowls. If you’re interested in the health benefits of fish, you can read more here.
Print
Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe You’ll Adore In 25 Mins
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe that is simple and delicious.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Place cod fillets in the baking dish.
- Pour the lemon butter mixture over the cod.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning as desired.
- Serve with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: healthy lemon butter baked cod recipe
