Easy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe for Busy Moms

If you’re a busy mom like me, you’re always looking for easy, delicious meals that everyone in the house will eat without complaining. That’s why I LOVE this lemon butter baked cod! It’s light, flaky, and packed with buttery, lemony goodness. The best part? It’s ridiculously simple to make, and you can have it on the table in just 20 minutes! Trust me, if my picky eaters love it, yours will too!

My Best Tips for Making Lemon Butter Baked Cod

I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, and here’s what I’ve learned to make it absolutely perfect:

• Use fresh or thawed cod. If you’re starting with frozen fish, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry first. Otherwise, it might turn out watery instead of flaky.
• Don’t overbake! Cod cooks super fast, and you don’t want it drying out. Keep an eye on it, and as soon as it flakes with a fork, it’s done!
• Butter = magic. The butter makes this dish rich and flavorful, so don’t skimp!
• Lemon zest is a game-changer. A little bit of zest (not just juice) makes the flavor pop even more.
• Let it rest for a minute. Just like with any good dish, let it sit for a minute after baking. This helps all those delicious juices stay in the fish!

What You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy—just a few basic ingredients that come together in the BEST way!

• 4 cod fillets (about 4-6 oz each, fresh or frozen and thawed)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted (because butter makes everything better!)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (hello, brightness and flavor!)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (trust me, don’t skip this part!)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic = love)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (adds a little color and mild smokiness)
• ½ teaspoon salt (makes all the flavors pop)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (for just a hint of spice)
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh if you have it)
• Lemon slices for garnish (because it looks extra fancy!)

How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Cod (Even with Kids Running Around!)

Even if you’ve never cooked fish before, this is totally foolproof. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter. I like parchment paper because it means NO scrubbing afterward!

2. Make the Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic. This mixture is GOLDEN. It’s what makes this fish so rich and flavorful.

3. Season the Cod

Lay your cod fillets in the baking dish. Sprinkle them evenly with paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried parsley. Then, drizzle the butter mixture over the top. Use a spoon to spread it around so every bite is packed with goodness.

4. Bake the Cod

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. If your fillets are on the thicker side, they might need closer to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn opaque and flake easily with a fork.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Take the cod out, let it rest for a minute, and then serve it up with lemon slices on top. Don’t forget to spoon some of that buttery sauce from the bottom of the dish over each piece—seriously, SO good!

More Relative Recipes:

• Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice Recipe – A Magical Fall Drink
• Jalapeño Popper Cheese Ball
• Creamy Reuben Soup
• Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup
• Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Fun Ways to Change It Up

I love experimenting with different flavors! Here are a few ways you can mix it up:

• Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat!
• Extra Herby – Toss in some fresh dill, thyme, or basil.
• Cheesy Twist – Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
• Garlic Lover’s Dream – Double the garlic if your family is obsessed like mine!
• Mediterranean Style – Throw some cherry tomatoes and olives in the dish for a fresh, tangy twist.

Why This Recipe Is a Total Mom Win

This dish is on my regular meal rotation, and here’s why:

• Super Quick & Easy – 20 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for crazy weeknights!
• Healthy & Light – High in protein, low in fat, and packed with flavor.
• Minimal Ingredients – You probably have most of these already.
• Kid-Approved – Even my pickiest eater asks for seconds!
• Works for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a normal Tuesday or a fancy dinner night, this cod is a winner.

What to Serve with Lemon Butter Baked Cod

This dish pairs perfectly with so many sides! Here are some of my family’s favorites:

• Steamed Veggies – Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
• Rice or Quinoa – Great for soaking up that lemon-butter sauce!
• Mashed Potatoes – Because buttery fish + creamy potatoes = heaven.
• Garlic Bread – To mop up all the extra sauce.
• Side Salad – A fresh, crunchy salad balances everything out.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

If (and that’s a big IF) you have leftovers, here’s what to do:

• In the fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the freezer: You can freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw before reheating.
• To reheat: Warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. The microwave works too, but the oven keeps it from getting rubbery!

Make It Even More Fun!

Want to make dinner feel special? Try these fun ideas:

• Date Night at Home: Pair with a glass of white wine and a fancy table setting.
• Taco Night: Flake the cod and stuff it into tortillas with slaw and sauce.
• Meal Prep Win: Make extra and use leftovers for salads, wraps, or rice bowls.
• Kid-Approved Side Dish: Serve with mac & cheese or buttery pasta to keep little ones happy.

Final Thoughts

This lemon butter baked cod is my go-to for busy nights. It’s easy, healthy, and SO delicious. Try it out, and let me know if your family loves it as much as mine does! 😊