Garlic Butter Baked Cod with Lemon Parmesan Sauce

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If you are looking for an elegant seafood dinner that is light, flaky, and bursting with bright coastal flavor, Garlic Butter Baked Cod with Lemon Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate choice! Mild, tender cod fillets are baked to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce laced with fresh lemon and savory Parmesan cheese. It delivers fine-dining sophistication in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for both easy weeknight meals and dinner parties!

Ingredients

For the Cod Fillets:

  • Cod: 4 fresh cod fillets (about 6 oz / 170g each, pat dry).
  • Seasoning: ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper.

For the Garlic Butter Lemon Parmesan Sauce:

  • Unsalted Butter: 4 tbsp (melted).
  • Garlic: 4 cloves minced.
  • Lemon Juice & Zest: 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice + 1 tsp lemon zest.
  • Parmesan Cheese: ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Heavy Cream: 2 tbsp (for a velvety texture).
  • Fresh Herbs: 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley or dill.
  • Garnish: Extra lemon slices for baking and serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven and Cod:
    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
    • Pat the cod fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
    • Season both sides of the fillets with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Whisk the Lemon Parmesan Sauce:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, grated Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until blended.
  3. Pour and Bake:
    • Pour the garlic butter lemon Parmesan mixture evenly over each cod fillet.
    • Tuck a few fresh lemon slices around and between the fish fillets in the dish.
    • Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  4. Garnish and Serve:
    • Remove from the oven and spoon the warm pan sauce back over the tops of the fillets.
    • Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley or dill and serve immediately!

Chef’s Tips for Success

  • Pat Fish Dry: Removing excess moisture from the cod ensures the sauce clings to the fish rather than watering down.
  • Don’t Overbake: Cod is a lean white fish and cooks very quickly. Start checking at 12 minutes—it is done as soon as it turns opaque and flakes gently with a fork.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve alongside garlic butter rice, roasted baby potatoes, or a bed of steamed asparagus to soak up every drop of the bright lemon Parmesan sauce.

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