If you are craving a light but deeply flavorful seafood dish that feels both fresh and indulgent, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod. This recipe transforms simple cod fillets into a luscious meal where buttery richness meets zesty lemon and fragrant herbs, all baked to flaky perfection. The blend of lemon juice, zest, and herbs infuses the fish with vibrant aromas and layered tastes, making it a go-to weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests. Once you try this Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod, I promise it will quickly become a staple in your home cooking rotation.

Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully straightforward but each one is essential to creating the perfect balance of freshness, richness, and aromatic flavor in the dish. The cod offers a mild, flaky base, while the lemon and herbs bring brightness and an inviting fragrance that makes this recipe sing.

Cod fillets (4-6, about 1 1/2 lbs): Choose fresh, firm cod for tender flakes that soak up the herb butter beautifully.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): They add subtle sweetness and juicy bursts that contrast the savory elements.
Lemon juice (3 tablespoons): Freshly squeezed for a tangy zing that lifts the whole dish.
Lemon zest (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the citrus aroma and flavor without extra acidity.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Creates the luxurious base for the herb sauce, keeping the cod silky and moist.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic depth and a subtle kick that balances the freshness.
Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch for mild warmth and color enhancement.
Parsley (1 tablespoon, minced): A fresh herb with a slightly peppery flavor that brightens the dish.
Thyme leaves (1 teaspoon): Earthy and delicate, thyme pairs perfectly with lemon and fish.
Lemon slices (4-6): They roast alongside the fish, infusing the butter with citrus beauty and doubling as a pretty garnish.
Dill leaves (1 teaspoon, minced): Offers a subtle, grassy sweetness that complements the seafood wonderfully.
Coarse salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning that enhances every flavor note.
Fresh ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and complexity without overpowering.

How to Make Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Starting with the right oven temperature is key to getting that perfect bake — preheat your oven to 400°F. While it’s warming, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking and help your cod bake evenly.

Step 2: Create the Herb Butter Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vibrant lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, dill, and parsley. This mixture is the heart of the Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod, as it imparts layers of aromatic, tangy, and savory flavor that soak into the fish during baking.

Step 3: Season and Brush the Cod

Pat your cod fillets dry with a paper towel to help the flavors stick and promote even cooking. Then season both sides generously with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper. Brush the fillets thoroughly with the herb butter mixture to ensure every bite is buttery and flavorful.

Step 4: Arrange Cod, Tomatoes, and Lemons

Place the seasoned fillets into your prepared baking dish. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and lemon slices around the fish to roast alongside, releasing sweetness and citrus oils. Drizzle any leftover herb butter mixture over everything for extra moisture and flavor.

Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Flaky

Bake in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know your Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod is ready when the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork — tender, juicy, and infused with all those wonderful herb and citrus notes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve with Sauce

Finish by scattering any extra fresh herbs atop the hot cod fillets. Be sure to spoon some of the buttery pan sauce over the fish when serving, as it’s where all the flavors converge into a silky, delicious coating.

How to Serve Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or dill make beautiful, fragrant garnishes for this dish, amplifying its fresh and bright essence. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a zesty option to squeeze over if you love an extra citrus punch.

Side Dishes

Keep it light and complementary with sides like garlic roasted asparagus, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Each side balances the rich, lemony butter sauce and makes the meal feel vibrant and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve your Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod right in the baking dish to showcase the beautiful roasted lemon slices and tomatoes. Alternatively, plate each fillet over a bed of fluffy couscous or wild rice to soak up every drop of the herb-infused butter sauce for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover cod in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days. The buttery sauce tends to firm up when chilled, so gently warm leftovers before eating.

Freezing

It’s best to freeze the cod before baking for peak texture. Wrap the seasoned fillets tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag, freezing for up to one month. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a moderate oven set to 300°F or in a microwave on low power to preserve the delicate texture and prevent the fish from drying out. Reheat just until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cod is wonderful for its mild flavor and flaky texture, you can also try haddock, halibut, or even salmon with this lemon herb butter sauce. Adjust baking times slightly for different thicknesses.

Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs really elevate the brightness and aroma in this recipe. If you only have dried herbs, use them sparingly – about a third of the measurement – as they are more concentrated in flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a good quality olive oil or a dairy-free margarine. This will alter the texture slightly but maintain delicious flavor with the lemon and herbs.

How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes apart easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F if you use a meat thermometer for precise cooking.

What’s the best way to serve the sauce?

Spoon the pan juices generously over the cod and any side dishes. The buttery lemon herb sauce is the star complement that brings the entire dish together.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod enough—it’s the kind of dish you’ll come back to when you want something elegant but effortless, fresh yet indulgent. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or a seasoned pro, the combination of lemon, herbs, and buttery decadence makes every bite memorable. Give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become one of your own favorites to share with family and friends!

Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 16 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

This Lemon Herb Butter Baked Cod is a light, flavorful dish where tender cod fillets are baked in a zesty lemon herb butter sauce with fresh cherry tomatoes and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it features a delightful balance of citrus and herbs that enhance the mild, flaky fish.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help with even cooking.
Make Herb Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, paprika, thyme leaves, dill, and parsley until the mixture is well combined and fragrant.
Prepare Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with coarse salt and fresh ground black pepper. Then brush each fillet thoroughly with the prepared herb butter mixture and place them in the greased baking dish.
Add Tomatoes and Lemon Slices: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and lemon slices evenly around and on top of the cod fillets in the baking dish. Drizzle any remaining herb butter mixture evenly over the fish and tomatoes to ensure full flavor coverage.
Bake the Cod: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork, maintaining its tender texture without drying out.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the cod with any remaining fresh herbs if desired. Serve the cod hot with the flavorful pan sauce spooned over the top for a delicious finish.

Notes

You can substitute cod with other firm white fish like haddock or halibut as desired.
For extra zest, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb butter for a subtle heat.
Ensure the cod fillets are evenly sized for consistent cooking time.
If a dairy-free option is needed, substitute butter with olive oil, though flavor and texture will slightly differ.
Serve with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cod fillet with sauce and tomatoes (approximately 6 oz)
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg

Keywords: baked cod, lemon herb cod, healthy fish recipe, easy seafood dinner, lemon butter fish, baked white fish