1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). This sauce will infuse the cod with fresh and rich flavors as it bakes.
3. Season the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper. Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish, leaving some space between each piece.
4. Pour the Sauce
Pour the lemon butter mixture over the cod fillets, making sure each piece is evenly coated. You can also spoon some of the sauce on top of each fillet for extra flavor.
5. Bake the Cod
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
6. Garnish and Serve
Once the cod is cooked, remove it from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon slices. For an extra burst of flavor, you can spoon some of the buttery sauce from the pan over the fish before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Lemon Butter Baked Cod with a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans, for a light and healthy meal.
- Pair it with a fluffy rice pilaf or quinoa for a more filling option.
- A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the citrus flavors beautifully.
Tips for the Best Baked Cod:
- Choose Fresh Cod: Fresh, high-quality cod will give you the best flavor and texture. Look for firm fillets with a mild, clean smell.
- Don’t Overcook: Cod can dry out if overcooked, so keep an eye on the cooking time. It should flake easily but still remain moist.
- Add Extra Lemon Flavor: For even more lemon flavor, squeeze some additional fresh lemon juice over the fish just before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and easy Lemon Butter Baked Cod!