Introduction
There’s something about a well-cooked piece of fish that feels like a mini luxury, yet this Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe brings that elegance right into your home kitchen with ease. Perfectly seasoned with a buttery lemon flavor, this dish is a true celebration of simplicity. It’s light, bright, and takes minimal prep, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Imagine a meal where your hands-on time is brief, but the flavors and aromas transform your kitchen into a cozy bistro.
The magic of this recipe lies in its straightforwardness—just a few pantry ingredients and a fresh fillet are all it takes. The tanginess of the lemon contrasts beautifully with the richness of the butter, while a light coating of seasoned flour creates a slight, delicate crust. A dash of paprika not only adds a hint of warmth but also creates a lovely, golden color on top of the fish as it bakes to perfection.
This Lemon Butter Baked Cod is sure to impress, yet it’s gentle on your schedule. Serve it with a simple side of steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or a crusty piece of bread to soak up the extra lemon butter sauce. With a garnish of parsley and a squeeze of lemon, this dish is not just a meal; it’s a small moment of culinary delight.
Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lb cod fillet (or any white fish)
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Dash(es) of paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the cod fillets into serving-sized portions.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave, then stir in the lemon juice.
- In a separate dish, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each fish fillet into the butter-lemon mixture, ensuring it’s coated well on all sides.
- Next, dip the buttered fish into the flour mixture, coating it evenly.
- Arrange the coated fillets in an ungreased baking dish. Drizzle any remaining butter mixture over the fillets, then sprinkle paprika over the entire dish.
- Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, and enjoy!
This recipe is designed to be easy yet flavorful, bringing fresh, bright flavors to your table with minimal effort. Bon appétit!
