Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod Recipe: 5-Star Flavor Awaits
Introduction
Looking for a light and flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and feels like restaurant-quality dining? This Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod recipe stands out with its zesty citrus notes and rich, savory butter sauce, all while being refreshingly healthy. It’s the perfect main dish for anyone who loves vibrant flavors and a melt-in-your-mouth texture—without the heaviness of fried fish.
Deliciously Unique Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod
What makes this recipe a true 5-star favorite is the harmony of tart lemon, fresh herbs, and a silky, light butter sauce. The cod comes out tender and flaky every time, bathed in a tangy mixture that’s as indulgent as it is good for you. With just a handful of ingredients, you can bring the taste of an upscale bistro to your own kitchen—perfect for busy weeknights or a special weekend meal.
How to Achieve Perfect Lemon Butter Sauce
The secret to impeccable flavor lies in preparing the sauce just right. Melt unsalted butter, then whisk in freshly squeezed lemon juice, a dash of garlic, and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Pour this golden mixture over your cod fillets before baking, allowing the flavors to infuse the delicate fish. The result: each bite is moist, bright, and loaded with Mediterranean-inspired freshness.
Simple Method for Flaky, Tender Cod Every Time
Arrange your cod fillets in a single layer on a lined baking dish. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a dusting of paprika for warmth and color. Evenly drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the top, then bake until the fish easily flakes with a fork. Garnish with extra lemon slices or a sprinkle of dill for a beautiful final touch.
Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Pair this lively fish dish with roasted vegetables, a light quinoa salad, or steamed asparagus. A side of whole-grain rice makes it a complete and balanced meal. For an extra pop of color and nutrition, scatter pomegranate arils or fresh microgreens over the baked cod just before serving.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe serves 4 and is a low-calorie, high-protein main. Each serving contains approximately 200 calories (depending on the size of the fillets and butter used), with healthy fats and plenty of vitamin-rich nutrients. It’s a guilt-free pleasure that aligns with Mediterranean and heart-healthy diets.
Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod (Recap)
This baked cod is proof that healthy eating doesn’t mean skimping on flavor. The marriage of zingy lemon, silky butter, and flaky white fish makes this dish a popular go-to for weeknight dinners and festive occasions alike.
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Pat the cod fillets dry and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
- Season fillets evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika. Pour the lemon butter mixture over each fillet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with lemon slices and extra parsley (or dill/microgreens, if using) before serving. Enjoy immediately!
Weekly Meal Planning
This Healthy Lemon Butter Baked Cod is an outstanding addition to weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe on CookifyAI to organize your week, adjust serving sizes, and consolidate all your recipes into a single, intelligent shopping list.
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically adjusts ingredient amounts based on number of servings needed
- Keeps all your meal ingredients organized by store section
- Eliminates duplicate purchases and missing ingredients
- Simplifies meal prepping for a healthy, stress-free week
Pro tip: Plan multiple recipes to see how overlapping ingredients mean less shopping and less waste. For example, if both your lunch salad and this cod recipe use parsley or lemon, CookifyAI totals it up—so you bring home precisely what you’ll use.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Enjoy your 5-star healthy dinner—lemon butter cod that’s worthy of any menu, and your next meal plan!
