Description

A quick, healthy, and delicious weeknight dinner featuring flaky white fish baked with a rich sauce of butter, garlic, and lemon. This recipe is simple to make, gluten-free, and perfect for busy families.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each, fresh or thawed frozen)
4–5 cloves garlic, minced
1 large lemon (zest and juice)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons dry white wine (or chicken broth)
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh flat-leaf parsley)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a 10-inch oven-safe skillet with olive oil.
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together the softened butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and white wine until smooth.
Place the cod fillets in the prepared skillet or baking dish, ensuring they are not touching.
Spoon the butter-garlic mixture evenly over each fillet, making sure to get some into the crevices.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with extra lemon juice if desired.

Notes

Ensure the cod is patted very dry before seasoning to prevent steaming. Do not overcook the fish, as it becomes tough and rubbery. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C), but pulling it out at 140°F (60°C) allows for residual cooking. If using frozen cod, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight. This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
Calories: 250
Sugar: 1
Sodium: 300
Fat: 15
Saturated Fat: 7
Carbohydrates: 2
Protein: 25

Keywords: baked cod, lemon garlic fish, weeknight dinner, healthy seafood, quick recipes, gluten-free dinner, easy fish recipe