Baked Cod with Lemon-Caper Butter and Crispy Herb Potatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender baked cod fillets topped with a zesty lemon-caper butter served alongside golden crispy herb potatoes for a refreshing seafood dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 45 minutes pairs (5 oz each) cod fillets, softened unsalted butter, drained capers for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). On a baking sheet, toss 1 lb halved baby potatoes with 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Spread in a single layer and roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and crispy.
  2. Step 2: While potatoes roast, combine 6 tbsp softened unsalted butter, 2 tbsp drained capers, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a bowl to make the lemon-caper butter.
  3. Step 3: Place 4 cod fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking tray. Season each fillet lightly with salt and pepper, then evenly spread the lemon-caper butter over the tops.
  4. Step 4: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Serve the cod fillets hot alongside the crispy herb roasted potatoes, garnished with remaining chopped parsley.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cod with Lemon-Caper Butter and Crispy Herb Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Cod with Lemon-Caper Butter and Crispy Herb Potatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (5 oz each) cod fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cod with Lemon-Caper Butter and Crispy Herb Potatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Cod with Lemon-Caper Butter and Crispy Herb Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Cod with Lemon-Caper Butter and Crispy Herb Potatoes?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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