Baked Cod with Lemon-Caper Butter and Fresh Parsley

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate cod fillets baked under a lemon-caper butter sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for a bright and elegant seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 26 minutes pairs cod fillets, unsalted butter, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 8 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Place 4 cod fillets (5 oz each) in a baking dish and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tbsp rinsed capers, and 2 minced garlic cloves until combined.
  3. Step 3: Pour the lemon-caper butter evenly over the cod fillets, then bake for 15-18 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
  4. Step 4: Remove from oven and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the fillets before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Cod with Lemon-Caper Butter and Fresh Parsley take to make?

Total time is about 26 minutes (8 min prep + 18 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 Fresh Parsley?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Cod with Lemon-Caper Butter and Fresh Parsley?

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 Fresh Parsley 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 Fresh Parsley?

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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