Baked Cod with Lemon-Caper Butter and Parsley

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

Tender cod fillets baked under a lemony caper butter sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs cod fillets, unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 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: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 230 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with 1 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 cod fillets (5 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place fillets in the prepared baking dish.
  3. Step 3: Melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp drained capers, heating gently for 1 minute.
  4. Step 4: Pour the lemon-caper butter evenly over the cod fillets.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Remove from oven and sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley over the fish before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 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 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 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 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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