Baked Cod with Seacoast Herb Butter and Lemon
A delicate baked cod fillet topped with a fragrant herb butter inspired by the New England coastal region flavors. This Mediterranean-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs cod fillets, unsalted butter, fresh parsley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, 6 oz each cod fillets
- 4 tbsp, softened unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pat dry 4 cod fillets, each about 6 oz, and place them on a lined baking sheet brushed with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 minced garlic cloves until well combined.
- Step 3: Season the cod fillets evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then spread the herb butter mixture over the top of each fillet.
- Step 4: Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the butter topping is melted and fragrant.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Cod with Seacoast Herb Butter and Lemon 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 Seacoast Herb Butter and Lemon?
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 Seacoast Herb Butter and Lemon?
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 Seacoast Herb Butter and Lemon 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 Seacoast Herb Butter and Lemon?
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.
