Roasted Cod with Seacoast Herb Butter and Lemon

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

Delicately roasted cod fillets are enhanced with a bright herb butter inspired by the fresh coastal flavors of New England’s Seacoast region. This American-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 22 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pat dry 4 cod fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter with 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 minced garlic cloves until combined.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, sear the cod fillets skin-side down for 3 minutes until the edges become crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip the cod fillets and spread the herb butter mixture evenly over the top of each. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 6-8 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: Remove from oven, drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and serve immediately with pan juices spooned over the fillets.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Roasted Cod with Seacoast Herb Butter and Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Roasted 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 Roasted 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 Roasted 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 Roasted Cod with Seacoast Herb Butter and Lemon?

American 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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