Lemon Butter Baked Cod

Garlic butter lemon baked cod topped with whole grain mustard sauce and fresh lemon slices in a white baking dish.

Tender, flaky cod baked in 15 minutes with a rich whole-grain mustard garlic butter sauce and fresh lemon slices. Quick, healthy, and Mediterranean diet approved!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Servings: 4

Calories: 280

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Fish:

- 4 thick cod fillets about 6 oz each
- ½ tsp kosher salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 fresh lemon thinly sliced into rounds
- ¼ cup fresh Italian parsley finely chopped

For the Garlic Mustard Butter Sauce:

- 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1½ tbsp whole-grain mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp sweet paprika
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

Method

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch ceramic baking dish with extra virgin olive oil.

Prep the Fish:

Pat the cod fillets completely dry on all sides using paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Arrange the fillets in a single layer in the baking dish.

Whisk the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, whole-grain mustard, fresh lemon juice, sweet paprika, and red pepper flakes until thick and emulsified.

Spoon & Top:

Spoon the garlic butter mustard emulsion evenly over each cod fillet. Top each fillet with one lemon round.

Bake:

Bake uncovered at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork at 145°F (63°C).

Garnish & Serve:

Spoon warm pan sauce back over the cod, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

- Moisture Control: Always pat white fish thoroughly dry with paper towels prior to seasoning to keep the pan sauce from becoming watery.
- Internal Temp: Pull fish at 140°F (60°C); carryover heat brings it to the ideal 145°F (63°C) without drying out.