To create this incredibly flavorful and flaky lemon butter baked cod, you’ll need just a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The simplicity of this recipe truly highlights the beautiful flavors of the cod and the bright lemon butter sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cod Fillets: 1.5 – 2 lbs fresh cod fillets, about 1-inch thick. Fresh cod is highly recommended for the best texture and flavor. Look for fillets that are firm, white, and have a mild, fresh scent. You can use skin-on or skinless cod fillets, depending on your preference. Skin-on will provide a slightly richer flavor and help keep the fish moist, while skinless is easier to serve and eat.
• Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoons, melted. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. Melting the butter makes it easier to combine with the other sauce ingredients and ensures even distribution over the cod.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons, freshly squeezed. Fresh lemon juice is essential for the bright, zesty flavor that complements the cod so well. Avoid bottled lemon juice, as it often lacks the vibrant taste of fresh lemons. One large lemon should yield about 3 tablespoons of juice.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic adds a savory depth to the lemon butter sauce. Mincing the garlic finely releases its flavor effectively. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your preference – some may prefer a stronger garlic flavor by adding an extra clove.
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish. Flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley) or curly parsley both work well. Chopping it finely ensures even distribution and flavor in the sauce and as a garnish.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon. Dried oregano adds a warm, slightly peppery, and aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with lemon and fish. You can substitute with other dried herbs like thyme or Italian seasoning if preferred.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste. Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to your liking, keeping in mind that cod is naturally delicate and can become salty easily. Sea salt or kosher salt are excellent choices.
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste. Freshly ground black pepper provides a bolder and more aromatic flavor compared to pre-ground pepper. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• Lemon Slices (for garnish, optional): A few thin slices of lemon for visual appeal and an extra burst of lemon flavor when serving.

Optional Ingredients and Variations:

• White Wine: For an even richer sauce, you can add 2 tablespoons of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) to the lemon butter mixture. The wine adds depth and complexity to the sauce as it bakes.
• Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes (about ¼ teaspoon) to the sauce. This will provide a subtle kick that complements the lemon butter beautifully.
• Fresh Dill: For a different herbaceous flavor, you can substitute fresh dill for parsley or use a combination of both. Dill is a classic pairing with fish and lemon.
• Parmesan Cheese: For a cheesy crust, you can sprinkle a tablespoon or two of grated Parmesan cheese over the cod before baking. This adds a savory, slightly salty, and nutty flavor.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: For added texture, you can sprinkle a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and melted butter over the cod before baking. This creates a crispy topping.
• Vegetables: You can easily bake vegetables alongside the cod. Asparagus, broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers are excellent choices. Toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper and add them to the baking dish around the cod fillets.