Baked Cod with Garlic Butter and Cajun Spice
Mild white fish topped with aromatic garlic butter infused with lemon, parsley, and Cajun seasoning, then baked until tender and flaky. The butter mixture creates a rich, savory sauce that keeps the delicate cod moist. Perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining when you want impressive results with minimal effort. This version balances heat from Cajun spice with bright lemon and herbaceous parsley for a complete, restaurant-quality dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound skinless cod fillet
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 clove garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and sliced
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- 2
Season cod fillets with salt and Cajun seasoning, set aside.
- 3
Mix butter, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, parsley, and Cajun seasoning in a small bowl.
- 4
Arrange lemon slices and cod fillets in baking dish.
- 5
Top each fillet with garlic butter mixture.
- 6
Bake until fish is opaque and flakes easily.
Tips
Don't overbake cod. Check at 10 minutes; fish continues cooking slightly after removal from oven.
Zest lemon before juicing to capture aromatic oils that brighten the butter sauce.
Let butter soften to room temperature before mixing for smoother, evenly distributed sauce.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight container up to 2 days. Reheat gently at 300 degrees F to avoid drying fish.
Mix garlic butter sauce up to 1 day ahead, covered. Season fillets just before baking.
Warm with roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, rice pilaf, or mixed green salad.
Common Mistakes
Overcook fish to avoid dry, tough texture; bake only until opaque
Skip lemon zest to avoid flat-tasting sauce; zest adds essential aromatic oils
Use cold butter to avoid broken, greasy sauce; soften first
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Prepare the garlic butter mixture up to one day in advance and refrigerate. Season the fish just before baking. The assembled dish does not hold well unbaked.
What if I don't have Cajun seasoning?
Mix 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme. Adjust heat to taste. Skip cayenne for mild flavor.
How long does leftover baked cod keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently at 300 degrees F for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying. Not recommended for freezing due to delicate texture of fish.