The Art of Ultimate Lemon Butter Baked Cod with Mediterranean Elegance

Perfect Fish Preparation Mastery

Master the technique of properly seasoning and preparing cod fillets for optimal baking results.

Lemon Butter Sauce Excellence

Learn the skill of creating perfectly balanced lemon butter sauce with proper emulsification.

Temperature Control Perfection

Perfect the method of achieving ideal doneness without overcooking delicate fish.

Vegetable Coordination Technique

Master the art of timing vegetables to finish perfectly alongside the fish.

Elegant Presentation Strategy

Learn professional plating techniques for restaurant-quality visual appeal and service.

Professional Fish Baking Mastery Secrets for Perfect Lemon Butter Cod Excellence

Fish Selection: Choose thick, firm cod fillets with no fishy smell for best results.

Temperature Control: Don't overcook - cod becomes dry and tough when overcooked beyond 145°F.

Sauce Balance: Adjust lemon juice and butter ratio to achieve perfect tangy-rich balance.

Vegetable Timing: Add delicate vegetables later to prevent overcooking and maintain texture.

Herb Freshness: Use fresh herbs when possible - they provide brighter flavor than dried.

Resting Important: Let fish rest briefly after baking to redistribute juices for optimal texture.

Lemon Butter Baked Cod with Fresh Herbs and Garlic White Wine Sauce

Name: Lemon Butter Baked Cod with Fresh Herbs and Garlic White Wine Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: For the Premium Fish:; 4 cod fillets (6 oz each), skin removed; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon white pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; For the Lemon Butter Base:; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 3 large lemons, juiced and zested; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons white wine; For the Fresh Herbs:; 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped; For the Aromatic Enhancement:; 1 shallot, finely minced; 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1 bay leaf; For the Vegetable Medley:; 1 lb baby potatoes, halved; 2 cups green beans, trimmed; 2 medium zucchini, sliced; 1 pint cherry tomatoes; For the Sauce Enrichment:; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon honey; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

The ultimate lemon butter baked cod featuring perfectly flaky white fish fillets baked in a luxurious lemon butter sauce with fresh herbs and aromatic garlic. This elegant yet simple dish combines the delicate flavor of premium cod with bright citrus notes and rich butter, creating a restaurant-quality meal that's both healthy and indulgent. Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or anyone seeking a light yet satisfying seafood dish that showcases the natural beauty of fresh fish enhanced with classic flavors that never go out of style.

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

18 Minutes

Total Time

28 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Premium Fish:

4 cod fillets (6 oz each), skin removed

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon white pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Lemon Butter Base:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

3 large lemons, juiced and zested

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons white wine

For the Fresh Herbs:

3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped

For the Aromatic Enhancement:

1 shallot, finely minced

1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1 bay leaf

For the Vegetable Medley:

1 lb baby potatoes, halved

2 cups green beans, trimmed

2 medium zucchini, sliced

1 pint cherry tomatoes

For the Sauce Enrichment:

2 tablespoons heavy cream

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Garnish Elements:

Lemon slices for topping

Fresh herb sprigs

Capers (optional)

Microgreens for plating

For the Breadcrumb Topping:

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan

1 tablespoon melted butter

1 teaspoon dried herbs

For Special Equipment:

Large baking dish

Meat thermometer

Fine mesh strainer

Basting brush

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F and lightly grease large baking dish with olive oil.

Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels for best browning.

Season both sides of fish generously with salt and white pepper.

Arrange seasoned cod fillets in prepared baking dish in single layer.

Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat until fragrant and golden.

Add minced garlic and shallot to butter, cook for 1 minute until aromatic.

Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, white wine, and fresh herbs.

Add cream, Dijon mustard, and honey to create rich sauce base.

Season sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.

Pour half of lemon butter sauce over cod fillets evenly.

Arrange halved potatoes and green beans around fish in baking dish.

Drizzle vegetables with remaining sauce and season with salt and pepper.

Top fish with lemon slices and sprinkle with fresh herbs.

Mix panko, Parmesan, melted butter, and dried herbs for topping.

Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over fish for golden crust if desired.

Bake for 15-18 minutes until fish flakes easily with fork.

Internal temperature should reach 145°F for food safety.

Add cherry tomatoes and zucchini in last 8 minutes of cooking.

Baste fish once during cooking with pan juices for extra flavor.

Remove from oven and let rest 3 minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh herbs, capers, and microgreens before plating.

Serve immediately with roasted vegetables and pan sauce drizzled over.

Lemon Butter Baked Cod with Fresh Herbs and Garlic White Wine Sauce

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Lemon Butter Baked Cod with Mediterranean Elegance

Lemon Butter Baked Cod with Fresh Herbs and Garlic White Wine Sauce

Ingredients

Instructions