How long does cod take to bake at 400°F?

Most cod portions take 15 to 20 minutes at 400°F. Thin fillets may be ready closer to 13 to 15 minutes, while thick cod loins can need the full 20 minutes. Check the thickest part rather than relying only on the timer.

How can I tell when baked cod is done?

The center should look opaque and separate into moist flakes when pressed gently with a fork. If it still looks translucent or feels resistant, bake it for another 2 minutes and check again.

What internal temperature should cod reach?

Cod is safely cooked when the thickest part reaches 145°F. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the thickest portion for the most accurate reading.

Do cod loins and cod fillets cook at the same rate?

Not usually. Cod loins are thicker and may need several minutes longer than thin fillets. Arrange pieces of similar thickness together when possible, or remove thinner portions from the oven first.

Can I prepare lemon garlic butter cod ahead of time?

You can slice the lemon, mince the garlic, and mix the butter sauce a few hours ahead. Keep the fish refrigerated and wait to season and assemble it until shortly before baking so it does not release excess moisture.

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

Description

Tender lemon garlic butter cod baked over fresh lemon slices with dill, parsley, and a rich garlic butter sauce. This easy main dish is ready in about 30 minutes and works well for a simple weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 pounds cod loin fillets, or four 4- to 5-ounce cod portions
1 lemon, divided
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Cook Mode Keep your screen awake while you cook

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Slice half of the lemon into thin rounds and arrange the slices across the bottom of a casserole dish.
Juice the remaining lemon half and measure 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
Whisk the melted butter, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice together in a small bowl.
Pat the cod dry with paper towels, then season it with lemon pepper and dried dill.
Place the seasoned cod over the lemon slices in the casserole dish.
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cod.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, checking thinner fillets around 13 to 15 minutes. The cod is ready when the center is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches 145°F.
Sprinkle the baked cod with chopped parsley and spoon the warm garlic butter from the dish over each portion before serving.

Notes

Thick cod loins may need the full 20 minutes, while thin fillets can finish several minutes earlier.
Patting the cod dry helps the seasoning and garlic butter coat the fish instead of becoming diluted by surface moisture.
Do not continue baking once the cod is opaque and flakes easily, as overcooking can make it dry.
Store cooled leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat leftovers gently in a covered baking dish at 275°F for about 10 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cod portion
Calories: 265
Sugar: 1
Sodium: 430
Fat: 13
Saturated Fat: 7
Unsaturated Fat: 5
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 2
Fiber: 1
Protein: 34
Cholesterol: 115