Baked Lemon Butter Cod with Garlic Rice

Baked Lemon Butter Cod with Garlic Rice is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together light, flaky cod infused with bright lemon zest, aromatic garlic, and creamy melted butter, served over perfectly fluffy garlic rice. This recipe embodies the best qualities of coastal cuisine—fresh, clean flavors and effortless preparation.

It feels like a dish straight from a seaside bistro yet is incredibly beginner-friendly. Cod is a wonderfully mild white fish that absorbs flavors beautifully, making it ideal for those who love delicate seafood dishes. The lemon butter sauce soaks into the fish as it bakes, keeping it juicy and tender.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because of its balance: it’s light but satisfying, flavorful but not overpowering, elegant yet easy enough to make any night of the week.

The fish cooks perfectly in the oven and requires very little effort—no frying, no flipping. The garlic rice adds warmth and comfort, complementing the citrusy cod flawlessly.

Why This Dish Is a Must Try

• Healthy and Nutrient-Rich — high in protein, low in fat
• Clean Bright Flavors — refreshing lemon, savory garlic, silky butter
• Fast Cooking Time — ready in under 35 minutes
• Restaurant-quality presentation with simple ingredients
• Family-friendly and refined enough for guests

If you love simple recipes with incredible flavor payoff, this one deserves a place in your kitchen rotation.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 30–35 minutes
• Serving Size: 4
• Cuisine Style: American / Mediterranean
• Course: Dinner / Main Course
• Estimated Calories: ~480–520 per serving (including rice)

Ingredients

For the Baked Lemon Butter Cod:

• 4 cod fillets (5–6 oz each)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley or dill (optional garnish)
• Lemon slices for baking and serving

For the Garlic Rice:

• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth or water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Prepare garlic rice and simmer until fluffy.
2. Season cod, pour lemon garlic butter mixture over top, and bake.
3. Serve hot cod over rice with extra lemon and herbs.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1 — Make the Garlic Rice

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add rice and stir to coat in butter.
4. Pour in broth or water, add salt, and bring to a simmer.
5. Cover and cook 15–18 minutes until liquid absorbs.
6. Fluff with a fork and stir in lemon juice if desired.

Step 2 — Prepare the Cod

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat cod dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Lay fillets in a lightly greased baking dish.

Step 3 — Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

1. Whisk melted butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, and thyme.
2. Pour the sauce evenly over the cod.
3. Add lemon slices on top or beside the fish.

Step 4 — Bake

• Bake for 12–16 minutes, depending on thickness, until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5 — Serve

• Place cod over a bed of garlic rice and spoon the leftover lemon butter sauce over top.

How to Serve

Serve hot with:

• Steamed seasonal vegetables
• Roasted asparagus
• Side salad with vinaigrette
• Optional drizzle of extra lemon butter sauce

Garnish with:

Fresh parsley
A squeeze of lemon
Light sprinkle of pepper

Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook cod — it should flake gently, not crumble.
• Use fresh lemon for best flavor.
• Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch.

Variations

Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or cayenne.
Herb Upgrade: Swap dill, basil, tarragon, or rosemary.
Creamy Version: Add a splash of cream or coconut milk to the sauce.
Panko-Topped: Add a crispy breadcrumb Parmesan topping for texture.

Freezing & Storage

• Fridge: Store cooked cod and rice separately for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Cod freezes well up to 2 months.
• Reheat gently to prevent drying—use foil or low heat (no microwave if possible).

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking dish
• Small saucepan
• Lemon zester (optional)
• Fine strainer (for rinsing rice)

FAQ

❓ Can I use frozen cod?

Yes — thaw fully and pat dry before seasoning.

❓ Can I substitute another fish?

Absolutely — halibut, haddock, tilapia, or mahi mahi work well.

❓ Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — use olive oil or vegan butter.

Conclusion

Baked Lemon Butter Cod with Garlic Rice is fresh, flavorful, and comforting — a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create an exceptional dish. It’s nourishing, elegant, and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or special dinners. Once you try it, this recipe will become a timeless go-to for effortless gourmet meals.