1-First Step: Prep the oven and baking dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish that is large enough to hold the cod in a single layer. If the fish is crowded, it can steam instead of bake, and you want it to cook evenly with a little color on top.

While the oven heats, pat the cod loin fillet dry with paper towels. This matters more than people think. Dry fish browns better and lets the seasoning stick. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper, then set it aside while you make the sauce.

2-Second Step: Mix the lemon-garlic butter flavor base

In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil. Stir it well so the garlic starts to spread through the liquid. This mix gives the cod its bright lemon-garlic flavor before the butter melts in the oven.

Next, place the fish in the baking dish and pour the lemon-garlic mixture over the top. Make sure some of it gets around the fish as well as over it. This helps season the cod all the way through.

3-Third Step: Add the butter and lemon slices

Scatter the diced butter over the fish. As the cod bakes, the butter will melt into the lemon juice and garlic, making a simple but rich butter sauce. Add the sliced lemon on top or around the fish for extra citrus flavor and a pretty finish.

The butter melts into the lemon and garlic, so the sauce starts building right in the pan. That is what makes this dish so tender and tasty.

If you like a stronger garlic flavor, you can add a little more garlic. If you want it softer and milder, use less. This recipe is very forgiving, which is great for busy home cooks.

4-Fourth Step: Bake until flaky and tender

Bake the cod for about 10 to 15 minutes if the fillets are thin, or 18 to 20 minutes if they are thick, about 1 inch or more. If your fish is thicker, loosely cover it with foil for the first 10 minutes to help keep it moist, then uncover it so the top can finish nicely. The exact time depends on thickness, so checking early is smart.

As it bakes, spoon some of the sauce from the pan over the fish once or twice if you can. That extra step helps keep the cod juicy and gives the top more flavor. When done, the fish should look opaque and flake easily with a fork.

5-Final Step: Finish and serve right away

Take the fish out of the oven and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes. This short rest helps the juices settle. Spoon the buttery lemon-garlic sauce over the top, then finish with chopped parsley if you want a fresh pop of color.

Serve the cod hot with your favorite sides. Roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, couscous, or a crisp salad all work well. If you want more meal inspiration, the strawberry and lemon desserts on USA Flavor Hub’s lemon dessert recipes make a lovely fresh finish after this fish dinner.