Description
A quick, healthy, and stress-free weeknight dinner featuring tender cod fillets baked with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce and roasted broccoli. Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal active prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680g) cod fillets (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 2 large lemons (1 for zesting, 1 for juicing)
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 large heads broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
- Toss broccoli florets on one baking sheet with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and whisk with minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and dried parsley.
- Place dried cod fillets on the second baking sheet. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, then spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over the fish.
- Bake both pans for 15-18 minutes, or until the fish is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the broccoli is tender-crisp with charred edges.
- Let the fish rest for 2 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce from the pan over the top and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Pat the fish dry thoroughly to prevent steaming. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure the broccoli roasts rather than steams. If using frozen cod, ensure it is fully thawed and dried. The recipe is naturally gluten-free; for dairy-free, swap butter for olive oil or a dairy-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with roaste
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 35
Keywords: baked cod, lemon pepper fish, healthy dinner, sheet pan dinner, quick seafood, gluten-free recipe, low carb dinner, easy weeknight meals