Lemon Baked Cod
Flaky cod fillets baked in a bright lemon-butter sauce with garlic and herbs. A clean, foolproof keto dinner that comes together in one dish in under 30 minutes.
The weeknight fish even fish skeptics love
Cod is the gateway fish. It is mild, it flakes into big tender pieces, and it does not taste "fishy" the way bolder fillets can. Baked in a puddle of lemon butter, it turns into the kind of dinner that feels light but still keeps you full for hours, which is exactly what you want on keto.
The whole thing happens in one baking dish, and the sauce practically makes itself as the cod releases its juices into the melting butter. Do not walk away, though: cod goes from perfectly flaky to dry and chalky in a matter of minutes, so the oven timer is your friend.
- Bring the cod to room temperature so it bakes evenly
- Look for the fish to turn opaque and flake at the thickest point
- Spoon the pan sauce back over the fillets before serving
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Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets, about 6 ounces each (net carbs →)
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted (net carbs →)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (net carbs →)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon (net carbs →)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (net carbs →)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (net carbs →)
- 1 lemon, sliced, for serving (net carbs →)
Instructions
- 1Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a baking dish.
- 2Pat the cod fillets dry and arrange them in the dish in a single layer.
- 3In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon, and paprika.
- 4Pour the lemon-butter mixture evenly over the cod, then season with the salt and pepper.
- 5Lay a few lemon slices over the fillets and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- 6Spoon the pan sauce over the top, scatter with parsley, and serve right away.
Nutrition (per serving)
Recipe FAQ
How do I know when cod is done?
Cod is cooked when it turns from translucent to opaque white and flakes apart easily when you press it with a fork at the thickest point. It should reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Pull it the moment it flakes, because it dries out fast.
Can I use frozen cod?
Absolutely. Thaw the fillets overnight in the fridge or under cold running water, then pat them very dry so the sauce clings instead of watering down. Frozen cod often has extra moisture, so drying it well is key.
What can I serve with baked cod on keto?
Roasted asparagus, sauteed spinach, cauliflower rice, or a simple green salad all round out the plate without adding meaningful carbs. The lemon-butter sauce is delicious spooned over any of them.
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What should I eat today?
Turn the ingredients you like or already have into a keto breakfast, lunch & dinner — net carbs counted.