Why Is My Baked Cod Rubbery?

Rubbery cod is often the result of overcooking. Cod is a delicate fish that cooks quickly, and if left in the oven for too long, it can become tough and rubbery. The key to perfectly baked cod is to avoid overbaking it. For Lemon Butter Baked Cod , the optimal cooking time is 14-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) . Using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) . Another sign that it’s done is when the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If your cod has turned out rubbery, it's likely because it was exposed to too much heat for too long, causing the proteins in the fish to seize up. Always aim to cook cod just until it's done, and check it often towards the end of baking to avoid overcooking.

How Long to Cook Cod in Lemon Butter Sauce?

When cooking Lemon Butter Baked Cod , the ideal cooking time for 6 oz fillets is about 14-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) . If you’re working with thinner fillets, you may want to reduce the time slightly, and if the fillets are thicker, they may need an extra minute or two. The most reliable way to check for doneness is by using a meat thermometer – cod is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) . Cod can cook fairly quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.

How Do You Know When Baked Cod Is Done?

To know when your Lemon Butter Baked Cod is done, there are two simple methods: Internal Temperature : The cod should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) . This is the most accurate way to ensure the fish is cooked through and safe to eat. Flake Test : The cod should be opaque (no longer translucent) and easily flake when you gently poke it with a fork. If it flakes easily and the texture is tender, your cod is done. Avoid cooking it until it’s dry or tough.

How Long Can You Keep Baked Cod?

You can store Lemon Butter Baked Cod in the refrigerator for 3-4 day. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge. When reheating, be gentle to retain the moisture and flavor of the fish. If you don’t think you’ll finish it in 3-4 days, you can also freeze the cod (before it’s baked) for longer storage, but note that freezing and reheating after baking is not ideal due to changes in texture. However, frozen uncooked cod with butter and seasoning works well when you want to prepare it later.

Lemon Butter Baked Cod: The Best 5-Minute Seafood Recipe for a Delicious Dinner - Mary Recipes

Name: Discover the Magic of Lemon Butter Baked Cod
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 6 oz cod fillets (fresh or thawed); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 fresh lemon, sliced; 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped

Description

This Lemon Butter Baked Cod is the perfect balance of fresh, zesty lemon, rich butter, and tender, flaky cod fillets. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients, and delivers a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The buttery garlic sauce enhances the mild flavor of the cod, while the fresh parsley and lemon slices add a beautiful finish. Whether you’re a seafood lover or trying cod for the first time, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

4 6 oz cod fillets (fresh or thawed)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 fresh lemon, sliced
2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, paprika, dried basil, salt, and black pepper together until well combined.
Pat the cod fillets dry using a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of each fillet generously with salt and black pepper.
Place the seasoned cod fillets in a small, deep baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Evenly distribute the garlic butter mixture on top of each fillet. Make sure the butter mixture covers the entire surface of the fish.
Place a slice of lemon on top of each fillet to infuse the fish with fresh citrus flavor as it bakes.
Bake in the preheated oven for 14-15 minutes or until the cod reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the fish from the oven and let it rest for a minute. Then, garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve the Lemon Butter Baked Cod with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Frozen Cod: You can use frozen cod fillets for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
Storage: Leftover cod can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, use a stovetop or oven method to preserve the texture and moisture.
Make-Ahead: The garlic butter mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just bring it to room temperature before using it on the cod.
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or garlic mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with a simple side of rice or pasta for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner, Seafood
Cuisine: American, Healthy

Nutrition

Calories: 243 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 675mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 31g
Cholesterol: 103mg