Baked Cod with Garlic, Paprika, and Lemon Butter Sauce
This recipe delivers a moist, flaky fish fillet coated in a flavorful, vibrant sauce with just a hint of spice and a bright lemon finish.
Yields: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Fish:
• 4 (about 6 oz / 170g each) thick fillets of white fish, such as Cod, Halibut, or Haddock (fresh or fully thawed and patted dry)
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (or other high-heat neutral oil)
• Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
For the Compound Paprika-Garlic Butter Sauce:
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, softened to room temperature
• 4 cloves Garlic, finely minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Smoked Paprika (or regular sweet paprika, smoked provides a richer flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional, adjust for desired heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon Dried Thyme (optional, or other dried herb like dried oregano)
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
For Serving and Garnish:
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
• 1/2 Fresh Lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
• 1-2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice (to finish the sauce)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish (e.g., 9×13 inch or similar) with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent the fish from sticking.
2. Make the Compound Butter:
• In a small bowl, combine the softened Unsalted Butter, minced Garlic, Smoked Paprika, Onion Powder, Cayenne Pepper (if using), Dried Thyme (if using), Kosher Salt, and Black Pepper.
• Use a fork or spatula to mix the ingredients thoroughly until a uniform, brightly colored, thick paste (compound butter) is formed. Taste a tiny amount and adjust seasoning if necessary.
3. Prepare the Fish:
• Pat the fish fillets completely dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning and butter stick and promotes even cooking.
• Arrange the fillets in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overlapping.
• Lightly sprinkle both sides of the fillets with a small amount of Kosher Salt and Black Pepper.
4. Apply the Butter Mixture:
• Take generous dollops of the Paprika-Garlic Butter and place them directly on top of each fish fillet.
• Use the back of a spoon or a small spatula to gently spread the butter evenly over the entire top surface of each fillet. You want a thick, uniform coating of the seasoned butter.
• Optional: If you have any leftover compound butter, you can distribute small spoonfuls around the fish fillets in the baking dish. This will melt and enrich the final sauce.
5. Bake the Fish:
• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fish fillets.
• The fish is done when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) at the thickest point. The butter will have melted and pooled at the bottom of the dish, creating the vibrant sauce.
6. Finish the Sauce and Serve:
• Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven.
• Squeeze 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice over the baked fish and into the melted butter sauce in the pan. The lemon brightens the flavor and balances the richness of the butter.
• Use a large spoon to baste the fish fillets with the buttery sauce from the bottom of the dish one last time.
• Carefully transfer the cooked fish fillets to individual serving plates.
• Spoon the flavorful Paprika-Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce from the baking dish liberally over the top of the fish on the plates.
• Garnish immediately with the freshly chopped Parsley.
• Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of citrus.
Chef’s Notes & Serving Suggestions
• Best Fish Choice: Cod or Halibut are excellent choices due to their thick, meaty texture, which stands up well to baking and a rich sauce.
• Doneness Check: If you are unsure, use an instant-read thermometer. The fish is safe and done at \bm{145^\circ\text{F}}.
• Sauce Consistency: The sauce will be liquid and rich. If you prefer a slightly thicker sauce, you can pour the melted butter sauce from the baking dish into a small saucepan, bring it to a simmer, and stir in about a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water (a slurry). Simmer briefly until slightly thickened before pouring over the fish.
• Serving Suggestions: This rich fish dish pairs wonderfully with sides that can soak up the sauce, such as:
• Fluffy Basmati or Jasmine Rice
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower Puree
• Roasted or Steamed Asparagus, Broccoli, or Green Beans
• A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette.