Lemon Butter Baked Cod (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
02 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
04 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
08 - Salt and pepper to taste
09 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
03 - In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper.
04 - Place the cod fillets in the prepared baking dish. Season the fillets with a little salt and pepper.
05 - Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the cod fillets, making sure each one is well-coated.
06 - Bake the cod in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
07 - Serve the cod fillets with the sauce from the baking dish and garnish with extra fresh parsley. Add lemon wedges on the side for extra flavor.

# Notes:

01 - Cod Alternatives: You can substitute cod with other white fish, such as tilapia, haddock, or snapper.
02 - Thicker Fillets: If your cod fillets are particularly thick, you may need to bake them a bit longer (about 20 minutes).
03 - Herb Variations: You can switch up the herbs in the butter sauce. Fresh dill or basil can be great alternatives to parsley.
04 - Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.