Lemon Butter Baked Cod

By Tyla | Last modified on Jan 25, 2026

Featured in: Seafood

Lemon Butter Baked Cod is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the best of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients to your dinner table. The tender cod fillets are perfectly baked and bathed in a luscious lemon butter sauce filled with bursting cherry tomatoes and briny kalamata olives, creating a beautiful balance of richness and freshness.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, delivering a stunning plate that’s not only quick and easy but packed with wholesome, delightful flavors. With every bite, you get the satisfying flakiness of fish combined with the zing of citrus and the depth of aromatic herbs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 30 minutes.
Bright and fresh lemon butter sauce enhances the delicate flavor of cod.
Mediterranean ingredients like olives and tomatoes add savory depth.
Healthy, gluten-free, and perfect for a balanced dinner.

Ingredients

Cod fillets (1 pound): Fresh, flaky white fish providing a mild taste and delicate texture for baking.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds rich creaminess to the lemon sauce without overpowering the fish.
Garlic cloves (3): Freshly minced to infuse the butter with aromatic, savory flavor.
Dry white grape juice (¼ cup): Offers subtle fruity sweetness to balance the lemon’s acidity.
Cherry tomatoes (2 cups): Sweet and juicy, they burst during cooking, creating a delicious topping.
Kalamata olives (½ cup): Briny and bold, complement the mildness of the cod.
Lemon juice (¼ cup): Provides the bright, zesty freshness that lifts the entire dish.
Fresh parsley: Adds a vibrant herbaceous note and a pop of color when garnished.
Fresh thyme sprigs: Earthy and fragrant, used to season and enhance the sauce.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning for the fish, balancing all flavors.
Olive oil (for drizzling): Lightly coats the baking dish to prevent sticking and adds subtle richness.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Cod: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for perfectly baked fish. Season the cod fillets generously with salt and pepper for balanced flavor. Lightly drizzle olive oil in a baking dish to prevent the fish from sticking and gently place the fillets inside. Cover with foil to lock in moisture and bake for 12 minutes, which allows the cod to gently cook while staying tender and flaky.
Create the Lemon Butter Sauce: While the cod bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, cooking just until fragrant to release the garlic’s aroma without burning. This step builds the sauce’s savory foundation with a mild kick.
Simmer Grapes, Tomatoes, and Olives: Pour in the dry white grape juice and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives, then stir in fresh lemon juice. Simmer the sauce until the cherry tomatoes soften and burst, releasing their juicy sweetness to blend with the briny olives, creating a vibrant, tangy topping perfect for cod.
Combine Sauce and Fish, Finish Baking: Remove the foil from the cod and carefully pour the lemon butter sauce over the fillets, spreading the cooked tomatoes and olives around them. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld and the top slightly caramelize. This step ensures the fish finishes cooking while absorbing the delicious sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle fresh parsley and thyme over the dish for an herbaceous finish and added color. Serve immediately with your choice of sides to enjoy a complete, well-balanced meal.

You Must Know

Make sure not to overbake the cod as it can become dry and lose its delicate texture.
Using dry white grape juice instead of wine makes this recipe accessible for all ages and adds subtle sweetness.
You can substitute kalamata olives with green olives if preferred, but this will change the flavor profile.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. For best texture and flavor, enjoy this dish fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lemon Butter Baked Cod alongside fluffy quinoa, steamed rice, or a crisp Mediterranean salad for a light, wholesome meal. Crusty bread is also excellent to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Professional Tips

Use fresh, high-quality cod fillets for the best texture and flavor.
Allow the butter sauce to simmer gently to prevent separating and maintain its creamy consistency.
If grape juice is unavailable, a dry white wine or a light vegetable broth can be used as alternatives.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?: Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even baking and prevent excess moisture.
Is there a substitute for kalamata olives?: Green olives or black olives can be used, though they will alter the flavor slightly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?: It’s best served fresh, but the sauce can be prepared in advance and combined with the fish just before baking.
What if I don’t have dry white grape juice?: You can substitute with dry white wine, vegetable broth, or apple juice for a touch of sweetness.
How do I know when cod is fully cooked?: The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque all the way through.
Can this recipe be doubled for more servings?: Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger baking dish to ensure even cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?: Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.