Description

This dish is my weeknight escape plan—warm, zesty, and straight from a sun-drenched dream. Inspired by a seaside taverna in Crete, it brings flaky cod fillets bathed in garlicky lemon butter and kissed with smoky paprika, all in under 30 minutes. No fancy tools or tricks—just bright flavors, a trusty baking dish, and your own touch of kitchen love. When dinner needs to be simple, soul-soothing, and slightly magical, this is the one. Let’s turn your table into a Mediterranean postcard—no passport required!

Ingredients

Scale

4–6 cod fillets (1.5 lbs)
¼ cup olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
Zest of 1 lemon + lemon wedges
2 tsp paprika
1½ tsp salt
1½ tsp black pepper
2 tsp dried parsley + fresh for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a 9×13″ baking dish.
Make sauce: Melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, cook 1–2 mins (don’t brown). Remove from heat. Stir in zest, paprika, salt, pepper, and dried parsley.
Prepare fish: Pat cod dry. Lay fillets in dish. Spoon sauce over top, coating well.
Bake 12–15 mins until cod flakes easily (145°F internally).
Garnish & serve: Top with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

Notes

Use smoked paprika for richer flavor.
Add shrimp or scallops alongside for a seafood medley.
Serve with couscous, roasted veggies, or crusty bread.
Want a kick? Stir ½ tsp red pepper flakes into the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins

Nutrition

Calories: 300 kcal per serving
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g