Step 1

Move an oven rack to the highest position. Preheat the broiler to medium (500 degrees F).

Step 2

Line a half-sheet pan with foil. Grease it with cooking spray.

Step 3

Lightly rinse the cod and feel for any bones to remove. Pat the fish dry with paper towels. Use kitchen scissors or a knife to cut any large pieces into serving portions. Place the raw fish on the prepared pan. Wash your hands well.

Step 4

Add the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and salt to a tiny bowl and stir to blend. Drizzle a little olive oil on each piece of fish, using one tablespoon of oil total. Brush the oil all over the fish, front and back. Sprinkle some of the blended seasoning on each piece of fish, using it all. Rub the seasoning all over the top of each piece of cod. Wash your hands well.

Step 5

Squeeze half a lemon over the fish. Slice the tablespoon of butter into pieces and place a piece of butter on each piece of fish.

Step 6

Broil the cod on the top rack of the oven, about 4 inches away from the heat source. Broil thin pieces for about 6 minutes, and thick pieces for 8 minutes, or until cooked through. Monitor the fish carefully. The cod is done when you can easily flake it with a fork. If the cod fillets seem to be getting too dark but still need time to cook through, move the pan to the center rack of the oven to finish cooking, keeping the broil setting.

Step 7

To serve, plate the fish and spoon some of the pan juices over the top. The broiled cod is also excellent served on a brioche bun or hamburger bun with some mayonnaise and lettuce. You also could use the broiled cod in lettuce wraps or fish tacos.

Step 8

Store leftover broiled cod in the refrigerator for up to three days.