Created on November 16th, 2025 at 09:40 am
Fast and refined cod
Fresh cod, with its mild flavor and flaky texture, pairs beautifully with a fragrant lemon garlic butter sauce. The crispy skin brings a wonderful contrast, adding both texture and richness to each bite. This dish not only shines on special occasions but is perfect for a weeknight meal, enveloping your kitchen in the warm, inviting aroma of melted butter and fresh herbs. The golden crust glistens under the light, promising a delightful dining experience. Served with a side of vegetables or grains, this cod dish transforms any meal into a celebration of flavor and simplicity.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod is a true pleasure for both the palate and the kitchen. The cod fillets cook quickly, achieving a tender, moist interior while the skin crisps to golden perfection. The garlic and lemon create a bright, aromatic sauce that enhances the subtle sweetness of the fish. This recipe is a fantastic way to incorporate healthy seafood into your routine, with no complicated techniques or lengthy prep times required.
For an added bonus, the flavor deepens overnight, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Enjoy the leftovers cold on a salad or gently reheated for lunch. Both ways, it maintains the essence of the original dish while offering a new dining experience.
Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients List
- 4 cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Kitchen Tools
This recipe requires just a few essential tools, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience. With a skillet and basic utensils, you can create a delicious meal without any fuss.
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by patting the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely when cooked. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the cod fillets in the pan, skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them, until the skin is golden and crispy. The sound of sizzling will fill the kitchen.
Gently flip the fillets using a spatula. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until the fish is opaque and easily flakes with a fork. Remove the cod from the skillet and transfer to a plate; cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt, then add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned. The aroma of roasted garlic will envelop your kitchen.
Stir in the lemon juice and zest, followed by the chopped parsley. Mix well, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
Return the cod to the skillet briefly to coat with the buttery sauce. Plate the fillets, drizzling any remaining sauce over top. Garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Pro Tips
- Ensure that the skin is thoroughly dried before cooking for maximum crispiness.
- Use a nonstick skillet for easier flipping and cleanup.
- Adjust the garlic amount to your taste; it can be increased for more robust flavor.
- Feel free to substitute cod with other white fish like haddock or tilapia if desired.
- This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a side of rice for a complete meal.
Simple Ingredients, Outstanding Flavors
The marriage of lemon and garlic in this dish creates a beautiful harmony that enhances the cod without overpowering it. The crispy skin offers a satisfying crunch, while the buttery sauce brings everything together in a comforting embrace. Preparing this meal showcases how uncomplicated cooking can yield remarkable results. Each bite is a reminder that some of the best dining experiences can arise from simple ingredients and thoughtful preparation. This dish proves that gourmet comfort can be simple and satisfying.
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Lemon Garlic Butter Cod
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each)
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- optional lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels, season both sides with salt and pepper, and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Cooking
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, place the cod fillets in the pan, skin-side down, for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Gently flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the cod and transfer to a plate, covering loosely with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium, add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest along with chopped parsley, scraping any brown bits from the pan.
- Return the cod to the skillet to coat with the buttery sauce, then plate the fillets and drizzle remaining sauce on top.
- Garnish with extra parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
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