Description
Garlic Butter Cod Recipe delivers OvenBaked perfection weeknight friendly with lemon herbs and a rich buttergarlic glaze for juicy fillets
Ingredients
- Cod fillets — 4 pieces (about 6 oz each)
- Salt — 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
- Black pepper — 1/4 teaspoon, freshly ground
- Olive oil — 1–2 tablespoons
- Unsalted butter — 3 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves — 3–4, finely minced
- Lemon — zest of 1 lemon and 1–2 tablespoons juice
- Fresh parsley (or dill) — 2 tablespoons chopped
- Paprika or red pepper flakes — 1/4 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the cod dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a thin coating of olive oil. When it shimmers, add the cod and sear 2–3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms and the flesh is opaque about halfway up.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the pan and let it melt, then stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, watching so it doesn’t brown.
- Add the lemon zest and lemon juice; swirl the pan to emulsify the sauce. If you’re using paprika or red pepper flakes, sprinkle them in for a gentle warmth.
- Return the cod to the pan and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the fillets. Cook 1–2 minutes more, until the fish is just opaque and flakes easily. Check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Transfer to plates, spoon over any remaining sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing at the table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
Keywords: garlic butter cod, cod recipe, weeknight dinner, lemon butter sauce, quick seafood dinner, skillet cod
