How do I make lemon garlic butter cod at home?

To make lemon garlic butter cod, start by seasoning cod fillets with salt and pepper. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute). Place the cod in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the fish is opaque and flakes easily. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets during cooking, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately for a simple, flavorful meal.

What type of cod is best for lemon garlic butter cod?

Fresh or thawed wild-caught Atlantic cod or Pacific cod are ideal for this recipe because of their firm texture and mild flavor. Avoid frozen cod that may be watery or rubbery, as it can affect the texture. Opt for fillets that are about 1-inch thick to ensure even cooking and a flaky finish.

Can I bake lemon garlic butter cod instead of pan-frying it?

Yes, you can bake lemon garlic butter cod by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned cod fillets in a baking dish, dot the top with butter, and evenly sprinkle minced garlic and lemon juice. Bake uncovered for 12-15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Baking provides a hands-off method while keeping the cod moist and flavorful.

What sides pair well with lemon garlic butter cod?

Lemon garlic butter cod pairs well with light, fresh sides such as steamed asparagus, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. For starch, try garlic mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or quinoa. These sides complement the bright lemon and buttery garlic flavor of the cod without overpowering it.

How can I prevent the cod from sticking to the pan during cooking?

To prevent sticking, use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet, and heat the pan before adding butter. Make sure the butter is melted and hot but not burnt before placing the cod fillets in the pan. Avoid moving the fillets too soon; let the fish cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on each side to form a natural crust that releases easily.

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Recipe With Simple Ingredients

Name: Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 4 skinless cod fillets (6 oz each, about 1-inch thick); – 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; – 1/2 teaspoon paprika; – 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; – 1/4 teaspoon thyme; – 1/4 teaspoon oregano; – 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper; – 3/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste); – 3/4 teaspoon black pepper; – 1 tablespoon butter; – 1 tablespoon olive oil; – 4 tablespoons butter (remaining); – 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic; – 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; – 1 1/2 tablespoons chicken broth; – 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Ingredients

– 4 skinless cod fillets (6 oz each, about 1-inch thick)

– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

– 1/2 teaspoon paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

– 1/4 teaspoon thyme

– 1/4 teaspoon oregano

– 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

– 3/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

– 3/4 teaspoon black pepper

– 1 tablespoon butter

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 4 tablespoons butter (remaining)

– 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic

– 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

– 1 1/2 tablespoons chicken broth

– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1-Let’s dive into making this lemon garlic butter cod step by step. Start by mixing the dry ingredients: 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon thyme, 1/4 teaspoon oregano, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 3/4 teaspoon black pepper. Coat both sides of the 4 skinless cod fillets (6 oz each, about 1-inch thick) with this seasoning mix.

2-Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cod fillets and pan-sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer the cod to plates and reduce the heat to medium-low.

3-Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in the skillet, then add 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic and sauté for 15 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1 1/2 tablespoons chicken broth, letting some steam escape. Pour this sauce over the cod and garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.

Last Step:

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Notes

❄️ Thoroughly thaw frozen cod in the refrigerator the day before cooking.
🧻 Pat fillets dry before coating to help the flour mixture stick better.
⏱️ Avoid overcooking to keep the cod tender and prevent it from becoming tough.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-searing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet
Calories: 315 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 658 mg
Fat: 19 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 31 g
Cholesterol: 111 mg