Irresistible Lemon Garlic Butter Cod – Light, Flaky, and Packed with Flavor

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod is a restaurant-worthy meal that takes just 20 minutes to make. The cod cooks beautifully—tender, moist, and flavorful—while the butter and lemon sauce gives it a silky richness. It’s easy, versatile, and packed with fresh, bright flavors that pair perfectly with nearly any side dish. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb and high in protein, making it as nourishing as it is delicious.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cod fillets – Mild, flaky white fish that absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully. Fresh or frozen (thawed) fillets both work well.

Butter – The heart of the sauce, adding rich, creamy flavor and helping to brown the fish lightly.

Olive oil – Helps prevent the butter from burning and adds a subtle fruitiness to the dish.

Garlic – Freshly minced for a bold, aromatic punch that complements the lemon perfectly.

Lemon juice – Brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter. Freshly squeezed is best.

Lemon zest – Adds an extra pop of citrus fragrance and flavor.

White wine (optional) – Adds depth and enhances the sauce’s complexity; chicken broth can be used instead.

Paprika – Adds a hint of smokiness and color to the fish.

Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing every flavor.

Fresh parsley – Finely chopped for garnish, adding freshness and color.

Flour (optional) – Lightly coating the cod helps it achieve a delicate crust when pan-seared.

Directions

1. Pat the cod dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. (Optional) Lightly dredge the fillets in flour, shaking off any excess. This helps them brown beautifully.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter foams, add the cod fillets.
4. Cook the cod for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden and just opaque in the center. Remove the fish and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and white wine (or chicken broth). Let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes to thicken slightly.
7. Return the cod fillets to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let them warm through for about 1 minute.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional lemon slices before serving.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: Approximately 20 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the fish moist. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent the cod from drying out.

Variations and Customizations

Garlic Herb Butter Cod – Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill to the sauce for a fragrant twist.

Spicy Lemon Cod – Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the butter sauce for a hint of heat.

Creamy Lemon Cod – Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream at the end for a silky, rich finish.

Crispy Parmesan Crust – Dredge the cod in a mix of flour and grated Parmesan before searing for a golden crust.

Caper Lemon Butter Cod – Add a spoonful of capers for a tangy, briny contrast to the buttery sauce.

Honey Garlic Lemon Cod – Mix a teaspoon of honey into the sauce for a sweet-salty balance.

Vegetable-Packed Version – Add cherry tomatoes, spinach, or asparagus to the pan for a complete one-skillet meal.

Mediterranean Style – Incorporate olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano for a coastal twist.

Lemon Pesto Cod – Finish with a dollop of basil pesto for a vibrant, herby flavor.

Air Fryer Variation – Air-fry the cod fillets, then pour the lemon butter sauce over them before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod?

Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure even searing.

What can I substitute for cod?

Halibut, haddock, tilapia, or grouper all work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I bake instead of pan-sear?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then drizzle the sauce over before serving.

How do I know when the cod is done?

The fish should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque throughout.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use vegan butter or olive oil instead of regular butter.

What’s the best wine to use?

A dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

The sauce can be prepared in advance, but the fish is best cooked fresh for optimal texture.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

Simmer it longer or whisk in a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch slurry.

What sides go best with this dish?

Serve with rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or steamed asparagus.

Conclusion

The Irresistible Lemon Garlic Butter Cod is a dish that combines simplicity with elegance—light, flaky cod nestled in a silky lemon-garlic butter sauce that’s both zesty and comforting. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for guests. With every tender, buttery bite, this recipe reminds you that the best meals are often the simplest—fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and a touch of homemade love.

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