Description
Irresistible Lemon Garlic Butter Cod is a light yet flavorful seafood dish featuring tender, flaky cod fillets pan-seared to perfection and bathed in a luscious lemon-garlic butter sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon slices, for serving
Instructions
- Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add cod fillets and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same pan. Once melted, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice, chicken broth (or wine), and lemon zest. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Return cod to the skillet and spoon the lemon-garlic butter sauce over the top. Simmer for another minute to warm through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon slices.
- Serve immediately with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use fresh cod fillets for best flavor and texture; frozen fillets work too if properly thawed and patted dry.
- Substitute cod with halibut, tilapia, or haddock for variety.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course / Seafood
- Method: Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Mediterranean