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Garlic Lemon Butter Cod

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⭐ Why You’ll Love It:

✔️ Fast, fresh, and healthy
✔️ Buttery, garlicky, lemony goodness
✔️ Pairs with any veggie or grain
✔️ Naturally low-carb & gluten-free

🧾 Ingredients

  • 4 cod fillets (5–6 oz each, fresh or thawed)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best!)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

👩‍🍳 Instructions

🔸 Step 1: Prep the Cod

  1. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels.
  2. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

🔸 Step 2: Sear the Cod

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Carefully add cod fillets and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and flaky. (Avoid flipping more than once to keep them intact.)
  3. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

🔸 Step 3: Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

  1. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.
  2. Once melted, stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Add lemon juice, zest, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 1 minute.

🔸 Step 4: Combine & Serve

  1. Return cod fillets to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.
  2. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, just to heat through.
  3. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

🥗 Serving Ideas:

  • Over garlic mashed potatoes, rice, or quinoa
  • Alongside roasted asparagus, green beans, or a side salad
  • With crusty bread to soak up all that buttery sauce

❄️ Storage & Reheat:

  • Fridge: Store leftovers up to 2 days
  • Reheat: Gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or lemon juice
  • Freezer: Not recommended — cod can get mushy once thawed

❓ FAQs

Can I use frozen cod?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Can I bake instead of pan-sear?
Definitely! Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, then drizzle the sauce over at the end.

Can I use other white fish?
Yes — try tilapia, halibut, or haddock.

💡 Final Thoughts

This Garlic Lemon Butter Cod is flaky, flavorful, and fuss-free. With bright citrus and rich butter, it’s a light but satisfying dinner that comes together in minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners alike. 🐟🍋

Want a parmesan-crusted cod or Mediterranean-style version next? Let me know!

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