Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s bursting with bright yet buttery flavors, you absolutely need to try this Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Recipe. It’s a wonderful balance of tender, flaky cod fillets enveloped in a luscious garlic butter sauce, brightened perfectly by fresh lemon juice and zest. This recipe is not only simple but truly elevates everyday cod into a dinner that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight or entertaining guests, this flavorful dish will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Recipe lies in its simplicity, using fresh, high-quality ingredients each playing a vital role. Every element from the zesty lemon to the rich butter creates layers of flavor and a beautiful balance of textures and colors.

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each): Choose firm, fresh fillets for the best texture and mild flavor that soaks up the butter and lemon.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce without overpowering the delicate fish.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, pungent kick that cuts through the richness.
• Juice of 1 large lemon: Brings a bright, tangy freshness that lifts the entire dish.
• Zest of 1 large lemon: Intensifies the lemon flavor with a fragrant citrus aroma.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbal note that complements the fish beautifully.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Enhances all the ingredients, highlighting the natural flavors.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant green color and a mild herbaceousness.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing, helping to develop a golden crust on the cod.
• Lemon slices, for garnish: Provides a pretty finishing touch with extra citrus flavor for diners who want it.
• Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes: For a subtle heat that livens up the buttery richness.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Get your oven ready by preheating it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This temperature ensures the cod cooks through perfectly while allowing the garlic butter sauce to bubble and infuse the fish with its lovely flavors.

Step 2: Season the Cod

Generously season both sides of your cod fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning forms the flavorful foundation that makes each bite well-rounded and delicious. Don’t be shy here—seasoning is key to a tasty fish.

Step 3: Sear the Fish

Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the cod fillets into the skillet and let them sear without moving for about 2 to 3 minutes. This step gives the fish a beautiful golden crust that seals in the juices, adding texture and depth to the dish.

Step 4: Flip the Fillets

Gently flip each fillet using a spatula so the uncooked side is now down. This layering of cooking ensures the cod is evenly done and maintains its delicate moistness.

Step 5: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt, mingling its creamy richness with the seared cod. Then, toss in the minced garlic, sautéing it for just about 30 seconds until you smell that irresistible savory aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as that can add bitterness.

Step 6: Add the Zesty Lemon and Herbs

Pour fresh lemon juice over the fish, scatter the lemon zest, and sprinkle dried oregano all over the skillet. If you’re feeling adventurous or want a slight kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. These bright flavors lift the cod and add complexity to the sauce.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. This step finishes cooking the cod all the way through and melds the flavors together as the butter sauce gently bubbles around the fillets.

Step 8: Add Fresh Parsley

When your cod is perfectly cooked and flakes easily with a fork, carefully remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top. This final touch adds color, freshness, and a little crisp herbaceous flavor to complement the richness.

Step 9: Serve with Lemon Slices

Plate your cod fillets and add lemon slices on the side for a beautiful presentation and a chance for diners to squeeze more citrus over their dish. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its best.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Recipe

Garnishes

Lemon slices are an obvious, beautiful garnish that enhances presentation and flavor, but you can also sprinkle extra fresh parsley or even some thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. A light drizzle of the buttery sauce remaining in the pan can also be spooned over each fillet to keep every bite juicy.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the buttery sauce. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Rice pilaf or a fresh couscous salad also complement the bright, citrus-forward notes of the cod perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, consider plating the cod on a bed of lightly sautéed spinach or with a colorful medley of heirloom tomatoes and olives drizzled with olive oil. Garnishing with edible flowers can elevate the look. Another fun idea is to serve the cod on individual small cast iron skillets straight from oven to table for a rustic yet elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers from this incredible Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cod is best eaten within 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor, so plan to enjoy it soon after cooking.

Freezing

While it’s best to consume cod fresh, you can freeze cooked leftovers. Wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place them in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly affected after freezing.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm your cod in a low oven (around 275°F or 135°C) until heated through, which helps prevent it from drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can easily make the fish tough. Reheat the sauce separately on the stovetop if needed and spoon it over to refresh the buttery goodness.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Recipe?

Absolutely! While cod is ideal for its mild flavor and flaky texture, firm white fish like haddock, halibut, or tilapia would also work wonderfully with this lemon garlic butter sauce.

How do I know when the cod is fully cooked?

The cod should flake easily with a fork and look opaque throughout. Overcooking can make it dry, so check at about 12 minutes and continue baking only if needed.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply substitute the butter for a dairy-free margarine or extra olive oil. The garlic and lemon will still provide plenty of flavor without dairy.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not unless you add the optional red pepper flakes, which only add a gentle heat. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely based on your spice preference.

Can I prepare this recipe without an ovenproof skillet?

If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, you can sear the cod in a regular pan then transfer the cod and sauce to a baking dish before placing it in the oven. Just be sure to scrape any flavorful bits from the pan into the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate, bright, buttery, and impossibly satisfying. Its straightforward ingredients come together in a way that makes you feel like you’ve created something special without complicated techniques. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and find yourself loving it as much as I do. Once you do, I’m convinced it will become a beloved classic in your kitchen too!

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