If you’re craving a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare, then this Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Recipe is going to become your new weeknight hero. With tender, flaky cod fillets bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce brightened with zesty lemon, every bite is an absolute delight. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy evenings or impressing friends without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients are all you need to bring this dish to life. Each element plays a crucial role in balancing richness, freshness, and a hint of herbaceous warmth that makes the cod shine.
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each): Fresh or thawed, these are the star of the dish with their mild flavor and flaky texture.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melts into a silky sauce that coats the fish beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a savory punch.
- Juice of 1 large lemon: Brightens and lifts the entire dish with zesty freshness.
- Zest of 1 large lemon: Provides an extra layer of citrus fragrance and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses subtle earthy and floral notes to complement the cod.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the cod to a beautiful golden crust.
- Lemon slices, for garnish: Adds charm and an extra citrus touch on the plate.
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes: For those who like just a hint of heat to balance the buttery richness.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Season
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, generously season both sides of your cod fillets with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning is key to enhancing the natural flavors of the fish.
Step 2: Sear the Cod
Next, heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add your cod fillets and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. This step locks in moisture and adds wonderful texture.
Step 3: Flip and Add Garlic Butter
Carefully flip the fillets over using a spatula. Immediately add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt completely. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell its irresistible aroma, but be careful not to let it burn.
Step 4: Add Lemon and Herbs
Pour the fresh lemon juice over the fish, then sprinkle the lemon zest, dried oregano, and the optional red pepper flakes right on top. These ingredients come together to create a beautifully fragrant sauce that will soak into the flaky fish during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake the cod for 12 to 15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork. The oven completes the cooking, gently firming the fish while allowing the garlic butter and lemon flavors to meld perfectly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the cod is out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top to add a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately, garnished with lemon slices for extra brightness and that picture-perfect look.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley and lemon slices aren’t just for looks – they add a pop of color and a burst of fresh, herbal and citrus flavors that complement the rich butter and tender fish magnificently. Feel free to add a few sprigs of dill or chives for variety.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Recipe pairs beautifully with light sides such as steamed asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple mixed green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, roasted baby potatoes or quinoa tossed with fresh herbs are perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve your cod over a bed of creamy risotto or alongside lemon-infused couscous. You can even plate this dish family-style on a rustic wooden board with lots of lemon wedges and fresh herbs scattered around for a casual yet elegant look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have some leftovers, store the cod fillets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days, making it easy to enjoy this flavorful meal again without starting from scratch.
Freezing
While fresh cod is best enjoyed right away, you can freeze cooked leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your cod gently in a low oven (around 275°F or 135°C) to avoid drying it out. You can also reheat in a skillet over low heat with a touch of butter or olive oil to revive the garlic butter sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fish for this Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Recipe?
Absolutely! While cod is fantastic for its texture and flavor, you can substitute with halibut, haddock, or even salmon if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness and type of fish.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil. The dish will still be rich and flavorful, though the butter adds a lovely creaminess that’s hard to beat.
How spicy is this recipe with red pepper flakes?
The optional pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle warmth that balances the richness and brightness. If you like things mild, feel free to skip them altogether.
Can I cook this dish entirely on the stovetop instead of baking?
You can finish cooking the fish on the stovetop by covering the skillet and allowing it to steam gently for a few extra minutes, but baking helps cook the fish evenly and meld flavors nicely.
What kind of pan should I use to prepare this recipe?
Use a large ovenproof skillet, preferably cast iron or stainless steel, so you can easily transfer it from stovetop to oven without changing pans.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Recipe is a deliciously simple way to bring something special to your dining table without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s a perfect blend of buttery richness, fresh citrus brightness, and garlicky goodness that will keep you coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how effortless and satisfying homemade seafood can be!
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Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod recipe features tender, flaky cod fillets cooked in a rich butter and garlic sauce with bright lemon zest and juice, finished with fresh parsley. The combination of searing and oven baking results in perfectly cooked fish with a flavorful, buttery glaze enhanced by subtle oregano and a hint of heat from optional red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the cod after searing.
- Season Cod: Season both sides of the cod fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor of the fish.
- Sear Cod: In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When hot, add the cod fillets and sear one side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, creating a flavorful crust.
- Flip Fillets: Carefully flip the cod fillets using a spatula to prepare the other side for cooking.
- Add Butter and Garlic: Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. Then add the minced garlic, sautéing it for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt, to infuse the sauce with aroma.
- Add Lemon and Seasonings: Pour the lemon juice over the fish, then sprinkle the lemon zest, dried oregano, and if desired, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Bake Cod: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the cod is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork, ensuring moist, tender fish.
- Finish with Parsley: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the fillets for a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Serve: Serve the cod immediately garnished with lemon slices for added citrus brightness and a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- Use an ovenproof skillet to safely transfer the cod from stovetop to oven.
- The optional red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that complements the lemon and garlic flavors but can be omitted for a milder dish.
- Be careful not to overcook the cod to keep it moist and flaky.
- Fresh parsley at the end adds color and freshness – do not cook it.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially the salt and pepper.
