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
Scale
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.
