If you’re looking for a dish that feels elegant yet comes together effortlessly, this Garlic Butter Cod Recipe is an absolute winner. It combines flaky, tender cod fillets with a rich, garlicky butter sauce bursting with bright notes of lemon and fresh parsley, creating a marvelous harmony of flavors. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or treating someone special, this dish brings irresistible warmth and freshness to your table with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Cod Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, contributing flavor, moisture, and a pop of color to make the dish truly shine.
- Cod fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets about 6 ounces each for perfectly flaky fish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural taste of the cod.
- Unsalted butter: Brings a lush, creamy richness that balances the citrus and garlic perfectly.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a punch of aromatic, savory goodness that infuses the sauce.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the dish with crisp acidity to cut through the buttery sauce.
- Lemon zest: Delivers an extra layer of fresh citrus flavor and aroma.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Provides a vibrant green color and a herbal note to finish the dish.
- Olive oil: Used to sear the cod fillets, creating a beautiful golden crust.
- Lemon wedges: Perfect for extra tang on the side when serving.
How to Make Garlic Butter Cod Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Cod
Start by patting your cod fillets dry, then generously season both sides with salt and pepper. This simple step is crucial as it enhances the cod’s delicate flavor and ensures a tasty crust forms when searing.
Step 2: Sear the Cod Fillets
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the cod fillets skin side up (or smooth side if skinless) into the pan. Let them sear without moving for 3 to 4 minutes until a golden crust develops.
Step 3: Flip and Finish Cooking
Gently flip each fillet using a spatula and cook on the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork — a hallmark of perfectly cooked cod.
Step 4: Set Cod Aside
Remove the seared fillets from the skillet and set them on a warm plate. It’s important to give the fish a moment while you prepare that irresistible sauce in the same pan.
Step 5: Make Your Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium, then add the butter to the skillet. As it melts, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, filling your kitchen with amazing aroma that will have everyone eager to eat.
Step 6: Add Bright Lemon Notes
Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing them into the garlic butter. This combination adds a fresh, zesty brightness that perfectly complements the rich butter and flaky fish.
Step 7: Return Cod to the Pan
Place the cod fillets back into the skillet, spooning the luscious garlic butter sauce over them. Let the flavors meld together as the cod warms through in the sauce for a minute or two.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a lovely pop of green and herbal freshness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for anyone who loves an extra burst of citrus on their fish.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Cod Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of freshly chopped parsley makes all the difference by adding vibrant color and a contrasting flavor to the buttery, lemony cod. Lemon wedges are a must to enhance the citrus brightness on each bite.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Cod Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, or a light quinoa salad. The buttery sauce demands sides that can either soak up its richness or provide a fresh balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the cod over a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside a creamy cauliflower puree. A sprinkle of toasted almonds or pine nuts can add a delightful textural contrast to the smooth fish and sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Butter Cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain the fillets’ texture and flavor, refrigerate the fish and sauce together but gently reheat.
Freezing
While fresh is best with this dish, you can freeze cooked cod fillets wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap inside a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating carefully.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent drying out the fish. Spoon some extra butter or a splash of olive oil to keep the cod moist and tender, and warm through just until heated.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod for this Garlic Butter Cod Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the cod before cooking and pat it dry to get the best sear and flavor.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter gives you complete control over seasoning. Using salted butter works too but reduce added salt accordingly.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used in a pinch though fresh gives a more vibrant taste and texture. Alternatively, fresh cilantro or chives can add a herbal twist.
Can I bake the cod instead of pan-searing?
Yes, baking at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes works well. Add the garlic butter sauce after baking or briefly broil with the sauce for a golden finish.
How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?
Look for opaque, milky white flesh that flakes easily with a fork yet remains moist. Overcooking will dry it out, so check often in the final minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Cod Recipe is one of those rare finds that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. With simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special, it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite in your home kitchen.
Print
Garlic Butter Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 20m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Cod recipe features tender cod fillets seared to golden perfection and then coated in a fragrant garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon and parsley. Quick and easy to prepare, it makes a delicious, flavorful seafood dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 cod fillets, about 6 ounces each
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce & Seasoning
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Season the cod: Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper generously on both sides to enhance the flavor of the fish.
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sear the cod: Add the cod fillets to the skillet and cook without moving them for 3-4 minutes, until the bottom develops a golden brown crust.
- Flip and cook: Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
- Remove fish: Transfer the cooked cod fillets to a plate and set aside while you prepare the garlic butter sauce.
- Melt butter: Lower the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet, allowing it to melt completely.
- Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
- Add lemon: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to the garlic butter, mixing well to combine the bright flavors.
- Return cod to pan: Place the cod fillets back into the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce evenly over the top to coat them thoroughly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the fish and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for extra zing.
Notes
- Use fresh cod fillets for the best texture and flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the cod; it should flake easily but remain moist.
- Adjust the amount of garlic to taste if you prefer a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad to keep the meal balanced.
