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
Scale
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.
