Go Back
- 4 cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each) - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon slices (for garnish) For this Lemon Butter Garlic Cod, you need fresh ingredients to get the best taste. Cod fillets should be firm and bright. I recommend using unsalted butter to control the saltiness. Garlic adds a wonderful aroma. Make sure to use fresh garlic, as it gives a much better flavor than powder. The lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. Thyme and parsley add depth and freshness. You can adjust these herbs based on what you like. Lastly, don't forget the salt and pepper. They enhance all the flavors. For garnish, fresh parsley and lemon slices add a beautiful touch. For the full recipe, you can see the detailed steps to prepare this delightful dish. Enjoy cooking! - Heat the Skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. - Sauté the Garlic: Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it until it smells great. This usually takes about 30 seconds. - Incorporate Lemon and Herbs: Next, add the zest and juice of 1 large lemon. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Let this mix cook for one more minute. - Prepare and Cook Cod: Season 4 cod fillets with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. The fish should look opaque and flake easily. - Add Butter Again: In the last minute, add the last tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Swirl it gently to coat the fillets. - Serve and Garnish: Transfer the cod to a platter. Drizzle the sauce from the skillet over the fish. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices for a pop of color. For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Butter Garlic Cod section. To get the best texture, check if the cod flakes easily with a fork. This means it is fully cooked. If it does not flake, let it cook a bit longer. Aim for a nice, opaque look. This shows that your cod is tender and juicy. Fresh herbs make a big difference. Try using dill, basil, or cilantro for a new twist. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat. A splash of white wine in the sauce can deepen the flavor too. Experiment to find your favorite combination. While this recipe uses a skillet, you can also grill or bake the cod. Grilling gives it a nice char, and baking is easy and hands-off. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F and cook for about 12-15 minutes. No matter the method, check for that perfect flake. If you want to learn about the full recipe, check the details above. {{image_4}} You can add spice to your lemon butter garlic cod for a kick. Try adding red pepper flakes to the melted butter. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. This small addition can change the dish from mild to exciting. If you like heat, feel free to add more! If you don't have cod, you can use other fish. Options like tilapia, haddock, or snapper work well. Each fish has its flavor, but they all cook nicely with the lemon butter sauce. Choose a fish that you enjoy most for a tasty meal. For those who need a dairy-free option, you can swap the butter. Use olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute. Both options keep the meal rich and flavorful. Just follow the same steps in the recipe for best results. You’ll still enjoy the zesty taste! For the Full Recipe, visit the main article section. To keep leftover cod fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the cod in an airtight container. Make sure it stays cool to preserve its taste and texture. Cod can last for up to three days in the fridge. When you're ready to eat it again, check for any off smells or changes in color. If you want to keep cooked cod longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cod tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, put it into a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Cooked cod can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. To defrost, move it to the fridge for a day or use the microwave on a low setting. To reheat cod, use gentle heat to keep it flaky. The best method is to warm it on the stove. Add a little butter or oil to a skillet over low heat. Place the cod back in the skillet, cover it, and heat for about five minutes. You can also use the oven. Set it to 350°F and warm the cod for about 10 minutes. This will help keep the flavor intact. For more delicious ideas, check out the Full Recipe. Cook cod for about 4-5 minutes on each side. The time depends on the fillet's thickness. Thinner fillets cook faster, while thicker ones may need more time. Always check for doneness by looking for an opaque color and flaky texture. Yes, you can use frozen cod. Thaw it in the fridge overnight for best results. If you're short on time, you can place the sealed cod in cold water for about an hour. After thawing, follow the recipe as normal. Lemon Butter Garlic Cod goes well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed asparagus - Garlic mashed potatoes - Rice pilaf - Roasted vegetables - A fresh green salad You can prepare some parts ahead. Make the lemon garlic sauce and store it in the fridge. You can also season the cod fillets early. Just cook them fresh for the best taste. The cod is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. You can also use a fork to test the texture gently. If it breaks apart easily, it’s ready to serve. Enjoy your meal! This blog post shared a simple, tasty recipe for Lemon Butter Garlic Cod. We covered essential ingredients like cod fillets, butter, and garlic, along with flavor boosters like lemon and herbs. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking and tips for perfect texture. Variations included spicy additions and dietary adjustments. Finally, we discussed storage tips and answered common questions. Cooking this dish can impress anyone at your table. Enjoy the flavors and have fun in your kitchen!

Lemon Butter Garlic Cod

Elevate your dinner with this delicious Lemon Butter Garlic Cod recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that's bursting with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes. Learn how to sauté cod in a rich lemon butter sauce, perfectly seasoned with garlic and herbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 cod fillets (approximately 6 oz each)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Heat the Skillet: Begin by preheating a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and allow it to melt completely until it becomes slightly bubbly.

    Sauté the Garlic: Immediately add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and golden. Be careful not to let it burn, as this may impart a bitter flavor.

      Add Lemon Flavorings: Incorporate the lemon zest and juice into the skillet, followed by the dried thyme and parsley. Stir everything well to mix the flavors, then let the sauce simmer for another minute to enhance the aroma.

        Prepare the Cod: While the sauce simmers, season the cod fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the seasoned fillets into the skillet, allowing them to cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side. The fish is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

          Finish with Butter: In the final minute of cooking, introduce the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Swirl it around gently in the pan until it melts and beautifully coats the fillets for added richness.

            Serve the Cod: Once the cod is cooked to perfection, carefully transfer the fillets onto a serving platter, taking care not to break them apart.

              Drizzle and Garnish: Generously drizzle the garlic lemon butter sauce from the skillet over the cod. Finish off the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and eye-catching lemon slices.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the cod fillets attractively on a platter, adding fresh lemon slices around them for color. A sprinkle of chopped parsley on top and an extra drizzle of the lemon butter sauce will enhance the visual appeal and make the dish enticing.