Lemon Garlic Butter Cod

A quick and indulgent lemon garlic butter cod recipe that's perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 pieces cod fillets (about 5 oz each) Fresh is best; Trader Joe’s has good options.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter Good quality butter is essential.
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced Avoid overcooking to prevent bitterness.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Fresh juice preferred.
1 teaspoon lemon zest
to taste Salt Avoid fancy sea salt for this preparation.
to taste Pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley For garnish.

Method

Cooking Instructions

Pat cod dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear cod for 2–3 minutes per side. Set aside.
Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same pan. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in lemon juice and zest. Simmer for 1 minute.
Return cod to pan. Spoon sauce over fillets and cook for 2–3 more minutes.
Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use fresh lemon juice and zest. Patting the fish dry is crucial to achieve a good sear. You can substitute cod with other flaky white fish like haddock or halibut.