
Simple Homemade Garlic Lemon Butter Cod Fish
Get ready to fall in love with this Simple Homemade Garlic Lemon Butter Cod! It’s light, zesty, and oh-so-buttery. Perfectly pan-seared and packed with flavor, this dish is an easy way to bring restaurant-quality seafood to your table—no chef hat required! Let’s dive in!
5.0 out of 5 (1 rating)

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Cuisine
American
Ingredients
- •4 cod fillets (approx. 6 oz each)
- •3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- •3 garlic cloves, minced
- •2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- •1 teaspoon lemon zest
- •1 tablespoon olive oil
- •Salt, to taste
- •Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- •1 teaspoon paprika
- •2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- 1
Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel and season them generously with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- 2
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- 3
Place the cod fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fillets and set aside on a plate.
- 4
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add unsalted butter.
- 5
Once the butter has melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- 6
Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, cooking for another 1 minute.
- 7
Return the cod fillets to the skillet, spooning the garlic lemon butter sauce over the fish to coat evenly. Cook for another minute to heat through.
- 8
Transfer the cod to serving plates, drizzle with any remaining sauce, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Calories
250 calories
Protein
27g
Carbs
2g
Fat
14g
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cod fillets for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cod fillets, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Thaw the fillets in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water until fully thawed. Pat them dry thoroughly to ensure even cooking and prevent excess liquid from diluting the sauce.
Q: What can I use as a substitute for cod?
A: If cod is not available, you can use other white fish such as haddock, tilapia, or halibut. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets. Aim to cook the fish until it flakes easily with a fork.
Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by substituting the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative or using extra olive oil instead. The flavor will change slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.
Q: The cod fillets fell apart while cooking. What went wrong?
A: Cod is a delicate fish and can fall apart if handled too much. To avoid this, make sure the skillet is preheated and the olive oil is hot before adding the fillets. Use a wide spatula to flip the fish gently, and only flip once during cooking to prevent breaking.
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
A: While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, you can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch. However, the taste might not be as vibrant, so consider adding a bit more lemon zest to enhance the citrus flavor.
Q: What are some serving suggestions for this dish?
A: This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. The buttery lemon sauce also complements crusty bread for dipping.
Q: How should I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fish and sauce in a skillet over low heat and warm gently until heated through. Avoid using high heat to prevent the fish from drying out or becoming overcooked.
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