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lemon garlic butter cod - featured image

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Recipe

  • Author: Olivia Grace
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This easy 20-minute seafood dinner features flaky cod fillets seared in olive oil and finished with a vibrant lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s a light, flavorful, and restaurant-quality dish perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), fresh or thawed from frozen
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 medium lemons, juiced and zested
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, smoked paprika preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Pat each cod fillet dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let fillets rest at room temperature for 5 minutes.
  2. Set a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and let it heat until shimmering (about 1 minute).
  3. Place cod fillets in the hot pan, presentation side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the edges turn opaque and the bottom is lightly golden. Flip gently and cook another 2-3 minutes. Cod should flake easily when poked with a fork. (Cover the pan for the last minute if fillets are thick.)
  4. While cod is cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave bowl. Stir in minced garlic and lemon juice (about 1/4 cup). Heat gently until fragrant—about 1 minute. Add lemon zest.
  5. Transfer cooked cod fillets to a plate. Pour the hot lemon garlic butter sauce over each fillet. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  6. Serve cod immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

Use fillets of similar thickness for even cooking. Pat cod dry for a golden crust. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based butter. Cod can be baked at 400°F for 12-15 minutes as an alternative method. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 2 days. For extra crunch, dust fillets with almond flour before searing.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cod fillet with sauce (about 6 oz)
  • Calories: 250
  • Sodium: 430
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 2
  • Protein: 30

Keywords: cod, lemon garlic butter, seafood, easy dinner, gluten-free, quick recipe, fish, weeknight meal, healthy, pan-seared cod

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Find it online: https://lowcaloriesrecipe.com/lemon-garlic-butter-cod-recipe-easy-20-minute-seafood-dinner/