Description
Tender, flaky Lemon Garlic Butter Cod baked or pan-seared with a rich, buttery garlic sauce brightened with fresh lemon. A quick, flavorful seafood dinner perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
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4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), fresh or frozen, skinless and boneless
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5 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
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Juice of 1 lemon + 1 tsp lemon zest
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: dill or thyme for garnish
Instructions
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Pat cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–40 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and zest, then remove from heat.
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For baked cod: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place cod in a greased baking dish, pour half of the lemon garlic butter sauce over fillets, and bake for 12–15 minutes until the fish flakes easily. Spoon remaining sauce over fish before serving.
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For pan-seared cod: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear fillets for 2–3 minutes per side. Reduce the heat to medium, pour the sauce into the skillet, and baste the fillets for another minute until fully cooked (internal temperature of 145°F).
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges or your favorite sides.
Notes
To prevent garlic from burning, sauté briefly over moderate heat.
Thaw frozen cod overnight in the fridge or in a sealed bag under cold water for 30–45 minutes.
For extra flavor, sprinkle smoked paprika or red pepper flakes before cooking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked or Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American