Description

Garlic Butter Cod is a delicate and flavorful seafood dish that highlights the mild, flaky texture of cod paired with a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. The cod fillets are usually pan-seared or baked to a perfect golden-brown crisp on the outside, while staying tender and juicy inside. The garlic butter sauce is made by melting butter and infusing it with freshly minced garlic, often with a touch of lemon juice and herbs like parsley to add brightness and freshness. The result is a comforting and aromatic dish where the subtle sweetness of the cod is enhanced by the indulgent, garlicky butter sauce. It’s typically served with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice, making it a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to make Garlic Butter Cod:

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless and boneless
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Cod: Cod is a mild-flavored fish with a delicate, flaky texture. It’s a great base for any flavorful sauce and takes on the garlic butter beautifully.
Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the essential aromatic flavor that makes this dish so enticing. It infuses the butter sauce with its savory depth.
Butter: The unsalted butter creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the cod fillets, enhancing the flavor without overwhelming it.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest add a burst of brightness and balance out the richness of the butter, while complementing the cod perfectly.
Fresh Parsley: Parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that contrasts the richness of the garlic butter sauce.

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Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Garlic Butter Cod:

Prepare the Cod Fillets:

Pat the Cod Dry: Use paper towels to pat the cod fillets dry. This helps ensure a nice sear and prevents excess moisture from making the fillets soggy.
Season the Cod: Season both sides of the cod fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). This helps to enhance the natural flavor of the fish.

Cook the Cod:

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to get hot, but not smoking.
Pan-Seared Cod: Place the seasoned cod fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. The cod should develop a golden brown crust on the outside while staying tender and flaky on the inside. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook the fillets in batches if needed.
Remove and Set Aside: Once cooked, remove the cod fillets from the skillet and set them aside on a plate, covering them loosely with foil to keep them warm.

Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:

Melt Butter: In the same skillet, add the 2 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt, scraping up any flavorful bits left in the pan from the cod.
Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and zest, scraping up any remaining bits from the bottom of the pan. This will create a tangy, flavorful sauce to pour over the cod.
Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice, if needed. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat if you prefer.

Finish and Serve:

Return Cod to the Skillet: Place the cooked cod fillets back into the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top to coat them evenly.
Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the cod fillets, and garnish with additional lemon wedges if desired.
Serve: Serve the Garlic Butter Cod immediately with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 300-350 kcal
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 25g