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Juicy lemon garlic butter cod fillets served with fresh herbs and lemon slices

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod

A quick and flavorful dish that combines buttery cod with bright lemon and garlic, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 4 fillets cod fillets (about 5 oz each) Can substitute with haddock or halibut.
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter For a dairy-free version, substitute with plant-based butter or olive oil.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley Can substitute with basil or cilantro.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat cod dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the cod for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden, then set aside.
Sauce Preparation
  1. Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Allow to simmer for 1 minute.
Final Cooking
  1. Return the cod to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the fillets, and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
  2. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the fish. Consider pairing with rice, sautéed green beans, or a fresh salad.