Description
This Garlic Butter Cod is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring perfectly seared cod fillets topped with a rich garlic butter sauce. Ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this recipe is simple yet impressive, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced (for serving)
Instructions
- Choose Fresh Cod: Select fresh cod fillets that are firm and have a mild ocean scent.
- Pat Dry: Gently pat each fillet dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear.
- Season the Fillets: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) evenly over both sides of the cod fillets.
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat without browning it.
- Add Garlic: Sauté the minced garlic in the melted butter for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Incorporate Herbs and Lemon: Stir in chopped parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and let simmer for another minute.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear the Cod: Place the seasoned cod fillets in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on one side without moving them.
- Flip the Fillets: Gently flip the cod fillets and pour the garlic butter sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until opaque and flaky.
- Baste the Cod: Baste the cod with the garlic butter sauce while it cooks to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Plate the Cod: Transfer the cooked fillets to a serving platter and drizzle with remaining garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with additional parsley and arrange lemon slices around the platter.
- Serve: Enjoy with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad, and offer extra lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Choosing the Right Pan: A non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan is recommended to prevent sticking.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying out the cod.
- Experiment with Flavors: Customize the garlic butter sauce with herbs or spices to suit your taste.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes