Lemon Garlic Butter Cod (Printable)

Flaky cod fillets simmered in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce for an elegant yet easy meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish & Main

01 - 4 cod fillets (about 5 oz each), skinless and boneless

→ Sauce

02 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 - Juice and zest of 1 lemon
05 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
06 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
07 - ½ tsp ground black pepper

→ Optional Garnish

08 - Lemon wedges

# Step-by-step:

01 - Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
02 - Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and foaming.
03 - Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
04 - Gently place the cod fillets in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, then carefully flip using a thin spatula.
05 - Add the remaining butter, lemon juice, and zest to the pan. Baste the fish with the melting butter sauce as it cooks for another 3-4 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
06 - Sprinkle with chopped parsley and remove from heat. Serve immediately, spooning extra lemon garlic butter sauce over each fillet. Garnish with lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce comes together in minutes but tastes like something from a fancy bistro
  • Cod is incredibly forgiving, making this perfect for beginner cooks who want impressive results
  • Everything cooks in one pan, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor
02 -
  • Overcooked cod becomes rubbery and dry, so remove it from heat just as it turns opaque throughout
  • The butter might brown slightly, which adds a wonderful nutty depth to the final sauce
  • Room temperature fish cooks more evenly, so let it sit out for 15 minutes before starting
03 -
  • Warm your plates in the oven for a few minutes before serving, keeping everything at the perfect temperature
  • Use a fish spatula with a thin, flexible edge for the most confident flipping

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