There’s something incredibly satisfying about cooking Butter Cod with rich, buttery flavors and a zesty twist. It’s one of those dishes that pulls everyone to the kitchen. The aroma alone feels like a warm hug. My family always lingers around the table a little longer whenever I serve this dish, especially after we’ve had a long day exploring the city or when unexpected guests drop by. For those cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends, this dish will surely be the evening’s highlight. Learn more in my Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipes .
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Quick and easy preparation in just 20 minutes.
- Fresh flavors with garlic and lemon zest.
- Crispy, golden-brown skin .
- Juicy and tender texture that melts in your mouth.
- Healthful and minimal ingredients for a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Step-by-step instructions
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil together. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Place the seasoned cod fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Gently flip the fillets, pour in lemon juice, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon zest, then serve immediately.
Recipe tips & variations
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
- Swap out cod for another white fish like haddock or halibut if desired.
- Feel free to use vegan butter and plant-based oil for a dairy-free version.
- Can you imagine trying this recipe with lime instead of lemon? The tang would be amazing!
Storage & reheating
- Store any leftover Butter Cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a little extra butter to retain moisture.
FAQs
What kind of cod should I buy?
I recommend fresh, wild-caught cod for the best texture and flavor. However, frozen cod works great too and is quite convenient!
Can I bake the cod instead?
Absolutely! Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, checking for flakiness.
Is there a substitute for fresh lemon juice?
While fresh is best, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Just a tablespoon or two will suffice.
How can I tell when the cod is done?
The fish should flake easily with a fork when done, and it should appear opaque rather than translucent.
Recipes you may like
- Breakfast Potatoes Recipe Easy & Crispy
- Breakfast Pizza Recipe Easy & Cheesy
- Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipes
This Butter Cod recipe is a delightful dish that’s bound to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to save this recipe for later and share your thoughts in the comments below!
Lemon Garlic Butter Cod
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-free
Description
A quick and easy Lemon Garlic Butter Cod recipe that’s juicy, tender, and full of fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil together. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Place the seasoned cod fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Gently flip the fillets, pour in lemon juice, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon zest, then serve immediately.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
- Swap out cod for another white fish like haddock or halibut if desired.
- Feel free to use vegan butter and plant-based oil for a dairy-free version.
- Can you imagine trying this recipe with lime instead of lemon? The tang would be amazing!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg