Simple Garlic Butter Cod Fillets

Quick & Delicious: Simple Garlic Butter Cod Fillets

If you’re looking for an easy, elegant seafood dish, this Simple Garlic Butter Cod Fillets recipe is a winner! With minimal prep and a quick cooking time, this meal can be ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. The golden, buttery crust combined with a zesty garlic and lemon sauce brings out the best in this delicate fish. Here’s everything you need to know to create this simple yet flavorful dish.

Recipe: Simple Garlic Butter Cod Fillets

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (about 6oz each, 1 inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 tablespoons butter, cut into half-inch pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Cod

1. Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear.
2. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Cod

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, reduce the heat to medium and place the fillets in the pan with the skinned side down.
2. Use a spatula to gently press each fillet for about 5 seconds to ensure they make good contact with the pan.
3. Let the cod cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes until the underside is golden brown.

Step 3: Add Butter & Finish Cooking

1. Carefully flip the fillets to avoid breaking them, then add the butter pieces around the pan.
2. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, basting the fillets with the melting, browning butter until the cod reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (62°C).

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Remove the cod fillets from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Add minced garlic to the remaining butter in the pan and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt if needed.

Step 5: Serve

1. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the cod fillets and serve immediately.
2. Garnish with extra parsley and a slice of lemon, if desired.

Recipe Notes

• Choosing the Right Skillet: A non-stick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet works best to prevent the delicate cod from sticking or breaking during cooking.
• Flavor Variations: For extra depth, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a hint of spice, or add capers for a tangy twist.
• Pairing Suggestions: This cod pairs wonderfully with steamed asparagus, roasted potatoes, or a fresh side salad.

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 220 kcal per serving

Enjoy this light, flavorful seafood dish that’s sure to impress with minimal effort! Perfectly seared cod fillets drizzled with a fragrant garlic butter sauce make this recipe a go-to for a quick, delicious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Simple Garlic Butter Cod Fillets

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Simple Garlic Butter Cod Fillets are a delightful dish that brings out the natural flavors of fresh cod, complemented by a rich garlic butter sauce. Lightly seared in olive oil until golden, the fillets take on a buttery finish as they’re basted in garlic-infused butter, creating a tender, flaky texture. The addition of fresh lemon juice and parsley enhances the dish with a bright, zesty flavor that complements the richness of the butter.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 cod fillets, about 6oz each and 1 inch thick
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
4 tablespoons butter, cut into half-inch pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
2 tablespoons lemon juice, for serving

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Instructions

Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel, then season generously with salt and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, reduce the heat to medium and place the fillets in the pan, skinned side down.
Gently press on each fillet with a spatula for about 5 seconds to ensure they make good contact with the pan. Cook without moving the fillets until the underside is golden brown, approximately 4 minutes.
Carefully flip the cod fillets to avoid breaking and add the butter pieces to the pan. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, basting the fillets with the browning butter until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (62°C).
Remove the cod from the pan and set aside. Add the minced garlic to the remaining butter in the pan and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Stir in the chopped parsley and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed, and drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the cod fillets to serve.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 220