If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner that tastes like it came straight from a fancy seafood restaurant, Garlic Butter Cod is the answer! This dish is light, flaky, and packed with rich, buttery flavor—perfect for a healthy weeknight meal or an elegant dinner at home.
Imagine tender cod fillets bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, with a hint of lemon and fresh herbs to brighten every bite. It’s simple, incredibly flavorful, and ready in under 20 minutes. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Cod
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Quick and Easy
This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious fast.
Healthy and Light
Cod is a lean, high-protein fish loaded with essential nutrients like omega-3s and vitamin B12. Paired with heart-healthy olive oil and butter, it’s a nutritious meal you can feel good about.
Restaurant-Worthy Flavor
The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and herbs creates a mouthwatering sauce that makes this dish taste gourmet with minimal effort.
Versatile
Serve it with veggies, rice, pasta, or a fresh salad—it pairs well with almost anything!
Beginner-Friendly
Even if you’re new to cooking fish, this recipe is practically foolproof. The key is to not overcook the cod, and I’ll guide you every step of the way!
Ingredients in Garlic Butter Cod
This dish is made with just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients that come together beautifully:
Cod Fillets: The star of the dish! Cod is mild, flaky, and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce.
Butter: The base of the rich, velvety sauce that makes this dish irresistible.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a bold, savory kick that infuses the butter with flavor.
Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the butter.
Olive Oil: Helps get that perfect golden sear on the cod fillets.
Seasonings: A simple blend of salt, black pepper, and paprika enhances the natural flavors.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley or thyme adds a fresh, aromatic touch to finish off the dish.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Pan
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. This helps create a beautiful golden crust on the cod.
Season the Cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. This ensures maximum flavor and a nice color when seared.
Sear the Cod
Place the fillets in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and flaky. Be careful not to overcook—cod is delicate and cooks quickly!
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same pan, lower the heat and add the butter and minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then squeeze in fresh lemon juice.
Baste the Cod
Spoon the warm, buttery sauce over the cod fillets, letting them soak up all that garlicky goodness.
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve immediately with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Cod
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads
A light, crisp salad with a lemon vinaigrette makes a refreshing side.
Roasted Vegetables
Pair with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a nutritious meal.
Rice or Quinoa
A fluffy bed of rice or quinoa soaks up all the delicious garlic butter sauce.
Crusty Bread
Serve with warm, crusty bread to mop up every last drop of the sauce.
Pasta
Toss some cooked pasta in the garlic butter sauce for a complete, satisfying meal.
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Cod for Best Results
Fresh, high-quality cod makes all the difference in flavor and texture. If using frozen cod, thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
Don’t Overcook the Fish
Cod cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it! It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Add Extra Flavor
Try a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a splash of white wine for extra depth.
Make It Dairy-Free
Swap the butter for ghee or a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the fish.
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of fish?
Yes! This recipe works great with halibut, tilapia, or even salmon.
Can I bake this instead of pan-searing?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, then pour the garlic butter sauce over before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat cod?
Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes to keep it from drying out.
Can I freeze cooked cod?
Yes, but it’s best eaten fresh. If freezing, store in an airtight container for up to a month and reheat slowly.
How do I prevent my cod from sticking to the pan?
Use a non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet and ensure the pan is hot before adding the fish.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Fresh garlic is best for flavor, but pre-minced garlic can work in a pinch.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick.
What other herbs can I use?
Try fresh basil, thyme, or chives for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the garlic butter sauce ahead and store it in the fridge.
How do I know when the cod is done?
It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Overcooking will make it dry.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Cod is proof that simple ingredients can create an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or serving guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
Print
Garlic Butter Cod
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 plates 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Buttered Cod is a quick and easy one-pan meal that’s garlicky, lemony, and full of rich buttery flavor. Ready in just 16 minutes, it’s perfect for Healthy Dinner Recipes, Quick Dinner Ideas, and High-Protein Recipes. Plus, it’s keto-friendly, low-carb, gluten-free, and packed with 31g of protein per serving.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs cod fillets, cut into smaller pieces
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Season Cod: Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the cod fillets.
- Cook the Cod: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tbsp butter. Add the cod and cook for 2 minutes.
- Flip & Add Butter: Reduce heat to medium-low, gently flip the cod, and add the remaining butter. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Finish & Serve: Drizzle with fresh lemon juice, then garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ghee or olive oil for a dairy-free version.
- Pair with steamed vegetables, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Be gentle when flipping the cod to keep it from breaking apart.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 297
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1.2g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg