Description
A quick, forgiving, and restaurant-quality weeknight meal featuring tender cod fillets seared in a skillet with browned butter, fresh lemon, and plenty of garlic. Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) cod fillets, fresh or thawed frozen
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons (1 for juice, 1 for slices/zest)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for finishing
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained (optional)
Instructions
- Pat cod fillets completely dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt and foam until it smells nutty.
- Place cod fillets in the hot pan, ensuring they are not crowded. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms.
- Flip the fillets gently. Reduce heat to medium.
- Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, minced garlic, and lemon zest to the pan. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- If using wine, add it now and let it simmer for a minute to reduce.
- Baste the fish repeatedly with the hot butter sauce using a spoon.
- Cook for another 2-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove fish from pan and plate. Pour remaining sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure fish is very dry before searing to prevent steaming. Do not move the fish while it sears to allow a crust to form. Garlic burns quickly, so keep heat at medium. Cod continues to cook slightly after removal from heat, so avoid overcooking. For baking alternative: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), place seasoned cod on lined baking sheet, drizzle with melted butter and garlic, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: cod recipe, one pan dinner, quick weeknight meals, lemon butter fish, garlic cod, healthy seafood, gluten-free dinner, 15 minute meals