This Easy Garlic Butter Cod is a tasty and quick dinner that everyone will love! Juicy cod fillets are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce that makes your taste buds dance. 😋
I find this dish perfect for busy nights because it comes together in under 20 minutes. Serve it with rice or veggies, and you’ve got a meal that looks fancy but is super simple!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cod fillets: Fresh cod is the star of this dish, delivering flaky, mild taste. If fresh isn’t available, frozen cod works too—just thaw it properly first. You can also substitute with other white fish like tilapia or haddock.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that rich flavor. If you’re short on fresh cloves, you can use garlic powder or minced jarred garlic, but reduce the quantity since the flavor is stronger.
Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness. For a healthier take, use olive oil instead of butter. You can also try ghee for a nutty flavor.
Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. If you’re out, you can replace it with a splash of white vinegar or skip it altogether, but it brings out the fish’s flavor beautifully.
How Do I Get My Cod Fillets Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking cod can be tricky since it’s delicate. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Make sure to dry the cod well with paper towels before cooking. This helps it sear better.
- Use a hot skillet—medium-high heat is ideal. This keeps the fish from sticking and gives it a nice crust.
- Don’t rush the cooking! Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping only once. Look for it to turn opaque.
- Rest the cod briefly before serving. This lets it retain moisture and enhances the flavor.
Enjoy making your cod dish and feel free to make it your own by mixing in your favorite spices or herbs!
Easy Garlic Butter Cod Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious Easy Garlic Butter Cod recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, so you can have a delightful dinner ready in just about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cod:
Start by patting the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the fish to cook evenly and achieve a nice sear. Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt, pepper, and paprika if you’re using it for a little extra flavor and color.
2. Searing the Cod:
Heat up a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned cod fillets in the skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Once cooked, gently remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Let it melt completely. Once melted, add the minced garlic to the butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning. You want the garlic to smell amazing, but not to brown.
4. Combining Flavors:
Add the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley into the skillet, mixing everything together. Then, return the cod fillets to the skillet and spoon the delicious garlic butter sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
5. Serving:
Once done, transfer the cod fillets to a serving platter, drizzling them with the garlic butter sauce. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness. Enjoy your delightful, easy garlic butter cod for dinner!
Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Cod Fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen cod! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. An easy way to do this is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight or quickly thaw them by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute For Cod?
If you can’t find cod, other mild white fish like tilapia, haddock, or halibut work well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the fillets differ in thickness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the fillets in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra butter or oil to keep them moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While the cod is best fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before serving and cook the cod right before you plan to eat for the best flavor and texture!
