This dish features tender cod cooked in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, paired with crispy roasted Brussels sprouts. It’s bright, tasty, and super easy to make!
You’ll love how the garlic and lemon elevate the cod, making it fresh and flavorful. Plus, those roasted sprouts? They’re the perfect crunchy sidekick! 🍋✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cod Fillets: Cod is a fantastic light fish for this recipe. If you’re looking for a substitute, consider using haddock, tilapia, or even salmon for a different flavor.
Brussels Sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts work best, but if they’re not available, you can use green beans or broccoli florets instead. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Olive Oil: A staple for roasting and sautéing, but you can swap it with avocado oil or melted coconut oil if desired.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a great flavor. If you run short, garlic powder can work in a pinch, but use less since it’s more concentrated.
Chicken Broth/White Wine: Both add depth to the sauce. If you prefer, vegetable broth or even water can be used for a lighter touch.
How Do You Get the Cod Just Right?
Cooking cod perfectly requires some attention to timing and heat. Here’s how you can nail it:
- Always use medium-high heat to sear the cod. This helps achieve a golden crust while keeping the inside tender.
- Avoid flipping the fish too early; wait until it naturally releases from the pan before turning it over.
- Cook only until it flakes easily with a fork, usually 3-4 minutes per side. Overcooking will make it dry.
By keeping an eye on the timing and temperature, your cod will turn out moist and flavorful every time!
Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine (optional, for sauce)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Time Needed:
This recipe should take about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. So, in around 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will get it nice and hot for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
2. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
In a mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with 1½ tablespoons of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Spread them out cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. Make sure to turn them once halfway through for even cooking!
3. Season the Cod:
While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, season the cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. This will help enhance the flavor of the fish.
4. Cook the Cod:
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1½ tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the cod fillets in the skillet. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on one side until they turn golden brown. Gently flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is completely cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Once done, transfer the cod to a plate and keep warm.
5. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
6. Add Lemon and Simmer:
Mix in the lemon zest and lemon juice into the garlic butter. If you are using it, pour in the chicken broth or white wine and allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting it reduce slightly.
7. Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked cod fillets to the pan, spooning the lemon garlic butter sauce over the top to coat them nicely.
8. Plate Your Meal:
Serve the cod fillets alongside the roasted Brussels sprouts. Drizzle any extra sauce from the pan over the fish for added flavor.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a lovely touch. Dig in and enjoy your bright, buttery cod paired with crispy roasted Brussels sprouts!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Cod for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cod! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing.
What If I Don’t Have Brussels Sprouts?
No problem! You can substitute Brussels sprouts with green beans, broccoli, or even asparagus. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as these veggies may require a bit less or more time to roast.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of lemon juice to revive the flavor!
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lemon garlic butter sauce ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in a skillet before drizzling over your cod when ready to serve.
