Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon

$- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) When making Garlic Butter Cod, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Cod is a mild fish that cooks well with rich butter and bright lemon. The butter adds flavor, while the garlic gives it a nice kick. Start with cod fillets. Each should weigh about 6 ounces. This size cooks just right. Next, grab unsalted butter. You want to control how salty your dish is. For flavor, you’ll need minced garlic. Fresh garlic gives the best taste. The zest of a lemon adds brightness, while fresh lemon juice balances the rich butter. Don’t forget salt and pepper. They enhance all flavors. For a pretty touch, use fresh parsley to garnish your dish. Lastly, have some lemon wedges on the side for serving. They add a nice pop of color and flavor. These ingredients come together to make a savory and simple meal. You’ll love how easy it is to get started! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures your cod cooks evenly. 2. Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick. 3. Season both sides of the cod with salt and pepper. A good sprinkle will enhance the flavor. 1. In an oven-safe skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. This creates a rich base. 2. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. It should smell great, but don’t let it burn! 3. Stir in the zest of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Mix it well for a fresh taste. 1. Place the seasoned cod fillets in the skillet. Spoon some garlic butter over the tops. This adds flavor while it cooks. 2. Cook the fillets for about 2-3 minutes on medium heat. You want to sear the bottom but not fully cook it yet. 3. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the cod for 12-15 minutes. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork. 4. Once cooked, take the skillet out of the oven. Baste the cod with the garlic butter in the skillet. This keeps it moist and flavorful. 5. Garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for a bright finish. To ensure your cod is cooked perfectly, follow these steps: - Use fresh cod fillets for the best taste. - Pat them dry to help the seasoning stick. - Season both sides with salt and pepper. - Sear the cod for 2-3 minutes on medium heat. This gives it a nice crust. - Bake in the oven until it flakes easily with a fork. For the skillet, choose an oven-safe cast iron or nonstick skillet. These types heat evenly and are great for searing. They also make transferring to the oven easy. To boost the flavor of your garlic butter, try these herbs and spices: - Add fresh thyme for a warm, earthy taste. - Use a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. - Try dill for a fresh, bright note. Pair your garlic butter cod with these side dishes: - Serve with steamed asparagus or green beans. - A light salad with lemon vinaigrette works well too. - Try it with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for heartiness. These tips will help you create a delicious and satisfying meal that your family will love. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cod and freshly minced garlic will enhance the flavor of this dish significantly. Don’t Overcook the Cod: Cod cooks quickly; keep an eye on it to ensure it remains moist and tender. Customize the Butter: Experiment by adding other herbs like thyme or dill to the garlic butter for a different flavor profile. Serving Suggestions: Pair the cod with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can change the cod for other fish. Salmon or tilapia works well. They have nice flavors and cook similarly. This change gives you a new taste without much effort. Another fun twist is to use different citrus fruits. You can try lime or orange instead of lemon. These options add a new zing to the dish. They also keep that fresh, bright flavor you want. If you need gluten-free options, this recipe is already safe! Just check that your butter does not have any gluten. You can enjoy this meal without worry. For a dairy-free and vegan version, swap butter for olive oil. Use a plant-based butter for a creamier taste. This keeps the dish light while still being tasty. You can also add some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. To keep your Garlic Butter Cod fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. Place the cod in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps to avoid bacteria growth. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This prevents freezer burn and keeps it tasty. When it comes to reheating cod, the oven is your best friend. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use the stovetop. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add a bit of butter or oil. Place the cod in the skillet. Heat for about 5 minutes, flipping once. This way, the cod stays juicy and flavorful. How do I know when the cod is fully cooked? You can tell cod is done when it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. This usually takes about 12-15 minutes in the oven at 400°F (200°C). The fish should no longer look translucent. If you are unsure, use a food thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Can I substitute fresh lemon juice with bottled lemon juice? You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh juice gives better flavor. Fresh juice has a bright taste that enhances the garlic butter. If you must use bottled, choose a brand with no added sugars or preservatives. What to serve with Garlic Butter Cod? Garlic Butter Cod pairs well with light sides. Try serving it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad. Rice or quinoa also work nicely to soak up the garlic butter. For a fun twist, serve it with garlic bread. Is Garlic Butter Cod good for meal prep? Yes, Garlic Butter Cod is great for meal prep. The cod keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Just store it in an airtight container. When ready to eat, you can reheat it gently. That way, you enjoy a tasty meal without much effort. This blog post covered how to make delicious garlic butter cod. We looked at essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and storage tips. You now know how to cook cod perfectly. You also learned about flavor variations and dietary options. Seize the chance to impress your family with this dish. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and pairings. With practice, you will master this simple, tasty recipe. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Happy cooking!$

Garlic Butter Cod with Lemon

A delicious and easy recipe for cod fillets cooked in garlic butter with a hint of lemon.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Seafood

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets cod
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
as needed lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
In an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing well.
Place the seasoned cod fillets in the skillet, spooning some of the garlic butter over the tops.
Cook for about 2-3 minutes on medium heat (just enough to sear the bottom without fully cooking it).
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and baste the cod with the garlic butter in the skillet.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Serve the cod fillets on a platter, drizzled with garlic butter and sprinkled with parsley. Add lemon wedges around the fish for a pop of color and freshness.

Keyword cod, easy recipe, fish, garlic butter, lemon