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Lemon Garlic Butter Cod – Easy Fish Recipes for Dinner

Alright, I have to confess—this Lemon Garlic Butter Cod recipe feels like unlocking the magic shortcut to a restaurant-worthy dinner at home. The moment you start sizzling that butter with garlic, your kitchen instantly smells like a cozy seaside bistro, and you just KNOW something delicious is coming. The cod flakes perfectly tender, soaking up all those bright lemony, buttery flavors that make your taste buds do a happy dance. Trust me, this is the kind of dish that looks fancy but is embarrassingly easy to pull off—no need for complicated techniques or mysterious ingredients. I can’t wait to walk you through this one, because once you try it, you’ll want it in your weeknight dinner rotation ASAP!

Quick Facts

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional but lovely!)

For the Sauce / Garnish (if applicable):

Extra lemon wedges, for serving

How I Make It

Step 1:

Pat your cod fillets dry with paper towels—this is key for getting a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until just shimmering.

Step 2:

Carefully place the cod fillets in the skillet, giving them plenty of space, and let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until the underside is golden and releases easily from the pan.

Step 3:

Flip the fillets gently with a spatula. Immediately add unsalted butter to the pan along with the minced garlic. Tilt the skillet a bit and spoon the melted butter and garlic over the tops of the fish. Cook for another 4 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Step 4:

Turn off the heat and squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the fillets, then sprinkle with lemon zest and chopped parsley for that pop of color and freshness.

Step 5:

Give the fish one last gentle baste with the buttery sauce, then transfer to plates. Serve with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can splash on more tang if they like.

Step 6:

Enjoy immediately while it’s warm and tender—this cod is delicate, buttery, and bursting with bright lemon garlic flavor that melts in your mouth.

Variations & Tips

If you can’t find cod, firm white fish like haddock or halibut work beautifully.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a gentle heat boost.
For a richer sauce, stir in a splash of white wine after adding the butter and garlic.
Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed to keep the fillets searing properly.
If fish sticks to the pan, give it a little more time—it’ll naturally release when the crust sets.

How I Like to Serve It

This cod pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the sauce. On warmer nights, I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to echo those bright citrus flavors. It’s perfect for a relaxed weeknight dinner or even a casual weekend feast with friends.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently in a skillet to keep the fish moist.
Fresh lemon juice adds a zesty lift, but bottled lemon juice will work fine in a pinch.

Closing: This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod is a foolproof dinner that impresses without the stress—once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a fast favorite in my kitchen!