If you’re craving a dish that feels both indulgent and fresh, this Lemon Butter Cod Recipe is your new go-to. It combines flaky, tender cod with a rich, velvety lemon butter sauce that’s brightened by garlic and fragrant herbs. With a perfect balance of zest and creaminess, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a gourmet experience right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this Lemon Butter Cod Recipe will quickly become a favorite you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may look straightforward, but each one plays a key role in delivering layers of flavor, texture, and a beautiful golden color to your Lemon Butter Cod Recipe. From the spices that crown the fish to the creamy butter and fresh lemon juice, every element is essential.
- Cod fillets (4×6 oz, skinless): Choose fresh or thawed cod for tender, flaky fish that soaks up all the lovely flavors.
- All-purpose flour (1 Tbsp): Provides a light coating that helps the spices stick and creates a delicate crust when searing.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle earthiness and warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Lends mild sweetness and depth to the seasoning blend.
- Dried thyme (1/4 tsp): Brings an herbaceous hint that complements the lemon and butter beautifully.
- Dried oregano (1/4 tsp): Offers a slightly peppery, aromatic touch to the fish’s seasoning.
- Cayenne pepper (1/8 tsp): Provides just a whisper of heat to awaken the palate.
- Salt (3/4 tsp) and freshly ground black pepper (3/4 tsp): Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Danish Creamery Butter (5 Tbsp, divided): Rich and creamy butter is the star of the sauce and for searing the fish.
- Olive oil (1 Tbsp): Helps achieve the perfect sear and balances butter’s richness with a subtle fruity note.
- Minced garlic (1 Tbsp): Infuses the butter sauce with fragrant warmth and savory depth.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1 1/2 Tbsp): Adds moisture and a gentle savory background to the lemon butter sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 1/2 Tbsp): Delivers that essential bright and zesty flavor, cutting through the richness beautifully.
- Chopped fresh parsley (1 Tbsp): A fresh, green garnish that adds color and a mild herbaceous note.
How to Make Lemon Butter Cod Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning Mix
Start by whisking together the flour, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This spice blend is the foundation for the flavorful crust that will develop on your cod, infusing every bite with a delicate balance of warmth and herbiness.
Step 2: Coat the Cod
Generously sprinkle the seasoning mix over both sides of each cod fillet. Use your hands to evenly spread it out, ensuring every inch is coated. This step is what transforms simple fish fillets into a beautifully seasoned, crispy crust when seared.
Step 3: Heat Butter and Oil
In a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter together with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. The oil keeps the butter from burning at higher temperatures and helps you get that perfect golden sear on the cod.
Step 4: Sear the Cod Fillets
Place the seasoned fillets in the hot skillet, cooking each side for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the outside to be a gorgeous golden brown while the inside remains tender and flaky. When done, transfer the fillets carefully to serving plates so they don’t lose any of their crispness.
Step 5: Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in the same pan, allowing it to soak up all the flavorful browned bits left from searing the cod. This step creates a rich base for your sauce, packed with savory goodness.
Step 6: Sauté Garlic
Add the minced garlic and sauté for just about 15 seconds until fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to overcook it, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. This quick sauté infuses the butter with a wonderful aromatic punch.
Step 7: Finish the Sauce
Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully stir in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. The steam will rise as these ingredients combine, creating a silky, tangy sauce that beautifully complements the richness of the butter and the mild flavor of the cod.
Step 8: Serve
Immediately spoon the warm lemon butter sauce over the cod fillets, then sprinkle with the bright, fresh parsley. Serve the dish while it’s warm to enjoy the perfect harmony of creamy, citrusy, and savory flavors.
How to Serve Lemon Butter Cod Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the classic choice to brighten this dish, adding a pop of green and a subtle herby note. For extra brightness, consider a thin lemon twist or a few lemon zest shavings right before serving. A sprinkle of smoked paprika also adds a lovely visual touch and depth.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Butter Cod Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Think steamed asparagus or green beans to add a crisp texture, or a simple garlic mashed potato to soak up that luscious lemon butter sauce. A vibrant quinoa salad or roasted baby potatoes tossed with herbs also complements the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, place the cod fillet atop a bed of sautéed spinach or wilted greens, then drizzle your lemon butter sauce artistically around the plate. Use edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-quality finish. Another idea is to serve the cod in individual shallow bowls with the sauce ladled generously, inviting everyone to dive right in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Lemon Butter Cod Recipe covered tightly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days to maintain freshness and avoid dryness.
Freezing
Freezing cooked cod is possible, but the texture may soften slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the cod fillets in a skillet over low heat, spooning some of the reserved lemon butter sauce on top to keep the fish moist and flavorful. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the fish rubbery. Reheat just until warmed through to maintain that delicate texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish for this Lemon Butter Cod Recipe?
Absolutely! While cod is ideal for its mild flavor and flaky texture, you can substitute similar white fish such as haddock, halibut, or tilapia. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice in the sauce?
Fresh lemon juice really makes a difference in brightness and acidity for the sauce. Bottled lemon juice lacks the fresh vibrant flavor that elevates the dish, so I definitely recommend fresh if you can.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can mix the seasoning blend ahead and keep it in an airtight container for several days. Also, if you’re short on time, coat the fish with the seasoning but wait to sear it just before serving so it stays crisp.
What’s the best way to get a crispy crust on the cod?
Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the fish, and don’t crowd the pan. Using a combination of butter and olive oil helps achieve a golden crust without burning. Let the fish sear undisturbed for the full 3 to 4 minutes per side.
How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?
The cod should flake easily with a fork and look opaque all the way through. Overcooking can make it dry, so watch the timing carefully and remove it from the pan as soon as it flakes.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Butter Cod Recipe is one of those special dishes that feels like a treat but comes together quickly and simply. It’s all about the happy dance between the buttery sauce, bright lemon, and perfectly seasoned fish. I promise once you make it, this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. So grab some fresh cod and give it a try—you’re in for a truly delightful meal!
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Lemon Butter Cod Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lemon Butter Cod recipe features tender, flaky cod fillets seared to golden perfection and topped with a luscious lemon butter sauce. The delicate seasonings and fresh lemon juice elevate the natural flavor of the fish, making it a quick and elegant meal ideal for busy weeknights or special dinners. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish combines savory spices, creamy butter, and bright citrus for a deliciously balanced seafood experience.
Ingredients
Cod and Seasoning
- 4 (6 oz each) cod fillets, skinless, about 1-inch thick
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 3/4 tsp salt, or to taste
- 3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Cooking & Sauce
- 5 Tbsp Danish Creamery Butter, cut into 1 Tbsp pieces, divided
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 1/2 Tbsp low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoning Mix: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until fully combined.
- Coat the Cod: Evenly sprinkle and spread the flour and spice mixture over both sides of each cod fillet, ensuring the entire surface is coated with the seasoning blend.
- Heat Butter and Oil: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, preparing the pan for searing the fish.
- Sear the Cod Fillets: Add the seasoned cod fillets to the hot skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the fish is golden brown and cooked through, easily flaking with a fork when done. Transfer the cooked fillets to serving plates.
- Prepare Lemon Butter Sauce: Reduce the burner temperature to medium-low and melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet used for cooking the fish.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté briefly, just until fragrant and lightly deepened in color, about 15 seconds, taking care not to brown the garlic.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and carefully stir in the low-sodium chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, watching for steam as you combine the ingredients.
- Serve: Immediately pour the warm lemon butter sauce over the cod fillets, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for garnish, and serve while warm.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the cod to achieve a perfect sear.
- Do not overcook the cod; it should flake easily but still be moist.
- Adjust seasoning to taste based on your salt and spice preferences.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright, citrus flavor.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth for a lighter option.
