Name: Lemon Butter Cod Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 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

If you’re looking for a fish recipe that’s simple, quick, and downright delicious, then you’ll want to try this Lemon Butter Cod Recipe. I absolutely love how the tender, flaky cod soaks up that luscious lemon butter sauce—it’s like a little burst of sunshine on your plate! Whether you’re a seafood newbie or a seasoned pro, you’ll find this recipe super approachable and incredibly satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Easy: It comes together in about 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Bright and Flavorful: The tangy lemon butter sauce adds amazing depth without overpowering the fish.
Perfectly Tender Cod: Coating the cod in spices and searing it locks in moisture for that flaky texture I can’t get enough of.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish, and it’s become a staple in our dinner rotation.

A white oval plate holds four pieces of golden brown cooked fish, each topped with chopped green herbs and small bits of garlic in a light buttery sauce. Thin slices of bright yellow lemon wedge around and under the fish pieces, adding a fresh touch. The plate sits on a white marbled surface beside a wrapped stick of Danish Creamery European style butter in blue and yellow packaging. To the right, a fresh whole lemon and a small bunch of green parsley tied with string rest on the marbled surface. A striped cloth napkin is placed to the left, and wooden plate with silver forks is partially visible on the right edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Lemon Butter Cod, lemon butter fish, easy seafood dinner, quick fish recipes, flaky cod dishes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The great thing about this Lemon Butter Cod Recipe is how a handful of simple ingredients come together to create something spectacular. A quick tip: using fresh lemon juice and high-quality butter really makes a difference—you’ll taste it!

Flat lay of fresh, skinless cod fillets, thick and pale pink-white, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl with a red-orange paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl with light tan onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl with dried greenish thyme, a small white ceramic bowl with dried oregano leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with bright reddish cayenne pepper powder, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black peppercorns, small pieces of pale yellow Danish butter arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of minced fresh garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of light golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl with bright yellow fresh lemon juice, a small bunch of bright green chopped fresh parsley, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Lemon Butter Cod, lemon butter fish, easy seafood dinner, quick fish recipes, flaky cod dishes

Cod fillets: Choose thick, skinless pieces to ensure they stay juicy and cook evenly.
All-purpose flour: For coating the fish — this helps the seasonings stick and creates a light crust.
Spices (paprika, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper): These add warmth and complexity without making it too spicy.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors.
Danish Creamery Butter: I love this butter for its creamy richness—feel free to use your favorite brand.
Olive oil: Helps prevent the butter from burning and adds a subtle fruity note.
Minced garlic: Just a quick sauté adds wonderful aroma and flavor.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds a savory base to the lemon butter sauce while keeping sodium in check.
Fresh lemon juice: The star of the dish! Freshly squeezed is a game-changer compared to bottled.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceousness at the end.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Lemon Butter Cod Recipe my own by tweaking the flavors or adding extra ingredients, and you can too! It’s such a flexible base that works well with lots of different tastes.

Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch more cayenne or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky heat boost that my family enjoys.
Herb twist: Swapping parsley for fresh dill or basil gives it a fresh new twist that’s perfect for spring and summer.
Make it dairy-free: Use olive oil instead of butter and coconut milk instead of chicken broth for a delicious alternative.
Different fish: If you can’t find cod, halibut or haddock work wonderfully with the same technique and sauce.

How to Make Lemon Butter Cod Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Cod with the Spice Blend

Start by whisking together the flour, paprika, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Pat your cod fillets dry with paper towels—this helps the coating stick better and gives you a nice sear. Sprinkle the flour mixture over both sides of each fillet and gently press it in so they’re well coated. Don’t skimp here; the spices form a beautiful crust and flavor base.

Step 2: Sear the Cod Until Golden and Flaky

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter along with the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s sizzling, add the cod fillets. You’ll want to cook them for about 3-4 minutes per side, but watch closely so they don’t overcook. The cod should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done. This searing locks in juiciness and creates the gorgeous golden crust I rave about.

Step 3: Make the Lemony Garlic Butter Sauce

After transferring the fish to your serving plates, turn the heat down to medium-low. Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet, and toss in the minced garlic. Saute it for just about 15 seconds until fragrant and slightly colored—be careful not to brown it, or it can turn bitter. Remove the skillet from heat and carefully stir in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice; it’ll steam up, so take your time. This sauce is what really elevates the recipe to something special.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Pour the luscious lemon butter sauce right over the cod fillets, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately. The warmth of the sauce and the fresh herbs are the perfect finishing touch that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

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Pro Tips for Making Lemon Butter Cod Recipe

Pat It Dry: Moisture is the enemy of a good sear—always dry your fish before coating.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if needed to keep the heat consistent and get that perfect crust.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: It brightens the sauce in ways bottled just can’t match.
Watch Your Garlic Closely: Garlic burns quickly—just a quick sauté modestly infuses flavor without bitterness.

How to Serve Lemon Butter Cod Recipe

The image shows a close-up of three thick, cooked fish pieces on a white plate with a white marbled background. Each piece has a golden-brown, crispy top layer with a textured surface, while the sides show the white, tender inside of the fish. A glossy, amber-colored sauce is being poured from a clear small glass container onto the front fish piece, adding shine and moisture. The sauce creates a smooth, shiny layer that contrasts with the rough, crispy top of the fish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Lemon Butter Cod, lemon butter fish, easy seafood dinner, quick fish recipes, flaky cod dishes

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with just freshly chopped parsley because I love that burst of color and hint of earthiness it adds. Sometimes, I add a few thin lemon slices on top for that extra zing and visual appeal. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of finely chopped chives or a dusting of smoked paprika can be lovely too.

Side Dishes

This Lemon Butter Cod pairs beautifully with light and fresh sides. I often go for garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a simple quinoa salad with fresh herbs. For something green, sautéed spinach or a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette works great to echo the citrus notes of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like plating the cod on a bed of creamy risotto, then drizzling the lemon butter sauce in a pretty circle around the edge of the plate. Adding microgreens or edible flowers on top adds a neat touch that always impresses guests. You can also serve the cod in individual mini skillets for a rustic, cozy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let the cod cool to room temperature, then store the fish and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge. It usually stays good for up to 2 days, though I always prefer eating it fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

Freezing cooked cod with the butter sauce isn’t my favorite because the texture can get a little soft after thawing, but if you need to, wrap it tightly in foil and place it in a freezer bag. Use within a month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

I recommend reheating leftover Lemon Butter Cod gently in a low oven (about 275°F) wrapped loosely in foil to avoid overcooking. Alternatively, a quick warm-up in a skillet over low heat works well—just be careful not to cook it too long or it’ll dry out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this Lemon Butter Cod Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw your cod completely and pat it dry before coating with the flour and spices. This helps prevent excess moisture which can interfere with the searing process.
What if I don’t have Danish Creamery Butter?

No worries! Any good quality unsalted butter will do. The Danish Creamery is just my personal favorite because of its rich creaminess, but regular butter yields excellent results too.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavors will still be delicious and fresh.
How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?

Cook it until the fillet is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork—usually about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Avoid overcooking, or it’ll turn dry.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Butter Cod Recipe has honestly become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something that feels special but comes together without a fuss. It’s bright, buttery, and comforting all at once, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too. If you love quick seafood with big flavor, don’t hesitate—give this a try and enjoy every flaky, buttery bite!