Description
This Lemon Butter Cod recipe features tender, flaky cod fillets perfectly seasoned and pan-seared to a golden brown. The fillets are topped with a luscious lemon butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh parsley, creating a bright, savory dish that’s quick and easy to prepare—ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish & 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
For Cooking
- 5 Tbsp Danish Creamery Butter, cut into 1 Tbsp pieces, divided
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Sauce & Garnish
- 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
- Use skinless cod fillets about 1 inch thick for even cooking and best texture.
- Do not overcook the cod; it should flake easily when done.
- Be careful not to brown the garlic in the sauce to keep the flavor delicate and fresh.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth for a pescatarian option.
- For extra flavor, allow the fillets to rest a few minutes after cooking before serving.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to your preferred level of spiciness or omit if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
