Description

This easy 20-minute cod recipe features flaky fillets simmered in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s light, flavorful, and restaurant-worthy with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cod fillets (about 5 oz each, fresh or thawed from frozen)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for dredging)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
1 large lemon, zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons juice, 1 teaspoon zest)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Extra parsley or chives, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. If using flour, lightly dredge each fillet in flour, shaking off excess.
In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and half the chopped parsley. Reserve the last tablespoon of butter for finishing.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Wait until the butter melts and starts to foam.
Add cod fillets to the pan, presentation side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden and edges start to turn opaque.
Carefully flip each fillet with tongs or a spatula. Spoon the lemon garlic butter mixture over the fish. Cook another 2-4 minutes, basting with sauce and tilting the pan so the butter coats each piece. Cod should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets. Add the reserved tablespoon of butter and let it melt into the sauce. Sprinkle with remaining parsley.
Check for doneness: cod is done when it flakes easily and is opaque throughout. If unsure, use a thermometer—145°F in the thickest part.
Transfer fillets to plates and spoon over more sauce. Garnish with lemon slices and extra herbs. Serve immediately.

Notes

For gluten-free, use almond flour or skip the flour. For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter and extra olive oil. Cod cooks quickly—watch for flaking and avoid overcooking. You can bake the cod at 400°F for 12-15 minutes as an alternative method. Sauce can be doubled for serving over sides.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cod fillet with sauce (about 5 oz)
Calories: 260
Sodium: 350
Fat: 15
Saturated Fat: 7
Carbohydrates: 4
Protein: 24

Keywords: cod, lemon garlic butter, seafood, easy dinner, quick recipe, weeknight meal, gluten-free option, dairy-free option, skillet cod, healthy fish