This Garlic Butter Cod is a light, flaky, and flavorful seafood dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes! Seared to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh herbs, this easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal any time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes.
- Healthy & Light – Packed with lean protein and omega-3s.
- Rich & Buttery – A flavorful garlic butter sauce enhances the mild cod.
- Customizable – Works with other fish like halibut, tilapia, or salmon.
- One-Pan Meal – Simple ingredients, minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Directions
1. Prep the Cod
- Pat cod fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Sear the Cod
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add cod fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and flaky.
- Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the cod.
- Serve with lemon wedges and extra parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- Herb Butter – Mix in thyme or dill for extra flavor.
- Creamy Lemon Sauce – Add 2 tbsp heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Grilled Cod – Cook on a grill for a smoky flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat or microwave for 30 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
What’s the best side dish for this?
Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Can I bake this instead?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes.
How do I prevent cod from sticking to the pan?
Use a non-stick skillet and make sure the oil is hot before adding fish.
Can I use other fish?
Yes! This recipe works great with halibut, tilapia, or haddock.
How do I know when cod is done?
It should be opaque and flaky with an internal temp of 145°F.
What type of butter is best?
Use unsalted butter to control the salt level.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use ghee or olive oil instead of butter.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer a little longer or stir in ½ tsp cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the sauce and reheat before serving.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Cod is an easy, flavorful, and healthy seafood dish that’s perfect for any meal. With a simple garlic butter sauce and fresh herbs, it’s a quick way to enjoy a restaurant-quality fish dinner at home. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, light, and satisfying meal!
PrintGarlic Butter Cod – Quick & Delicious Seafood Recipe
This quick and easy garlic butter cod is light, flaky, and packed with flavor. Cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon, this dish is perfect for a healthy, low-carb meal in under 20 minutes!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pan-Seared
- Method: Main Course, Seafood
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
Ingredients
- 2 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
1. Prep the Cod
- Pat cod fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture (this helps them brown nicely).
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
2. Sear the Cod
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place cod fillets in the pan and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes to the pan.
- Spoon the melted butter over the fish while cooking for another 2 minutes, until fully cooked.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fillets.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with extra lemon wedges.
- Pair with steamed veggies, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal!
Notes
- Don’t overcook! Cod should be opaque and flaky when done.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the butter sauce.
- Swap the fish: This recipe works great with halibut, tilapia, or salmon.