Garlic Butter Cod

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Golden on the outside and buttery tender inside, this Garlic Butter Cod is a showstopper of a dish that comes together in minutes. Seared to perfection and bathed in a flavorful garlic herb butter sauce, every bite melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of simple, elegant recipe that feels restaurant-worthy but can be easily mastered at home.

This cod recipe is versatile enough to serve as a light weekday dinner or a special meal for guests. With its rich flavor, crisp edges, and aromatic finish, it’s guaranteed to impress without overwhelming your schedule. Pair it with roasted veggies, fluffy rice, or a green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Cod

• Ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish
• High in protein, low in carbs — perfect for keto or paleo diets
• Restaurant-style flavor with minimal ingredients
• Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights
• Pairs beautifully with almost any side dish

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Their Importance)

To get that golden crust and buttery flavor just right, here are the tools you’ll need:

• Cast iron skillet or nonstick pan: A cast iron gives the perfect sear and maintains even heat. A nonstick pan is great for beginners to avoid sticking.
• Fish spatula: Thin and flexible to handle delicate fish without breaking it.
• Microplane or garlic press: For finely mincing garlic that blends into the butter effortlessly.
• Small saucepan: Useful if you want to make the garlic butter sauce separately.
• Kitchen tongs or silicone spoon: Helps you baste the fish easily with the garlic butter while cooking.

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Preparation Tips

Make sure your cod fillets are fully thawed and patted dry with a paper towel — moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Season the fish right before cooking to avoid drawing out moisture. Use medium-high heat to get a caramelized, crispy surface, and don’t flip too early; let the fish naturally release from the pan. Keep the butter sauce warm and pour it over the cod just before serving to retain that glossy, flavorful finish.

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Ingredients for this Garlic Butter Cod

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless and boneless
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Step 1: Pat Dry and Season the Cod

Before anything touches the pan, make sure the cod is completely thawed if previously frozen. Use paper towels to pat each fillet dry on all sides. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

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Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the chopped parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Keep warm on the lowest heat setting while you cook the fish.

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Step 3: Sear the Cod

Heat the olive oil in a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned cod fillets into the pan. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a golden crust forms.

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Step 4: Flip and Baste

Flip the fillets gently using a fish spatula. Spoon the warm garlic butter over the top as they finish cooking, about another 2–3 minutes depending on thickness. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.

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Step 5: Serve with Style

Transfer the cod to serving plates and pour the remaining garlic butter sauce from the pan over the top. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedges. Serve immediately while hot and buttery.

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Notes

Fresh cod works best for this recipe, but high-quality frozen fillets can also deliver excellent results — just be sure to thaw them completely. The garlic butter sauce is very adaptable: you can add capers, a splash of white wine, or even a few cherry tomatoes to enrich the flavor. For an extra crisp edge, lightly dust the cod with flour before searing.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the pan: This drops the temperature and causes the fish to steam rather than sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Skipping the dry step: Moisture on the fish prevents browning and leads to a soggy crust.
• Using too much heat: Cod is delicate; too high a heat can cause it to dry out or fall apart.
• Not preheating your pan: A cold pan ruins your chances of achieving that golden crust.
• Overcooking: Cod cooks quickly. Keep a close eye and test doneness by checking for easy flaking with a fork.

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Storage Instructions

Leftover Garlic Butter Cod should be cooled completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra butter to keep it moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fish rubbery. This recipe is best enjoyed fresh but still good the next day when properly handled.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: 280 (per fillet)
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 180mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cod should I use?

Fresh Atlantic or Pacific cod are both great choices. Look for thick, firm fillets that are boneless and skinless.

Can I use frozen cod?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to get that perfect sear.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a high-quality dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or ghee.

What sides go best with garlic butter cod?

Roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus, garlic rice, or a fresh garden salad pair beautifully with this dish.

How do I know when the cod is done?

The fish should flake easily with a fork and be opaque all the way through. Internal temperature should read 145°F (63°C).

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the garlic butter sauce ahead and refrigerate it. Just reheat it before serving.

What herbs can I use instead of parsley?

Chives, dill, or basil work wonderfully if you want a slightly different flavor profile.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely! With almost no carbs and plenty of healthy fats, it’s ideal for a ketogenic diet.

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Conclusion

Garlic Butter Cod is the kind of recipe that transforms a simple ingredient into something extraordinary. With minimal prep and a rich, savory butter sauce, it’s a meal that delivers both comfort and elegance. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a more refined evening, this dish promises to impress without stress. Serve it hot, with love, and watch it become a household favorite.

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