Introduction
Looking for a quick, healthy, and restaurant-quality seafood dinner? This Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod is tender, flaky fish cooked in a garlicky lemon butter sauce with a hint of herbs—ready in just 15 minutes!
Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is low-carb, keto-friendly, and packed with bright, fresh flavors. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a complete meal that feels gourmet without the effort.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Butter Cod
Ready in 15 Minutes – Faster than takeout!
Healthy & Light – High in protein, low in carbs.
Bursting with Flavor – Garlic, lemon, and butter elevate simple cod.
Versatile – Works with other white fish like haddock or halibut.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Lemon Butter Cod
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients & Tools
Ingredients:
- 4 (6 oz) cod fillets, skinless
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon (zest + juice)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For Serving (Optional):
- Steamed asparagus
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Lemon wedges
Tools Needed:
- Large skillet (non-stick or stainless steel)
- Tongs
- Microplane or zester
Step 2: Cooking the Lemon Butter Cod
- Season the Fish – Pat cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Cod – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add cod and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, zest, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
- Finish & Serve – Return cod to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and cook for 1 more minute. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges.
Tips for the Best Lemon Butter Cod
Pat the Fish Dry – Ensures a golden sear.
Don’t Overcook – Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Use Fresh Lemon – Bottled juice won’t give the same bright flavor.
Add Capers – For a briny twist, stir in 1 tbsp capers with the garlic.
For a creamy version, add 2 tbsp heavy cream to the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Moving the Fish Too Soon – Let it sear undisturbed for a crispy crust.
Overcrowding the Pan – Cook in batches if needed.
Using High Heat – Butter burns easily—keep at medium heat.
Skipping Fresh Herbs – Parsley or dill adds freshness.
FAQs About Lemon Butter Cod
Q: Can I use frozen cod?
A: Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently.
Q: What other fish works?
A: Try haddock, halibut, or sea bass. Adjust cooking time based on thickness.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use ghee or olive oil instead of butter.
Conclusion
This Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod is a light, flavorful, and foolproof seafood dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its zesty, buttery sauce and tender fish, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod: A Light & Flaky 15-Minute Dish
- Total Time: 15 mins
Description
Looking for a quick, healthy, and restaurant-quality seafood dinner? This Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod is tender, flaky fish cooked in a garlicky lemon butter sauce with a hint of herbs—ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients
Seafood
• 4 Cod fillets
Produce
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 Lemon, Juice and zest of
• 1 Lemon, slices
• 2 tbsp Parsley, fresh
Baking & Spices
• 1 Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Oils & Vinegars
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
Dairy
• 4 tbsp Butter, unsalted
Instructions
1. Prep the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Cod: Add the cod fillets to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the cod from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add Lemon and Parsley: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh parsley. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is well combined and slightly thickened.
6. Return the Cod: Place the cod fillets back into the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over the top. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm the cod through.
7. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the cod fillets to a serving plate, garnish with lemon slices, and spoon any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top. Serve immediately.
