Description
Buttered Cod in Skillet is a quick, easy, and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender, flaky cod fillets cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon juice and herbs. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe balances delicate cod flavors with zesty brightness and a buttery finish, all ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Fish
- 4 cod fillets, about 5–6 ounces each
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Finishing
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Season the cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to infuse flavor and promote browning.
- Sear the fish: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the cod fillets in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes to develop a golden crust on the bottom.
- Flip and add butter: Gently flip the cod fillets using a spatula. Reduce heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet, allowing the butter to melt and garlic to infuse the sauce.
- Baste the cod: As the butter melts, use a spoon to baste the butter and garlic over the cod repeatedly. Continue cooking for an additional 3–4 minutes until the fish is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Add lemon: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir fresh lemon juice and lemon zest into the garlic butter sauce to add brightness and tang.
- Garnish and serve: Spoon the buttery lemon garlic sauce over the plated cod. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Patting the cod dry helps it develop a better golden crust.
- Avoid overcooking the fish; cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Thick fillets may require a few additional minutes of cooking.
- Serve with roasted potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
