If you’re looking for a lemony, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth fish dinner that feels fancy but is actually super simple, then you’re going to want to try this Lemon Butter Cod Recipe. I absolutely love how the flavors come together — bright lemon juice brightens the buttery sauce while the gentle seasoning adds just enough extra oomph without overpowering the delicate cod. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to be a new favorite in your rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Elegant: You’ll impress anyone with this dish — it looks and tastes gourmet but is easy enough for a weeknight.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The lemon butter sauce brightens the flaky cod without overshadowing its natural delicate flavor.
Quick Cooking Time: From start to finish, this recipe takes just 25 minutes — perfect when you want something fast but special.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this, and I bet yours will too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are simple, but each plays a key role in making your Lemon Butter Cod Recipe shine. The blend of herbs with paprika and cayenne offers subtle depth and just a hint of warmth, while fresh lemon juice keeps it lively and fresh.

Cod fillets: Choose thick, skinless pieces—this ensures tender, flaky fish that cooks evenly.
All-purpose flour: Helps create a light crust on the fish when combined with spices.
Paprika: Adds a smoky sweetness—go for sweet or smoked paprika depending on your taste.
Onion powder: A subtle base flavor that enhances the seasoning mix.
Dried thyme and oregano: Classic herbs that complement fish without overpowering it.
Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch gives the dish a gentle kick—adjust to your heat preference!
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing everything together.
Danish Creamery Butter: If you can get it, definitely do—its richness really elevates the sauce.
Olive oil: Helps with a good sear on the fish without burning the butter.
Minced garlic: Adds aromatic depth to the lemon butter sauce.
Low-sodium chicken broth: I like this for a little savory balance without extra saltiness.
Fresh lemon juice: The star of the sauce—fresh squeezed is always best for brightness.
Fresh parsley: A simple garnish that adds color and a fresh herbal note.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this Lemon Butter Cod Recipe depending on what’s in season or what the family’s craving. It’s flexible, so feel free to swap or add ingredients to make it your own.

Herb Variations: Sometimes I swap the oregano and thyme for fresh dill or tarragon, which gives a lovely, fresh twist that pairs beautifully with fish.
Spicy Kick: If you like it hotter, add a dash more cayenne or even a pinch of red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic.
Dairy-Free Version: Use a good quality olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter for a rich, dairy-free option.
Protein Swap: This seasoning and sauce also work great with halibut or tilapia if cod isn’t available.

How to Make Lemon Butter Cod Recipe

Step 1: Spice Up Your Flour Mix

Start by whisking together the flour, paprika, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This seasoning blend is what gives the cod that beautiful golden crust with an extra flavor punch. Make sure it’s well mixed so it coats the fish evenly.

Step 2: Coat the Cod Fillets Evenly

Sprinkle and gently pat the flour mixture over both sides of each cod fillet. You’ll want to use all of it — the lightly dusted coating cooks up crisp and flavorful. Don’t skip patting it down; the key is an even, thin coat rather than a clumpy one.

Step 3: Sear the Fish to Golden Perfection

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your cod and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a gorgeous golden crust and fish that flakes easily with a fork—don’t overcook it or it’ll get dry.

Step 4: Make the Luscious Lemon Butter Sauce

After you remove the fish, turn the heat to medium-low and melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 15 seconds until fragrant but not browned (that can turn bitter). Carefully add the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice — watch out for the steam — then stir everything together.

Step 5: Bring It All Together and Serve

Pour that beautiful lemon butter sauce immediately over your cod fillets. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm, and get ready to hear compliments!

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Pro Tips for Making Lemon Butter Cod Recipe

Pat Your Fish Dry: Before coating with flour, drying the cod really helps the seasoning stick and ensures a crispy crust.
Don’t Rush the Sear: Let the cod cook undisturbed on each side to develop that golden crust—flipping too soon can cause it to stick or fall apart.
Use Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the sauce far better than bottled juice—it’s worth the extra squeeze!
Avoid Overcooking: Fish cooks quickly—once it flakes easily with a fork, it’s done. Overcooked cod is dry and sad, so keep a close eye.

How to Serve Lemon Butter Cod Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish with freshly chopped parsley for that burst of color and fresh herb flavor. Sometimes I add a lemon wedge on the side for those who want an extra squeeze of citrus. A little sprinkle of flaky sea salt right at the end is my secret to really making the flavors pop.

Side Dishes

This cod goes beautifully with simple roasted vegetables or a light salad to keep things fresh. For heartier options, garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto are my go-to sides — they soak up that luscious lemon butter sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this cod over a bed of sautéed spinach with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts. It’s elegant but still approachable. Another fun idea is plating each fillet with a colorful quinoa salad and microgreens — it adds texture and freshness that’s impressive yet easy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover lemon butter cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because the sauce is butter-based, it firms up when cold, but just let it come to room temperature before reheating.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing cooked cod with the sauce, but the texture suffers a bit — the fish can get a little crumbly after thawing. I recommend freezing uncooked coated cod fillets separately if you want to prep ahead and then make the sauce fresh when ready.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is gently warming the cod in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Pour a bit more fresh lemon butter sauce over top if needed to revive that fresh, buttery brightness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cod for this Lemon Butter Cod Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cod—just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before coating with the seasoning mix. This helps the flour and spices stick better and promotes even cooking.
What if I don’t have Danish Creamery Butter?

No worries! While Danish Creamery Butter adds richness, any good-quality unsalted butter works just fine. Just avoid margarine or highly processed spreads to keep the flavor authentic.
Can I bake this instead of pan-searing?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Coat the cod with the flour mixture, place it on a greased baking sheet, and bake for about 12-15 minutes until cooked through and flaky. Finish by drizzling with warm lemon butter sauce.
How do I know when the cod is cooked perfectly?

When properly cooked, cod should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque throughout. Try not to overcook it to keep it moist and tender.
Can I double this recipe for more servings?

Yes! Just be sure to cook the fish in batches so the pan isn’t overcrowded, which would steam the cod instead of searing it. Also, adjust your sauce quantities accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I’m so happy I discovered this Lemon Butter Cod Recipe — it’s become my go-to when I want something that tastes special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The buttery lemon sauce feels indulgent without being heavy, and the cod stays tender and flaky every time. I highly recommend giving this a try for your next dinner, whether it’s a casual weeknight or a date night at home. I bet it’ll become a favorite in your house just like mine!