Description
This Lemon Butter Cod recipe features tender, flaky cod fillets seared to golden perfection and topped with a rich, tangy lemon butter sauce infused with garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick and elegant weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients and easy steps to deliver a flavorful seafood dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish and Seasoning
- 4 (6 oz each) cod fillets, skinless, about 1-inch thick
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 3/4 tsp salt, or to taste
- 3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Cooking and Sauce
- 5 Tbsp Danish Creamery Butter, cut into 1 Tbsp pieces, divided
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 1/2 Tbsp low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning mix: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a flavorful coating for the cod fillets.
- Coat the cod fillets: Sprinkle and evenly spread the flour and spice mixture over both sides of each cod fillet, ensuring all the mixture is used to fully season the fish.
- Heat the skillet: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter together with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat to get it ready for searing the fish.
- Sear the cod: Place the coated cod fillets in the hot skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are cooked through. The fish should flake easily with a fork when done. Transfer the fillets to serving plates.
- Prepare the lemon butter sauce: Reduce the burner heat to medium-low and melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet used for the fish to retain flavor.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté just until it becomes fragrant and lightly deepens in color—about 15 seconds—making sure not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
- Add liquid ingredients: Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Stir the mixture gently; be cautious as it will steam immediately.
- Serve: Immediately pour the prepared lemon butter sauce over the cod fillets, then sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Serve the dish warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Ensure the cod fillets are about 1-inch thick for even cooking.
- Use fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor in the sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic to prevent it from turning bitter.
- Low-sodium chicken broth keeps the salt level balanced in the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet with sauce (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
