Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce

Name: Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 600 g cod fillet (skinless, cut into 4 portions); 0.5 tsp salt; 1 pinch black pepper; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting); 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp butter (unsalted, cold, cut into cubes); 3 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tsp lemon zest (from organic lemon); 2 tbsp water; 2 tbsp parsley (fresh, finely chopped, for garnish)

RATING

4.4/5(87)

TASTE SCORE

8/10

Tender, flaky cod fillets pan-seared to golden perfection and finished with a bright, velvety lemon butter sauce. This light yet satisfying dish comes together in under 25 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or an elegant weekend meal.

PREP

10m

COOK

12m

SERVES

100 G

291 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 6 STEPS

prep
Pat the cod fillets dry and season.
1.Pat all cod fillets completely dry with paper towels.
2.Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
3.Lightly dust both sides with all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
TIPVery dry fish gives the best sear. Press firmly with paper towels.
fry · ~7 min
Sear the cod until golden.
1.Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2.Place fillets in the pan and cook without moving for 3–4 minutes until golden.
3.Flip carefully and cook the second side for 2–3 minutes until just opaque.
TIPDon't crowd the pan — cook in two batches if needed.
rest
Remove cod and let it rest.
Transfer the fish to a warm plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you make the sauce.
saute · ~2 min
Prepare the lemon butter sauce.
1.Reduce heat to low. Add cubed butter and minced garlic to the same skillet.
2.Swirl the pan and cook until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
3.Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and water. Swirl for 30 seconds until sauce is glossy.
TIPKeep the heat low — high heat will split the butter sauce.
assemble
Plate the cod and spoon over the sauce.
Place cod fillets on serving plates and generously spoon the warm lemon butter sauce over each one.
garnish
Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Scatter fresh parsley over the top and serve while the sauce is still warm.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Pat the cod completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp, golden sear.
2
Use a non-stick skillet and avoid moving the fillets for the first 3 minutes to develop a nice crust.
3
Cut the butter into small cold cubes and add it off the heat to prevent the sauce from splitting.
4
If cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in a low oven (200°F/95°C) on a wire rack.
5
Taste the sauce before spooning it over the fish; add a pinch of salt or extra lemon zest if needed.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

herb butter

Herb-butter

Swap the parsley garnish for 1 tablespoon each of fresh dill and chives stirred into the sauce for a brighter, more aromatic finish.

spicy lemon butter

Spicy lemon butter

Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the pan with the garlic for a gentle heat that complements the lemon.

capers & white wine

Capers & white wine

After removing the cod, deglaze the pan with 2 tablespoons of dry white wine, then add 1 tablespoon of rinsed capers along with the butter for a tangy, savory twist.

low carb / keto