Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my cozy kitchen, the enticing aroma of garlic sizzling in butter brought a wave of nostalgia, reminding me of family dinners where laughter and good food mingled. Today, I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin, a meal that effortlessly blends simplicity with elegance. This dish highlights the delicate, flaky cod beneath a golden, crispy skin, kissed with zesty lemon and fragrant garlic for a delightful finish. Not only is this recipe a quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, but it also elevates your dining experience when entertaining guests. Trust me, your family and friends will be asking for seconds! Are you ready to bring this seafood sensation to your table? Let’s dive in! Why Is This Cod Recipe a Must-Try? Quick & Easy: You’ll love how this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special. Bold Flavors: The zesty lemon and fragrant garlic not only elevate the cod but also fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Versatile Options: Feel free to swap cod for halibut or tilapia, depending on what’s fresh and available. This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious! Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Impress your guests with this restaurant-quality meal right at home. Pair it with a side of Hasselback Potatoes Garlic or a simple salad for a perfect balance. Health-Conscious Choice: Packed with protein and healthy fats from butter and olive oil, each serving makes for a nutritious and satisfying dinner option. What’s not to love? Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Ingredients • For the Cod Cod Fillets – Tender cuts that serve as the main protein; substitute with any firm white fish like halibut or haddock if desired. Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and aids in crisping the skin; ghee can be used for a higher smoke point. • For the Cooking Base Olive Oil – Helps achieve a crispy skin while introducing healthy fats; avocado oil is a great alternative. Garlic (minced) – Provides essential aromatic flavor; fresh garlic yields the best results. • For the Zesty Finish Fresh Lemon Juice – Adds acidity that brightens the dish; lime juice makes a suitable alternative. Lemon Zest – Enhances the citrus flavor; avoid bitter white pith by using a zester or microplane. • For Seasoning Salt and Pepper – Essential basic seasonings that enhance overall flavor. • For Garnish Fresh Parsley (chopped) – Used for garnish and flavor contrast; can be substituted with other herbs like dill. Crafting this Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin is not only satisfying but also an easy way to bring bold flavors to your dinner table. Enjoy! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin Step 1: Prep the Cod Begin by patting the cod fillets dry with paper towels, ensuring a moisture-free surface for crispiness. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. This simple preparation is crucial for achieving that delicious golden, crispy skin when you cook the cod later. Step 2: Sauté Garlic In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely before adding 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown. The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen, setting the stage for the main event: your Lemon Garlic Butter Cod! Step 3: Cook Cod Increase the heat slightly, then gently place the seasoned cod fillets skin-side down into the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, without moving them, until the skin turns a rich golden brown and crispy. Look for bubbles forming around the edges of the fillets as a sign that they are cooking perfectly. This step is vital to ensure your cod develops that irresistible crispy skin. Step 4: Finish Cooking Carefully flip the cod fillets over, taking care to maintain the crispy skin. Pour in the fresh juice of one lemon and allow it to sizzle in the pan. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. This final touch infuses your Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with that bright zesty flavor, making it truly irresistible. Step 5: Serve Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and transfer the cod fillets to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a burst of color and added flavor. Serve immediately to ensure you enjoy the cod at its crispiest and most flavorful, making it a delightful centerpiece for your meal. What to Serve with Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin To elevate your seafood experience, consider these delightful pairings that will complement the freshness and flavor of your cod. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich, buttery texture of mashed potatoes provides a comforting contrast to the crispy fish, creating a satisfying plate. Roasted Asparagus: This vibrant green vegetable adds a crisp, nutty flavor and a lovely crunch that will enhance your dining experience. Drizzle with a touch of lemon for harmony! Garlic Butter Rice: Fluffy rice sautéed in garlic butter acts as a perfect base to soak up the delicious lemony sauce from the cod, offering a truly delightful bite. Crisp Garden Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing element, balancing the richness of the dish beautifully. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers bring a lovely charred taste that pairs perfectly with the zesty lemon flavors of the cod. Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio can elevate the entire meal. The crisp acidity of the wine complements the flavors of the fish seamlessly. Lemon Sorbet: For dessert, a light lemon sorbet refreshes the palate, mirroring the bright flavors of the dish while providing a sweet finish to your meal. Expert Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Butter Cod • Dry the Fish: Ensure that your cod fillets are patted thoroughly dry before cooking. This step is vital for achieving that coveted crispy skin. • Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the cod fillets in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the skillet can lead to steaming instead of searing, preventing that delicious crispiness. • Watch the Heat: Maintain medium heat when sautéing garlic. If it browns too quickly, it’ll turn bitter, negatively impacting the flavor of your Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Cod. • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and lemons enhance the flavor profile, offering a bright, aromatic experience that dried alternatives can’t replicate. • Timing is Key: Keep a close eye on the cooking times—overcooking can lead to dry fish. Flake it with a fork to check for doneness. • Reheating Leftovers: When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat without a cover to preserve that crispy skin, giving your leftover cod a second chance to shine. How to Store and Freeze Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Fridge: Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain freshness, consume promptly and avoid leaving it out at room temperature. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cod in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. Make sure to remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat in a skillet over medium heat without a cover for best results, allowing the skin to regain its crispiness. Thawing: Always thaw frozen cod in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps maintain the delicate texture of the Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Cod. Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Variations Customize this fantastic recipe to fit your taste and dietary preferences while keeping that delicious appeal intact! Fish Swap: Substitute cod with halibut, tilapia, or haddock for varying textures and flavors. Each fish brings its character – explore and find your favorite. Dairy-Free: Replace unsalted butter with ghee or a dairy-free butter alternative. This swap maintains the richness while accommodating lactose intolerance, letting everyone enjoy this delightful dish. Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like dill, tarragon, or basil for an aromatic twist. Their fragrant qualities uplift the flavor profile and enhance the overall dish. Zesty Extra: Mix in lime juice instead of lemon for a bolder citrus punch. Thatverts the dish while incorporating a refreshing zing that pairs beautifully with the fish. Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños for a touch of heat. This fiery twist enhances the flavor and amps up the excitement of each bite! Vegetable Additions: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or wilted spinach while cooking. These vegetables not only create a colorful presentation but also contribute extra nutrition and flavor. Pasta Pair: Serve the cod over a bed of garlic butter pasta or Garlic Chicken Zucchini Noodles for a heartier meal. The pasta absorbs the delicious sauce and complements the crispy fish wonderfully. Garnish Gems: Top with toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese just before serving. These delicious additions introduce unexpected crunch and flavor depth, ensuring your dish is anything but ordinary. Make Ahead Options These Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin are ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet seafood dinner with minimal fuss. You can season the cod fillets and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. To maintain that all-important crispiness, be sure to pat the fillets dry before refrigerating, which helps prevent moisture from compromising their texture. You can also prep the garlic and zest the lemon in advance, storing them in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, simply sauté the garlic, cook the cod in the skillet as instructed, and enjoy a delicious dinner that feels effortless on busy weeknights! Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin Recipe FAQs How should I select the best cod fillets? Absolutely! Look for firm, moist cod fillets that are free from dark spots or discoloration. The flesh should be a bright white color and have a mild sea scent. If the fillets have a fishy odor, they may not be fresh, so choose wisely! How can I store leftover cod? Very simple! Store any leftover Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent condensation. Can I freeze cod, and how do I do it properly? Of course! To freeze your cod, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date, and it can be stored for up to 2 months. Make sure to press out as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. What should I do if my cod skin doesn’t turn crispy? No worries! First, ensure that your cod fillets are nicely dried before cooking. If the fish is too wet, it may not crisp up. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. Flip the fillets gently once they’ve developed a good crust, and avoid flipping too often! Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions? Absolutely! If you’re adjusting for allergies, use ghee instead of butter for dairy-free options. Additionally, you can substitute garlic with garlic powder if there are intolerances. For those watching their sodium intake, simply reduce the salt when seasoning the cod to suit your dietary needs—there’s plenty of flavor to be had! How can I reheat leftover cod to maintain its taste and texture? For the best results, reheat your cod in a skillet over medium heat without covering it. This technique helps to restore that delicious crispy skin. Aim for 3-4 minutes per side, checking periodically to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Enjoy every bite just as you had it fresh! Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin Made Easy This Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin recipe offers a delightful seafood experience that's quick to prepare and full of bold flavors. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 290 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cod4 fillets Cod Tender cuts that serve as main protein; substitute with any firm white fish.2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Adds richness and aids in crisping the skin.For the Cooking Base1 tablespoon Olive Oil Helps achieve crispy skin.3 cloves Garlic Minced, provides essential aromatic flavor.For the Zesty Finish1 large Fresh Lemon Juice Adds acidity that brightens the dish.1 tablespoon Lemon Zest Enhances the citrus flavor.For Seasoningto taste Saltto taste PepperFor Garnish1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley Chopped, used for garnish. Equipment Large Skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by patting the cod fillets dry with paper towels, ensuring a moisture-free surface for crispiness. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely before adding 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.Increase the heat slightly, then gently place the seasoned cod fillets skin-side down into the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, without moving them, until the skin turns golden brown and crispy.Carefully flip the cod fillets over. Pour in the juice of one lemon and allow it to sizzle in the pan. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is opaque.Once cooked, transfer the cod fillets to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve immediately. Nutrition Serving: 1filletCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 24gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 400mgVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure that your cod fillets are patted dry before cooking for the best crispy skin. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to maintain perfect searing. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
