Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod is a light, flavorful dish that brings out the delicate, flaky texture of cod with a rich and tangy butter sauce. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner while offering a balance of healthy protein, omega-3s, and vibrant citrus flavors.
Whether served with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad, this dish is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy seafood.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or non-stick pan
- Spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus juicer (optional)
Ingredients Overview
- Cod fillets: Mild, flaky white fish that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Lemon butter sauce: A rich blend of butter, garlic, and lemon juice for a zesty kick.
- Seasonings: Enhances the natural flavor of the fish without overpowering it.
Ingredients
For the Cod
- 4 cod fillets (5-6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Lemon Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions
Step 1: Season the Cod
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Sauté the Cod
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the cod fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and flaky.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest, then simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Return the cod to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the fillets.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or quinoa.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Nutrition (per serving, ~4 servings)
- Calories: ~250
- Fat: ~14g
- Carbohydrates: ~2g
- Protein: ~28g
Expert Tips
- For Extra Crispiness: Lightly dredge the cod in flour before sautéing.
- Don’t Overcook: Cod cooks quickly and becomes dry if overcooked. Remove when it flakes easily.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add capers or white wine to the sauce for extra depth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What’s the best side dish for lemon butter cod?
Steamed asparagus, roasted potatoes, or a fresh garden salad pair beautifully.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative or extra olive oil.
Storing & Freezing
- Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked cod without sauce for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 325°F.
Substitutions & Variations
- Different Fish: Use halibut, tilapia, or sole instead of cod.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or sriracha.
- Herb Variation: Swap parsley for fresh dill or basil.
Perfecting Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod
Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod is a light, flavorful dish that brings out the delicate, flaky texture of cod with a rich and tangy butter sauce. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner while offering a balance of healthy protein, omega-3s, and vibrant citrus flavors.
Equipment
- - Large skillet or non-stick pan
- Spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- - Citrus juicer (optional)
Ingredients
- #### **For the Cod**
- - 4 cod fillets 5-6 oz each
- - 2 tablespoons olive oil
- - 1 teaspoon salt
- - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- #### **For the Lemon Butter Sauce**
- - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- - 3 cloves garlic minced
- - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
- - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
Instructions
- #### **Step 1: Season the Cod**
- Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- #### **Step 2: Sauté the Cod**
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the cod fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and flaky.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- #### **Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce**
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and red pepper flakes (if using), sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest, then simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Return the cod to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the fillets.
- #### **Step 4: Serve & Enjoy**
- - Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or quinoa.
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