Description
Garlic butter cod brings oceanic elegance to your dinner table with minimal effort. Succulent fish fillets get a luxurious coating of herbed butter, promising a restaurant-worthy meal that delights seafood enthusiasts in mere minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cod fillets (about 6 ounces or 170 grams each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoning and Spices:
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Sauce and Garnish:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ lemon, juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Thoroughly dry cod fillets using paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring a perfect golden sear.
- Season both surfaces of the fish generously with aromatic salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoky paprika for a robust flavor profile.
- Select a heavy-bottomed skillet and heat olive oil over medium-high temperature until the surface shimmers with anticipation.
- Gently place seasoned cod into the hot pan, allowing each side to develop a beautiful caramelized crust for approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Lower the skillet’s temperature to medium-low and introduce rich butter, minced garlic, and fiery red pepper flakes into the cooking environment.
- Create a luxurious sauce by continuously spooning the fragrant, melting butter over the delicate fish, ensuring even coating and thorough cooking.
- Enhance the dish’s brightness by drizzling fresh, zesty lemon juice across the perfectly cooked cod fillets.
- Elevate the presentation by scattering vibrant, chopped parsley over the fish and accompanying the dish with additional lemon wedges.
- Complete the meal by pairing the cod with complementary sides like steamed seasonal vegetables, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Moisture management is crucial for achieving that perfect golden-brown sear on your cod fillets, so thoroughly pat them dry before cooking to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Experiment with alternative seasonings like cajun spice or herb blends to customize the flavor profile and keep the dish exciting for different taste preferences.
- For a lighter version, replace butter with olive oil or use a dairy-free butter alternative to accommodate lactose-intolerant or health-conscious diners.
- Opt for wild-caught cod when possible, as it typically offers a more sustainable and environmentally friendly seafood option with a cleaner, fresher taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg