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Garlic Butter Cod: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Seafood Lovers

This Garlic Butter Cod features tender cod fillets seared to perfection and topped with a rich garlic butter sauce, fresh parsley, and zesty lemon. It’s a quick and easy seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Start by selecting fresh cod fillets from your local market. Look for fillets that are firm to the touch and have a mild ocean scent. If you can, ask the fishmonger for the freshest catch of the day.
  2. Gently pat each fillet dry with paper towels to help the fish sear nicely in the pan and prevent steaming.
  3. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) on both sides of the cod fillets.
  4. In a medium-sized skillet, add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  5. Once the butter has melted and is bubbling slightly, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
  6. Stir in the chopped parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest into the garlic butter mixture. Simmer for another minute, then remove from heat.
  7. Increase the heat to medium-high in the same skillet.
  8. Carefully place the seasoned cod fillets in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them.
  9. Gently flip the cod fillets over and pour half of the garlic butter sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  10. Use a spoon to baste the fillets with the remaining garlic butter sauce while cooking.
  11. Transfer the cooked fillets to a serving platter using a slotted spatula.
  12. Spoon the remaining garlic butter sauce over the cod fillets.
  13. Sprinkle additional chopped parsley on top and add lemon wedges on the side.
  14. Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
  15. Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio.
  16. Gather your friends or family and enjoy the delicious garlic butter cod!

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
  • This dish can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.