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Lemon Garlic Butter Cod Bowls: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe for Seafood Lovers

This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod features perfectly seared cod fillets topped with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, served over quinoa or rice with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado. It’s a delicious and nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa or rice (for serving)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or mixed greens
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Start by patting the cod fillets dry with paper towels.
  2. Season both sides of the cod fillets generously with salt and pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
  4. Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the cod fillets and set aside.
  5. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
  6. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Stir in the lemon juice and a pinch of salt, then let it simmer for another minute.
  8. Remove the saucepan from heat and set it aside.
  9. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  10. Carefully place the seasoned cod fillets in the skillet.
  11. Cook the cod for about 3-4 minutes on one side without moving it.
  12. Using a spatula, gently flip the cod fillets over and pour half of the lemon garlic butter over the top.
  13. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through.
  14. Once cooked, remove the cod from the skillet and let it rest for a minute.
  15. If you haven’t already, cook your quinoa or rice according to package instructions.
  16. Once cooked, fluff the quinoa or rice with a fork and season with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil.
  17. In a large bowl or plate, add a generous scoop of the cooked quinoa or rice as the base.
  18. Layer on a handful of fresh spinach or mixed greens.
  19. Place the cooked cod fillet on top of the greens and drizzle any remaining lemon garlic butter over the fish.
  20. Add a handful of halved cherry tomatoes around the cod.
  21. Top the bowl with sliced avocado and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

  • Feel free to substitute the cod with other white fish like tilapia or haddock if desired.
  • For added flavor, consider marinating the cod in the lemon garlic butter for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • This dish pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad.