Description
Succulent garlic butter cod brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with effortless elegance. Delicate fish fillets melt with rich, herbed butter, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can easily create in just minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces/170 grams each)
Butter and Oil:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Meticulously blot cod fillets with absorbent paper to eliminate excess moisture, then generously season both surfaces with salt, freshly ground pepper, and smoky paprika.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over moderate temperature, carefully positioning cod fillets and allowing them to develop a golden crust for approximately 3-4 minutes per side until perfectly cooked through.
- Transfer fish to a separate plate, maintaining its pristine temperature and texture.
- Utilizing the identical skillet, gently melt butter over reduced heat, introducing finely chopped garlic and allowing it to release its aromatic essence for roughly 60 seconds.
- Introduce bright lemon juice and delicate zest into the butter mixture, permitting the sauce to gently simmer and meld flavors for approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Carefully reintroduce cod fillets into the skillet, lavishly coating them with the fragrant garlic butter sauce and warming them thoroughly for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Elevate the dish’s visual appeal by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the surface, creating a vibrant garnish that complements the fish’s delicate flavor profile.
- Serve immediately alongside complementary side dishes, ensuring the cod remains warm and succulent.
Notes
- Pat the fish completely dry to achieve a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and prevents steaming.
- Use fresh cod for the best flavor and texture, ensuring the fish is firm and has a clean, ocean-like smell when purchased.
- Opt for unsalted butter to control salt levels and allow more precise seasoning of the dish.
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of your cod fillets, typically 3-4 minutes per side for standard-sized pieces.
- Gluten-free option: Replace regular butter with clarified butter or ghee for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Low-carb diet friendly: Skip any starchy sides and serve with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a lean protein meal.
- Fresh herbs like dill or chives can be excellent alternatives to parsley for added flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg