This delicious garlic butter lemon herb cod is inspired by your picture. It features thick, tender cod fillets with a golden, lightly crispy seasoned crust, fresh parsley, garlic, lemon, and a rich buttery sauce.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 20–22 minutes
Servings: 2–3
Difficulty: Easy
Cooking method: Pan-seared
1. Ingredients
Main ingredients
Ingredient
Quantity
Fresh cod fillets
500–600 g
Olive oil
1 tbsp
Unsalted butter
3 tbsp
Fresh garlic, minced
4 cloves
Fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp
Lemon slices
4–6
Fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp
Salt
½ tsp
Black pepper
½ tsp
Paprika
½ tsp
Garlic powder
½ tsp
Onion powder
¼ tsp
Optional seasoning
¼ tsp dried oregano
A pinch of chili flakes
½ tsp lemon zest
A little fresh thyme
2. Step-by-step cooking instructions
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Step 1: Prepare the fish
Remove cod fillets from the refrigerator.
Pat them completely dry using paper towels.
Check for any remaining bones.
Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Let the fish rest for 5 minutes.
Important: Dry fish develops a much better golden crust.
Step 2: Sear the cod
Heat a nonstick or stainless-steel skillet over medium heat.
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Add 1 tablespoon butter.
Once the butter melts and begins to foam, carefully place the cod fillets into the pan.
Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes on the first side.
Gently flip the fillets.
Cook for another 2–4 minutes, depending on thickness.
The fish should become golden brown outside and opaque, moist, and flaky inside.
Step 3: Prepare the garlic butter sauce
Reduce the heat to low.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
Add minced garlic.
Cook for approximately 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
Add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.
Add chili flakes and oregano if desired.
Stir gently.
Avoid burning the garlic because it can make the sauce bitter.
Step 4: Finish the fish
Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the cod.
Add freshly chopped parsley.
Let the fish absorb the sauce for about 30 seconds.
Remove from heat.
For food safety, cook fish to an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F).
Step 5: Serve
Transfer the fillets to a white serving plate.
Garnish with:
Fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
A little freshly ground black pepper
Extra garlic butter sauce
Serve immediately while warm.
3. Nutrition information
Estimated nutrition per serving
Assuming 3 servings and the quantities above:
Nutrient
Approximate amount
Calories
310 kcal
Protein
36 g
Total fat
17 g
Saturated fat
9 g
Carbohydrates
2 g
Dietary fiber
0.3 g
Sugar
0.5 g
Sodium
500–650 mg
Cholesterol
105 mg
Nutrition varies depending on the size of the cod fillets, butter brand, and amount of salt used.
4. Nut information and allergen guide
Nut-free recipe
Fish allergen
This recipe contains no peanuts or tree nuts in its standard ingredient list.
Nut/allergen
Present?
Peanuts
No
Almonds
No
Cashews
No
Walnuts
No
Pistachios
No
Hazelnuts
No
Pecans
No
Brazil nuts
No
Fish (cod)
Yes
Milk (butter)
Yes
Garlic
Yes
Allergy precautions:
Check seasoning labels for nut cross-contamination.
Use certified nut-free butter and other packaged ingredients if cooking for someone with a severe nut allergy.
Use olive oil instead of butter for a dairy-free variation.
Cod is a fish allergen, so this dish is not suitable for people with fish allergies.
5. Best side dishes
Cet ingrédient est le secret de ce chef 2 étoiles pour rendre une purée exceptionnelle
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Steamed broccoli with butter Nutrition
This cod pairs particularly well with:
Creamy mashed potatoes.
Garlic roasted asparagus.
Steamed broccoli.
Lemon rice.
Roasted baby potatoes.
Fresh green salad.
My recommendation: Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus. The buttery sauce tastes wonderful with both.
6. Frequently asked questions (Q&A)
Q1. Can I use frozen cod?
Yes. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator, drain excess liquid, and pat it dry before seasoning.
Q2. Can I use another fish instead of cod?
Yes. Haddock, halibut, sea bass, and tilapia can work. Adjust cooking time according to thickness.
Q3. How do I prevent cod from falling apart?
Dry the fish thoroughly.
Avoid flipping repeatedly.
Use a wide spatula.
Don’t overcook.
Allow the crust to develop before turning.
Q4. Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes. Replace butter with olive oil or a suitable dairy-free butter alternative. The flavor will be slightly different.
Q5. Can I bake the cod instead of frying it?
Yes. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on thickness. Prepare the garlic butter sauce separately and spoon it over the fish before serving.
Q6. How do I know when cod is cooked?
The flesh should turn opaque and separate easily into flakes. The safest check is an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F).
Q7. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
You can mix the seasoning and prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead. However, cook the cod just before serving for the best texture.
Q8. How long can leftovers be stored?
Refrigerate in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking and consume within 3–4 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.
Q9. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes. It is naturally low in carbohydrates and suitable for many keto-style meal plans, provided the seasonings contain no added sugar.
Q10. Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a little fresh green chili to the garlic butter sauce.
7. Chef’s tips for restaurant-quality results
Choose thick, evenly sized cod fillets.
Pat the fish dry before seasoning.
Use medium heat rather than extremely high heat.
Don’t overcrowd the pan.
Add lemon juice after searing to preserve its fresh flavor.
Use fresh parsley rather than dried parsley for garnish.
Spoon the warm butter sauce over the fish just before serving.