Recipe Details
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Servings: 4
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Difficulty: Easy
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Cuisine: American-inspired seafood
Ingredients
4 (5–6 oz each) — cod fillets, fresh or thawed
2 tbsp — olive oil
3 tbsp — unsalted butter
4 cloves — garlic, minced
2 tbsp — fresh lemon juice
½ tsp — paprika
½ tsp — onion powder
½ tsp — salt, or to taste
¼ tsp — black pepper
2 tbsp — fresh parsley, chopped
4–6 — lemon wedges, for serving
2 tbsp — chicken or vegetable broth (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the cod
Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
Step 2: Sear the fish
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fillets and cook for about 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden. Carefully transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Make the garlic butter sauce
Reduce the heat to low-medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, without letting the garlic burn.
Step 4: Add lemon and herbs
Stir in lemon juice, parsley, and optional broth. Let the sauce gently simmer for about 1 minute.
Step 5: Finish and serve
Return the cod to the skillet and spoon the sauce over each fillet. Cook gently until the fish reaches 145°F (63°C) internally and flakes easily with a fork. Serve with extra lemon wedges.
Quick Recipe
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Season four cod fillets with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
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Sear in olive oil for 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
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Melt butter in the skillet and sauté minced garlic for 30–60 seconds.
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Add lemon juice, parsley, and optional broth.
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Return cod to the pan, spoon sauce over the fish, and cook until it reaches 145°F (63°C).
Chef’s tip: Avoid moving the fish too early while searing. Once a golden crust forms, it will usually release from the pan more easily.
Estimated Nutrition Information
Approximate values per serving, assuming four servings:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280–330 kcal |
| Protein | 30–35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2–4 g |
| Total fat | 15–20 g |
| Saturated fat | 7–9 g |
| Fiber | Less than 1 g |
| Sodium | 350–550 mg |
Values vary with fish size, butter quantity, and added salt.
Nut & Allergen Information
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Peanuts and tree nuts: No nuts are intentionally included in this recipe. Check packaged ingredients for cross-contact warnings.
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Fish: Contains cod, a major food allergen.
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Dairy: Contains butter. For a dairy-free version, use olive oil or a suitable dairy-free butter alternative.
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Gluten: The basic recipe is naturally gluten-free when all packaged ingredients are verified.
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Other allergens: Check broth labels for soy or other allergens if relevant.
Questions & Answers
Q: Can I use another fish?
Yes! Haddock, pollock, or another firm white fish can work. Adjust cooking time to the thickness of the fillets.
Q: Can I use frozen cod?
Yes. Thaw it safely in the refrigerator, then pat it dry before seasoning.
Q: How do I stop cod from falling apart?
Use a wide spatula, turn the fillets gently, and avoid repeatedly flipping them.
Q: Can I bake the cod instead?
Yes. Place seasoned cod in a baking dish, add the garlic butter sauce, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 12–15 minutes, adjusting for thickness, until it reaches 145°F (63°C).
Q: What should I serve with it?
Try roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, rice, asparagus, or a fresh garden salad.
Serving suggestion: Spoon the extra lemon garlic butter sauce over the cod just before serving for a glossy, restaurant-style finish.