Savory Garlic Butter Cod Recipe: A Fresh Catch for Dinner

Seafood enthusiasts adore this simple yet incredible garlic butter cod that melts in your mouth with rich, creamy flavors.

The delicate white fish absorbs every drop of golden, herb-infused butter, creating a restaurant-worthy dish at home.

Cod becomes the star of your dinner plate, promising a meal that’s both elegant and comforting.

Fresh herbs and quality butter elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

The combination of garlic, herbs, and tender cod creates a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of delicate fish and robust seasonings.

Prepare to savor a seafood experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 3

What’s Inside Garlic Butter Cod Quick & Delicious Seafood Recipe

• Cod Fillets: Wild-caught varieties offer richer flavor and firmer texture for perfect searing and flaking.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds deep, smoky warmth to enhance fish's natural taste without overwhelming delicate protein.
• Salt: Helps draw out moisture and intensifies cod's subtle oceanic essence.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle, aromatic heat that complements seafood beautifully.

• Garlic: Brings robust, pungent notes that transform simple fish into a gourmet experience.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle spicy kick and vibrant color to elevate dish's complexity.
• Fresh Lemon: Brightens entire dish with zesty, citrusy tang that cuts through richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds fresh, herbal freshness and gorgeous green visual appeal.

• Olive Oil: Creates perfect golden-brown sear with heart-healthy Mediterranean essence.
• Butter: Provides luxurious, velvety sauce that coats fish with incredible richness and depth.

Kitchen Items For Garlic Butter Cod Quick & Delicious Seafood Recipe

• Large skillet: Essential for perfectly searing cod and creating the garlic butter sauce.
• Paper towels: Crucial for drying cod fillets to ensure a golden-brown crust.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping fish and handling fillets with precision.
• Measuring spoons: Needed for accurately portioning salt, pepper, and spices.
• Sharp knife: Great for cutting lemon wedges and fresh parsley.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for spooning butter over fish and stirring sauce.

Steps To Cook Garlic Butter Cod Quick & Delicious Seafood Recipe

• Dry and Season Cod

Gently pat cod fillets until completely dry, removing any extra moisture. Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and a dash of smoked paprika for a flavor punch.

• Sizzle and Brown

Fire up a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place cod fillets and let them develop a gorgeous golden crust, cooking 2-3 minutes on each side until beautifully bronzed.

• Create Mouthwatering Butter Sauce

Lower the heat and drop in butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Lovingly baste the fish with the melting butter, allowing it to cook through for another 2 minutes. Brighten the dish with a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

• Plate and Celebrate

Shower the fish with freshly chopped parsley. Slide the cod onto a warm plate alongside your favorite side – whether that’s fluffy rice, steamed vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. Serve with extra lemon wedges for a zesty finish.

Tips To Improve Garlic Butter Cod Quick & Delicious Seafood Recipe

• Perfect Searing Technique: Pat cod fillets completely dry to achieve a golden-brown crust that seals in moisture and creates a delightful crispy exterior.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor and keeps the dish light and healthy.
• Herb Infusion Trick: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or tarragon to elevate the garlic butter sauce and add complex Mediterranean-inspired notes.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace traditional side dishes with cauliflower rice or roasted zucchini noodles to transform this cod recipe into a keto-friendly meal that's both nutritious and satisfying.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference – use a pinch for mild warmth or increase for a spicier kick that brings exciting depth to the delicate fish.

Simple Ways To Serve Garlic Butter Cod Quick & Delicious Seafood Recipe

• Seafood Feast Companion: Pair this zesty cod with fluffy cilantro-lime rice that complements the garlic butter's rich flavors and adds a bright, herbal note to your plate.
• Mediterranean Inspired Spread: Create a colorful Mediterranean-style salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese to balance the cod's buttery texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Veggie Harmony Plate: Roast asparagus or green beans with a light drizzle of olive oil and sea salt to create a simple, nutritious side that enhances the fish's delicate seasoning without overwhelming its subtle taste.
• Crusty Bread Delight: Serve warm, crusty artisan bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce, turning every bite into a flavor-packed experience that maximizes the dish's incredible taste profile.

Save Garlic Butter Cod Quick & Delicious Seafood Recipe The Right Way

• Refrigeration Radar: Store leftover cod in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it chilled at 40°F or below. Consume refrigerated fish within 1-2 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual cod fillets tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen seafood maintains quality for up to 3 months when sealed properly, preventing freezer burn.
• Reheat Rescue: Gently warm leftover cod in the oven at 275°F to prevent drying out. Splash a bit of water or lemon juice over the fish to maintain moisture and restore its original succulence.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare cod fillets ahead of time and store in portioned containers. These ready-to-heat meals save time during busy weeknights, providing a quick, nutritious dinner solution for health-conscious home cooks.

Succulent Garlic Butter Cod

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent garlic butter cod brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to home kitchens with remarkable ease. Fresh fish fillets bathed in herbed butter create a simple yet elegant dinner that seafood enthusiasts will savor in minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cod fillets (about 6 oz or 170 g)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ lemon, juice
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, setting the stage for an impeccable golden sear.
2. Seasoning: Generously coat both sides of the fish with salt, black pepper, and paprika, infusing the protein with a bold, aromatic flavor foundation.
3. Searing: Warm olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until the surface radiates with culinary promise, then carefully place the seasoned cod to develop a stunning caramelized exterior.
4. Flavor Layering: Reduce heat to medium-low, introducing butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes to create a rich, dynamic cooking environment while gently basting the fish with the fragrant, melting butter for even cooking and maximum flavor infusion.
5. Finishing Touches: Brighten the dish with a vibrant splash of lemon juice, then garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and accompany with lemon wedges for an elegant presentation.
6. Serving: Plate the perfectly cooked cod alongside complementary sides such as steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to complete the culinary experience.

Notes

• Moisture Control: Pat cod fillets completely dry to achieve a crispy, golden exterior and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Precise Heat Management: Use medium-high heat initially for perfect crust formation, then reduce to medium-low when adding butter to prevent burning and ensure gentle cooking.
• Seasoning Strategy: Apply salt, pepper, and paprika generously but evenly across both sides of the fish to maximize flavor penetration and create a robust taste profile.
• Butter Basting Technique: Continuously spoon melted butter over cod to infuse richness, distribute heat evenly, and prevent the delicate fish from drying out during cooking.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg