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
- 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)
Instructions
- Preparation: Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, setting the stage for an impeccable golden sear.
- Seasoning: Generously coat both sides of the fish with salt, black pepper, and paprika, infusing the protein with a bold, aromatic flavor foundation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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