Garlic Lemon Butter Cod

$- 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Juice of 1 large lemon - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) To make Garlic Lemon Butter Cod, you need just a few fresh items. Start with cod fillets. They should weigh about six ounces each. The fish is mild and flaky, perfect for this dish. Next, grab some unsalted butter. It gives the cod a rich flavor. You will also need four cloves of garlic, minced fine. Garlic adds a punch we all love. For brightness, use the juice and zest of one large lemon. The zest gives a nice, strong lemon flavor. You will also need dried thyme and paprika. They add warmth and depth to the dish. Don’t forget salt and pepper! They bring all the flavors together. For a pretty finish, use fresh parsley to garnish. And keep lemon wedges nearby for serving. They add a fresh kick right on your plate. With these ingredients, you can create a dish that is both simple and delicious. It’s a quick way to impress your family or friends! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, get your cod fillets ready. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step helps to remove any excess moisture. Next, measure out all your seasonings. You will need salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. It’s key to have everything ready before you cook. Now, let’s melt the butter and prepare the garlic. In a small saucepan, add the butter over medium heat. Once it melts, add the minced garlic. Stir it for 1-2 minutes until you smell the garlic. Be careful not to let it burn; we want it fragrant, not bitter. After that, add the lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir it well and set it aside. Now it’s time to bake the cod. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, grab a baking dish and place the cod fillets inside. Pour the garlic lemon butter mixture over them. Make sure each fillet is coated well. This is where the flavor comes from! Bake the cod in the oven for 12-15 minutes. You will know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque. After baking, take the cod out and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep it moist. While it rests, chop some fresh parsley for garnish. When ready to serve, sprinkle the parsley over the cod. For an extra zing, add lemon wedges on the side. This adds a fresh burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the dish. Enjoy your Garlic Lemon Butter Cod! To cook cod properly, check for its flakiness. Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork. The fish should look opaque and feel tender. If undercooked, it becomes tough. So, bake at 400°F for about 12 to 15 minutes. For the best flavor, balance the garlic and lemon. Use fresh garlic for a bright taste. Sauté it gently to avoid burning. Add lemon juice and zest right after cooking the garlic. This keeps the lemon fresh and zesty. Thyme and paprika add depth, so don’t skip them. A good baking dish is key. I recommend a glass or ceramic dish. It holds heat well and helps the cod cook evenly. Make sure it’s large enough for all fillets without crowding. For prep, use a cutting board and a sharp knife. A zester makes getting lemon zest easy. A small saucepan is perfect for melting butter and garlic. Having a fork ready helps check the cod for flakiness. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Cod: Fresh cod will make all the difference in flavor and texture. Look for fillets that are firm and have a mild smell. Don't Overcook: Cod cooks quickly; keep an eye on it to prevent it from drying out. It should flake easily with a fork when done. Customize the Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like dill or basil for a unique twist on the classic flavor profile. Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the cod right out of the oven with freshly squeezed lemon juice to enhance the flavors. {{image_2}} You can change up the herbs and spices in this recipe. Instead of thyme, try dill or basil. These herbs add a fresh twist. For spices, consider using garlic powder or onion powder. They both bring a nice flavor without being too strong. You can also swap the cod for other fish or seafood. Salmon works well and adds a richer taste. If you want something different, try shrimp or scallops. Both cook quickly and soak up the lemon butter flavor. While baking is easy, you can also pan-sear the cod. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the cod for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This method gives the fish a nice brown crust. Grilling is another great option. It adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with lemon. Preheat your grill to medium heat and oil the grates. Cook the cod for about 4-5 minutes per side. Just be careful not to overcook it. To keep your Garlic Lemon Butter Cod fresh, store any leftovers right away. Place the cod in an airtight container. This helps keep it moist and tasty. Make sure to put it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. Cod is best when it’s fresh, but it will last for up to two days in the fridge. For storage, I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. These containers help prevent spills and keep odors away. If you want to store the cod for longer, you can freeze it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy the cod again, reheating is key. The best way to reheat cod is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cod on a baking sheet and cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warm throughout. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat it in short bursts to avoid overcooking. This way, you maintain the flavor and texture. For added flavor, you can drizzle a little olive oil or squeeze fresh lemon juice on top before reheating. Enjoy your delicious leftovers! I love serving Garlic Lemon Butter Cod with light and fresh sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed asparagus - Roasted broccoli - Garlic mashed potatoes - Lemon quinoa salad - Mixed greens with vinaigrette These sides bring out the cod's flavor and make a colorful plate. Cod is ready when it flakes easily with a fork. It should also look opaque throughout. You can check the thickest part of the fillet to be sure. If it’s still translucent, it needs more time. Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can thaw it under cold running water. Make sure to pat it dry before cooking. This helps the garlic lemon butter stick better. This post covered how to make delicious garlic lemon butter cod. We discussed the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips to ensure great flavor. You also learned about variations for personalizing your dish and best practices for storing leftovers. Remember, cooking should be fun and rewarding. Enjoy every bite of your meal. Try experimenting with different herbs or seafood. Your kitchen is your canvas!$

Garlic Lemon Butter Cod

A delicious and easy-to-make cod recipe featuring garlic, lemon, and butter.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Seafood

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 large lemon, juiced
1 lemon lemon zest
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
for serving lemon wedges

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
Place the cod fillets in a baking dish. Pour the garlic lemon butter mixture over the fillets, making sure each piece is nicely coated.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve the cod with additional lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges for extra flavor.

Keyword butter, cod, garlic, lemon, seafood