Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked piece of Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin. The buttery richness dances on your palate, while the zesty lemon cuts through, leaving you craving more. Lemon Parmesan Zucchini Chips The crispy skin adds the perfect crunch to this delectable dish, making it simply irresistible.
This recipe brings back cherished memories of family dinners where laughter filled the air and delicious aromas wafted from the kitchen. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight meal or an elegant dinner party, Lemon Garlic Butter Cod is sure to impress and delight everyone at the table. Shrimp Pesto Pasta. For more inspiration, check out this shrimp and broccoli pasta recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod is not only simple to prepare but also bursts with flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds
- The beautiful golden crust makes for an impressive presentation, perfect for any occasion
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve with various sides, ensuring it fits seamlessly into any meal plan
Sharing this dish always brings a smile to my family’s faces; they can’t resist its mouthwatering aroma and crisp edges.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Cod Fillets: Look for fresh, thick fillets for the best texture and flavor; frozen works too if fresh isn’t available.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning; it enhances the richness of the dish beautifully.
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Fresh Garlic: Opt for plump cloves to extract maximum flavor; freshly minced garlic is unbeatable in this recipe. Spicy Jalapeno Peach Chicken.
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Lemon Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed lemon juice elevates flavors—don’t skip on zesting for that extra zing!
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Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the fish without overpowering its delicate taste.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle ensures that wonderful crispy skin; choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for added flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Workspace: Start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment; this includes a non-stick skillet and a spatula. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when you need it.
Season the Cod Fillets: Pat the cod dry with paper towels; season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This step ensures each bite is packed with flavor.
Sear the Fish: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat; carefully add cod fillets skin-side down. Cook until the skin becomes golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
Add Butter and Garlic: Once crispy, reduce heat to medium-low; add butter and minced garlic around the fillets. Creamy Broccoli And Cheese Risotto As the butter melts, spoon it over the fish to infuse that delightful garlic flavor.
Add Lemon Zest and Juice: Just before removing from heat, sprinkle lemon zest over each fillet and squeeze fresh lemon juice on top. This brightens up the dish beautifully!
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet directly to your preheated oven; bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until cod flakes easily with a fork. Enjoy that intoxicating aroma filling your kitchen!
You Must Know
- This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin is not just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings joy to dinner time
- The delightful aroma fills your kitchen, making it irresistible
- Plus, the crispy skin adds that perfect texture, turning a simple meal into gourmet magic
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve that golden crispy skin, start by patting the cod dry before seasoning. Sear it skin-side down in a hot skillet until crispy, then finish cooking in the oven for juicy perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the cod for salmon or halibut; both work great with lemon and garlic. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. For more inspiration, check out this honey garlic soy sauce chicken recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F to maintain the crispy skin without drying out the fish.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly crispy skin, ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding fish
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming
- Let the fish rest before serving to enhance flavors and juiciness
Cooking this dish brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where she always said that good food creates good memories. Her laughter mixed with sizzling sounds made every meal special.
FAQ
How do I know when the cod is cooked through?
Cooked cod should flake easily with a fork and be opaque throughout.
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking for best results.
What sides pair well with Lemon Garlic Butter Cod?
Roasted vegetables or a fresh salad complement this dish beautifully, adding color and crunch.
Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin, where buttery richness meets zesty lemon for an irresistible dish. The golden, crispy skin adds a delightful crunch, making this recipe perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish promises a culinary experience that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz) cod fillets
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by gathering all ingredients and preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat cod fillets dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat; add cod fillets skin-side down and cook until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low; add butter and minced garlic around the fillets. Spoon melted butter over the fish to infuse flavor.
- Sprinkle lemon zest on top and squeeze fresh lemon juice before removing from heat.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven; bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until cod flakes easily with a fork.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet (170g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: For a variation, swap cod with salmon or halibut. Enhance flavor by adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding fish for perfect crispiness.
