The Foolproof Garlic Butter Cod Fillets Recipe For Seafood Fans

Seafood lovers rejoice as these mouthwatering garlic butter cod fillets dance with rich, decadent flavors that promise a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Delicate cod meets a luxurious garlic butter sauce that melts seamlessly into every flaky morsel.

The robust combination of herbs and seasonings brings out the fish’s natural sweetness, creating a truly irresistible dish.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of tender cod and aromatic garlic notes that will transport you to coastal culinary bliss.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques make this recipe accessible for both novice and experienced home cooks.

The golden, lightly crisp edges and silky interior guarantee a memorable seafood experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This simple yet elegant meal comes together in under 20 minutes, proving that gourmet dining can be both quick and effortless.

Simple Garlic Butter Cod Fillets: What You’ll Need

• Cod Fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets with a clean ocean scent and pearly white color for the best flavor and texture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Elevate the natural taste of the fish with essential seasoning that brings out its delicate flavors.
• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking surface and adds a subtle fruity undertone to the fish.
• Butter: Creates a rich, golden coating that helps caramelize the fish and develop deep, nutty flavors.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent, warming kick that transforms the simple dish into a restaurant-worthy meal.
• Parsley: Brings a fresh, bright green color and a clean, herbal note to balance the richness of the butter.
• Lemon Juice: Cuts through the richness with its zesty brightness and helps to highlight the cod's delicate flavor.

Tools for Preparing Garlic Butter Cod Fillets

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking the cod fillets evenly and creating a golden-brown crust.
• Spatula: Helps press and flip the delicate cod fillets without breaking them.
• Paper towels: Perfect for patting the cod dry before seasoning.
• Cooking thermometer: Ensures the cod reaches the safe internal temperature of 145°F.
• Chef's knife: Needed for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for precise seasoning and ingredient measurements.

Garlic Butter Cod Fillets Step-by-Step

• Ocean Fresh Cod Preparation

Grab your cod fillets and make sure they’re perfectly dry using a clean kitchen towel. Season generously with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.

• Pan Searing Magic

Warm a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, creating a perfect golden cooking surface. Lower the temperature and gently place fish into the pan, focusing on achieving a beautiful crispy exterior.

• Gentle Cooking Technique

Press the fillets softly with a spatula to create even contact with the pan. Allow the fish to develop a gorgeous brown color without disturbing its surface, which takes roughly 4 minutes.

• Butter Enhancement

Flip the cod carefully and introduce butter pieces to the pan. Let the fish cook for another few minutes, allowing the butter to brown and baste the delicate protein until it reaches perfect doneness.

• Flavor Finale

Remove the cod and create a quick sauce in the same pan. Quickly sauté minced garlic, then blend in fresh parsley and a splash of bright lemon juice. Drizzle this aromatic butter sauce over the fish for a restaurant-quality finish.

Seasoning Tips for Garlic Butter Cod Fillets

• Choose the freshest cod possible from a trusted fishmonger, looking for firm, glossy fillets without strong fishy odors.
• Replace cod with similar white fish like halibut, tilapia, or haddock for equally delicious results with identical cooking techniques.
• Experiment with additional herbs like dill, thyme, or tarragon to create unique taste variations that complement the delicate cod texture.
• Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or breadcrumbs over the finished dish for extra crunch and nutritional complexity without compromising the recipe's simplicity.
• Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, reheating gently to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture.

Serving Garlic Butter Cod That’s Full of Flavor

• Seafood Feast Pairing: Complement the delicate cod with fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich garlic butter sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal.
• Fresh Mediterranean Side Plate: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese to balance the buttery fish with bright, tangy flavors and add nutritious vegetables.
• Wine and Dine Experience: Pair this elegant cod dish with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, which enhances the subtle seafood and cuts through the buttery richness.
• Elegant Presentation Touch: Garnish the plated cod with extra fresh parsley, a lemon wedge, and a light sprinkle of sea salt flakes to elevate the visual appeal and add a final layer of flavor complexity.

Save & Store Garlic Butter Cod Fillets

• Refrigerator Recovery: Store leftover cod fillets in an airtight container for maximum 2 days. The fish's delicate texture works best when consumed quickly after cooking to maintain its original moisture and flavor profile.
• Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual cod portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe bags. These prepared packages can stay frozen for up to 3 weeks without significant quality loss. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm cod in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter or olive oil. Avoid microwave techniques which can quickly dry out the delicate fish. Aim for soft, tender results by applying minimal additional cooking time.
• Smart Meal Prep: Consider preparing extra cod fillets during initial cooking. These ready-to-go portions make excellent lunch additions or quick protein options for salads, grain bowls, or quick weeknight meals. Pro tip: separate sauce from fish during storage to maintain optimal texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Effortless Garlic Butter Cod Fillets Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Home cooks adore this garlic butter cod fillets recipe for its rich, succulent flavors. Mediterranean-inspired seafood preparation brings delightful simplicity to dinner plates you’ll savor completely.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each, 1 inch thick)
• 4 tbsps (60 g) butter, cut into half-inch pieces
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice, for serving
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels, then season thoroughly with salt and black pepper to enhance natural flavors.
2. Skillet Heating: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring an even and consistent temperature for optimal searing.
3. Initial Cooking: Place cod fillets skin-side down, applying gentle pressure with a spatula to maximize contact with the hot surface and create a golden-brown crust, cooking for approximately 4 minutes.
4. Butter Infusion: Carefully flip fillets, add butter pieces, and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, consistently basting the fish with browning butter to intensify flavor and maintain moisture.
5. Garlic Enhancement: Remove cooked cod to a warm plate, then quickly sauté minced garlic in the remaining butter until its aromatic essence fills the kitchen.
6. Sauce Finalization: Introduce freshly chopped parsley and a splash of lemon juice to the pan, creating a vibrant, zesty butter sauce that complements the delicate fish.
7. Plating: Verify fish has reached 145°F (62°C), then generously drizzle the garlic-herb butter sauce over the cod fillets, adjusting seasoning if needed before serving.

Notes

• Pat Dry for Crispy Texture: Removing excess moisture ensures a golden-brown, crispy exterior when searing cod fillets.
• Master the Heat Control: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect caramelization without burning the delicate fish.
• Spatula Technique Matters: Applying gentle pressure helps create an even, golden crust and promotes consistent cooking.
• Butter Basting Boosts Flavor: Continuously spooning browning butter over the fish adds richness and keeps the cod moist and tender.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg