Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Lemon Garlic Butter Cod recipe featuring tender cod fillets cooked in a buttery lemon and garlic sauce, seasoned with oregano and fresh parsley. Perfectly seared on the stovetop and finished in the oven, this dish offers a delicious balance of bright citrus and savory herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Fish
- 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
Seasonings and Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat
Butter Sauce and Garnish
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cod after searing.
- Season Cod: Season both sides of the cod fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear Cod: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, place the cod fillets in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown.
- Flip Fillets: Carefully turn the cod fillets using a spatula to sear the other side.
- Add Butter and Garlic: Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Add Lemon and Seasonings: Pour lemon juice over the cod fillets, then sprinkle lemon zest, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes evenly on top for a burst of citrus and spice.
- Bake Cod: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, indicating it’s fully cooked.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the cod fillets for a fresh herbaceous touch.
- Serve: Serve the cod immediately, garnished with lemon slices for added brightness and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use a large ovenproof skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for mild to moderate heat.
- Cod fillets can be substituted with other white fish such as haddock or halibut.
- For best results, use fresh lemon juice and zest rather than bottled lemon juice.
- Ensure not to overcook the cod to keep it moist and tender.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
