Zingy Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin Recipe

Crafting a succulent lemon garlic butter cod with crispy skin promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate the harmonious blend of zesty citrus and rich, creamy notes.

Delicate fish transforms under careful preparation, developing a golden, crisp exterior that crackles with each bite.

Mediterranean coastal traditions inspire this simple yet elegant dish that celebrates fresh ingredients.

Perfectly seasoned and expertly cooked, this recipe offers a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.

Subtle garlic undertones complement the bright lemon, creating a balanced flavor profile that will impress you and your dinner companions.

Savor each mouthwatering moment and let your taste buds embark on a remarkable seafood journey.

What’s Great About Lemon Garlic Cod

• Master a restaurant-quality seafood dish that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
• Learn the professional technique of creating a beautifully golden, crisp fish skin that adds incredible texture and flavor.
• Prepare a delicious, nutritious meal in under 15 minutes with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps.
• Enjoy a protein-packed, low-carb dish that's rich in omega-3 fatty acids and bursting with bright, zesty flavors.

Ingredients For Lemon Garlic Butter Cod

• Cod Fillets: Fresh white fish with delicate flavor perfect for pan-searing.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Classic seasoning mix for enhancing fish taste.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide rich flavor and help create crispy fish skin.

• Garlic, Lemon Juice: Create bright, zesty butter sauce for cod.

• Fresh Parsley, Lemon Wedges: Add fresh brightness and visual appeal to the dish.

How To Cook Lemon Garlic Butter Cod

Step 1: Prep the Fish

Grab your cod fillets and blot them completely dry using paper towels.

Getting rid of excess moisture helps create that amazing crispy skin we’re aiming for.

Step 2: Season Generously

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika

Make sure to coat the entire surface evenly for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Heat the Cooking Surface

Place a skillet over medium-high heat.

• Olive oil
• Butter

Let the pan get super hot before adding the fish.

Step 4: Create Crispy Skin

Carefully place cod fillets skin-side down in the hot pan.

Use a spatula to gently press down, ensuring maximum contact with the cooking surface.

Step 5: Develop Golden Crunch

Allow fish to cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes.

Watch the edges turn golden and crispy without moving the fillets.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Flip the fish and cook an additional 2-3 minutes.

The cod should look opaque and easily flake when tested with a fork.

Step 7: Whip Up Flavor Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.

Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 8: Add Bright Citrus Punch

Stir fresh lemon juice and a tiny pinch of salt into the garlic butter.

Remove from heat immediately.

Step 9: Plate and Garnish

Transfer crispy cod to serving plates.

Drizzle generously with the lemon garlic butter sauce.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for extra brightness.

Step 10: Serve and Savor

Accompany the fish with fresh lemon wedges.

Enjoy immediately while the skin remains delightfully crisp and the fish is perfectly tender.

Lemon Garlic Cod Tips And Tricks

• Use paper towels to absorb excess moisture, ensuring the cod skin becomes wonderfully crispy and golden brown when cooking.
• Press the cod gently with a spatula when first placing in the pan to guarantee even contact and create a crisp, restaurant-quality texture.
• Melt garlic butter on low heat to prevent burning and preserve the delicate garlic flavor, releasing its aromatic essence without turning bitter.
• Select high-quality, fresh cod fillets with firm, translucent flesh for the best taste and most delicate flaking when cooked.
• Cook cod precisely 4-5 minutes on the skin side and 2-3 minutes after flipping to prevent overcooking and maintain a moist, tender result.

Store And Warm Up Lemon Garlic Cod

• Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap the fish tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve its delicate texture.
• Warm cod on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. Drizzle with a little extra butter or lemon juice to restore moisture.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Place cod in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain the fish's original texture.
• Fresh cod loses its delicate flavor and becomes tough when frozen, so it's best to enjoy within 2 days of cooking.

Pair Lemon Garlic Cod With These Sides

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the cod's delicate flavor and cuts through the rich butter sauce, enhancing the lemon and garlic notes.
• Serve with Roasted Asparagus: Create a perfect side dish by roasting asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, which provides a fresh, green contrast to the crispy fish and adds nutritional balance.
• Match with Herbed Quinoa: Prepare light quinoa pilaf with fresh herbs like parsley and dill, offering a protein-packed, fluffy accompaniment that absorbs the lemon garlic butter beautifully.
• Recommend Citrus Salad: Craft a bright citrus salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette to echo the lemon in the dish and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.

Fun Variations On Lemon Garlic Cod

• Gluten-Free Herb Cod: Replace wheat-based seasonings with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour for coating and use tamari instead of traditional salt.
• Mediterranean Spiced Cod: Add za'atar seasoning, swap butter with olive oil, and garnish with fresh mint and sumac for a Middle Eastern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Cod: Use ghee instead of butter, increase herb quantity, reduce lemon juice, and serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a ketogenic-friendly meal.
• Dairy-Free Omega Cod: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use nutritional yeast for richness, and incorporate fresh ginger for added depth and anti-inflammatory benefits.

FAQs

• What type of fish works best for this recipe?

Cod is ideal, but you can also use similar white fish like halibut or haddock. These mild, flaky fish have a delicate texture that pairs perfectly with the lemon garlic butter sauce.

• How do I know when the cod is perfectly cooked?

The fish should be opaque and easily flake with a fork. When it turns from translucent to white and breaks apart when gently pressed, it’s done. Overcooking will make the fish dry and tough.

• Why is it important to pat the fish dry before cooking?

Drying the fish helps achieve a crispy skin by removing excess moisture. Wet fish will steam instead of getting that golden, crisp texture everyone loves. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry the fillets before seasoning.

• Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

Yes, you can! Cook the cod at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The key is to not overcrowd the basket and ensure the fish is dry before cooking.

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon garlic butter cod delivers Mediterranean coastal magic on your plate, bringing fresh ocean flavors with elegant simplicity. Crispy skin and rich butter sauce promise a delightful seafood experience you’ll savor with each perfectly seasoned bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cod fillets (6 ounces / 170 grams each, skin-on)

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus 1 tablespoon for cooking)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Meticulously blot cod fillets using paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring optimal crispy skin development.
2. Generously season both surfaces of fish with aromatic salt, freshly ground pepper, and vibrant paprika for enhanced flavor profile.
3. Preheat a heavy-bottomed skillet to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment.
4. Introduce olive oil and butter to the heated pan, allowing them to meld and create a rich cooking foundation.
5. Carefully position cod fillets skin-side down, applying gentle pressure with a spatula to maximize skin contact and promote even crispiness.
6. Allow fish to cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, developing a golden-brown, crisp exterior without breaking the delicate flesh.
7. Gently flip fillets and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fish turns opaque and easily flakes with minimal pressure.
8. Simultaneously prepare lemon garlic sauce by melting butter in a separate small saucepan over low heat.
9. Incorporate minced garlic into melted butter, allowing aromatics to infuse for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
10. Add fresh lemon juice and a subtle salt pinch to the garlic butter, creating a bright, zesty sauce.
11. Transfer perfectly cooked cod to serving plates, drizzling generously with the warm lemon garlic butter.
12. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and herbal freshness.
13. Accompany the dish with lemon wedges, inviting diners to customize their flavor intensity.

Notes

• Ensure fish is completely dry before cooking to achieve ultra-crispy skin that doesn’t stick to the pan.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and perfect golden-brown searing.
• Control heat carefully to prevent butter from burning while developing a beautiful crisp texture on cod.
• Quick cooking prevents fish from becoming tough, maintaining its delicate, flaky consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg