Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod

If you’re craving something light, fresh, and bursting with flavor, then Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod is exactly what you need. This dish is as simple as it is stunning—a delicate piece of cod fillet cooked to perfection in a rich, buttery sauce with a zesty lemon twist. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy enough for a special dinner but is easy enough to make on a weeknight when you’re short on time but still want something delicious. Trust me, this dish is a winner!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod

Fresh and Flavorful: Cod is a mild fish with a delicate texture that really shines when sautéed in lemony, buttery goodness. The bright, citrusy lemon balances perfectly with the rich butter, creating a flavor profile that feels like a breath of fresh air.

Quick and Easy: Ready in just under 20 minutes, this dish is the ultimate weeknight dinner. It’s simple, requires minimal ingredients, and doesn’t take much time at all to cook. Plus, you can impress your guests with minimal effort!

Light yet Satisfying: Cod is a lean, protein-packed fish, making this a healthy yet indulgent meal. It’s the kind of dish that’s light on the stomach but rich in flavor.

Versatile: Pair it with nearly anything! Whether it’s a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of rice or potatoes, this cod is an easy match for a variety of side dishes.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple yet flavorful dish:

For the Cod:

• Cod Fillets: Fresh or frozen, cod fillets are mild and flaky, making them perfect for this sautéed preparation.
• Butter: The key to a rich, silky sauce. You’ll want to use unsalted butter to control the seasoning.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds that aromatic, savory base for the sauce.
• Lemon: Both the zest and juice will give the cod a fresh, tangy kick.
• Olive Oil: A little bit of olive oil helps with the sautéing, ensuring the fish gets a beautiful golden sear.

For the Seasoning:

• Salt and Pepper: To season the fish and bring out its delicate flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: A bit of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note to finish off the dish.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the simple steps to make this delightful cod dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Cod

Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This step helps get that beautiful sear on the fish. Season both sides with a generous pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 2: Sauté the Fish

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cod fillets to the pan, cooking them for 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the fillets. You want the fish to be golden brown on both sides and easily flake with a fork when done. Remove the fish from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add unsalted butter. Let the butter melt and bubble, then add the garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.

Next, add the lemon juice and lemon zest to the pan. Stir everything together, scraping up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pan from the fish. Let the sauce simmer for a minute to let all those flavors meld.

Step 4: Combine the Fish and Sauce

Return the cod fillets to the pan, spooning some of that glorious lemon butter sauce over the fish. Let the cod cook in the sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the fish to finish cooking.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the cod to serving plates and drizzle the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately.

How to Serve Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:

Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed veggies like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli provide a fresh, healthy complement to the richness of the cod.

Rice or Quinoa: Serve this cod over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the buttery sauce. A side of garlic mashed potatoes also works wonderfully.

Salad: Pair it with a simple side salad, like a mixed green salad or a classic Caesar salad, to keep things light and refreshing.

Crispy Potatoes: Roasted or pan-fried potatoes are always a great option to serve with fish, adding a crispy, savory element to the meal.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Cod: If possible, try to use fresh cod fillets for the best flavor and texture. If you’re using frozen, be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.

Don’t Overcook the Fish: Cod is a delicate fish, and it cooks quickly. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook, which can lead to dry, tough fish. When it flakes easily with a fork, it’s done.

Add a Kick: If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a spicy kick.

Make It a Complete Meal: To make this a full meal, consider serving the cod with a side of roasted vegetables and a simple starch like mashed potatoes or rice pilaf.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of fish?
A1: Yes! While cod is perfect for this recipe, you can substitute it with other mild, flaky fish like tilapia, halibut, or haddock.

Q2: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A2: Butter gives the sauce a rich flavor, but you can use margarine in a pinch. Just keep in mind that it won’t have the same creamy richness as butter.

Q3: Can I make the lemon butter sauce in advance?
A3: Yes, you can make the lemon butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving with the fish.

Q4: Can I use frozen cod fillets?
A4: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for the best texture and flavor.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover cod and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the fish.

Enjoy Your Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod!

This Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod is a simple, yet stunning dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its light, fresh flavors and buttery sauce, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Enjoy every bite!

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