Savor Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin Delight

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There’s something about the sizzle of cod fillets hitting a hot pan that makes my heart race with culinary excitement. Imagine the buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin—it’s like a warm hug for your senses. Zucchini chips with lemon The crispy skin contrasts beautifully with the tender, flaky fish, and the zesty lemon and garlic dance together in perfect harmony. It’s a dish that promises to elevate any weeknight dinner or impress guests on special occasions.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were skeptical at first. “Fish? Really?” they said, raising their eyebrows as if I’d just suggested we dine on cardboard. But one bite, and suddenly they were all talking over each other about how delicious it was. Philly cheesesteak meatloaf Now, Lemon Garlic Butter Cod is our go-to recipe for celebrations and casual get-togethers alike—who knew fish could steal the show?

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This quick and simple Lemon Garlic Butter Cod recipe is packed with flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing
  • Its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes, while the ease of preparation means you can whip it up even on busy weeknights
  • The crispy skin adds a delightful texture that complements the tender fish perfectly
  • Perfectly versatile, you can enjoy this dish with rice, veggies, or even in tacos!

When I served this dish at a family gathering, my grandmother couldn’t stop raving about it—she even asked for seconds!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Cod Fillets: Choose fresh cod with firm flesh and bright color for the best results.

  • Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows better control over seasoning in this recipe.

  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a robust flavor; avoid pre-minced versions.

  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives a bright acidity that elevates the flavors.

  • Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings are essential; use kosher salt for even distribution.

  • Olive Oil: A drizzle of quality olive oil enhances flavor and helps achieve crispy skin.

For garnish:

  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness and color to your finished dish.

  • Lemon Wedges: Serve alongside for an extra burst of citrus when plating.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients so you’re ready to cook without interruptions. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley ahead of time.

Preheat Your Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot enough to make water droplets sizzle upon contact. Add a splash of olive oil.

Season the Cod Fillets: Pat your cod fillets dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Add Butter and Garlic to Your Pan: Once the oil is shimmering, add butter and minced garlic to your skillet. Allow them to melt together until fragrant but not browned—that’s around 1-2 minutes.

Sear the Cod Fillets**: Place fillets skin-side down in the pan; let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully using a spatula.

Add Lemon Juice**: After flipping the fillets, squeeze fresh lemon juice over them while they finish cooking (about another 3-4 minutes). This will infuse fantastic flavor while keeping them moist.

Serve immediately on a plate garnished with parsley and lemon wedges; enjoy!

This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin is sure to be a hit at your table! With its tantalizing aromas and mouthwatering flavors, it’s bound to become one of your favorite recipes too! Shrimp pesto pasta. For more inspiration, check out this shrimp and broccoli pasta recipe.

You Must Know

  • This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin recipe is a flavor explosion that elevates simple cod to gourmet status
  • The buttery sauce and crispy skin make it a crowd-pleaser that impresses even the pickiest eaters
  • Plus, it cooks in under 30 minutes!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the cod skin-side down for a crispy finish. While it’s cooking, prepare the lemon garlic butter sauce to maximize flavor and efficiency.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cod for another firm white fish like halibut or tilapia. Add herbs like dill or parsley for an extra burst of freshness.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve its crispy skin.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfect results, always use fresh fish and avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking
  • A hot skillet is key to achieving that coveted crispy skin
  • Lastly, don’t skip the lemon juice; it brightens the dish beautifully!

Creating this Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin transformed my dinner parties from “meh” to “wow.” Friends now expect me to serve this dish at every gathering! Creamy chicken casserole. For more inspiration, check out this creamy garlic chicken recipe.

FAQs

FAQ

What type of fish works best for this recipe?

Cod is ideal, but you can also use halibut or tilapia for similar results.

Can I make the lemon garlic butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge for easy use when cooking.

How can I tell when the fish is cooked through?

The cod should flake easily with a fork and have an opaque appearance when done.

Print
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Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin


  • Author: homerecipeseasy
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Indulge in the savory delight of Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin. This dish features perfectly seared cod fillets enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce, enhanced by zesty lemon. The crispy skin contrasts beautifully with the tender fish, creating a culinary masterpiece that’s quick to prepare and bound to impress family and friends. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is your new go-to for seafood lovers.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and mince the garlic.
  2. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
  3. Pat the cod fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  4. Add olive oil to the skillet, followed by butter and minced garlic; cook until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
  5. Place fillets skin-side down in the pan; cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Carefully flip the fillets, squeeze lemon juice over them, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked.
  7. Serve immediately with chopped parsley and lemon wedges.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cod fillet (170g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, consider marinating the cod in lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking. - Substitute cod with halibut or tilapia for variety. - To enhance freshness, try adding dill or herbs of your choice.

Tags:

butter fish / cod recipe / crispy skin / easy recipes / lemon garlic / seafood dish / weeknight dinner

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