Simple Garlic Butter Cod Fillets Recipe for Light Weeknight Dinners

Garlic butter cod fillets tantalize seafood lovers with their rich, luxurious flavor profile and effortless preparation.

Delicate white fish enhances into a culinary masterpiece when seasoned with aromatic ingredients and cooked with precision.

Buttery, herb-infused sauces elevate this protein-packed dish from mundane to extraordinary, creating a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Succulent textures merge with intense garlic notes, promising a memorable dining experience that satisfies both sophisticated and casual palates.

Mediterranean coastal regions inspired this straightforward yet elegant recipe, highlighting how minimal ingredients can produce maximum flavor impact.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate the simplicity and rapid cooking time of these delectable fillets.

Fresh herbs and quality butter make a significant difference in creating an impressive seafood entree that feels indulgent yet light.

Garlic Butter Cod Fillets That Are Fast and Flavorful

• Unlock Lightning-Fast Flavor: This cod recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks craving a delicious seafood meal without complicated techniques.
• Texture Magic Masterpiece: The pan-searing method creates a beautifully golden, crispy exterior while keeping the cod's interior tender, flaky, and moist- a delightful contrast that makes every bite exciting.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Satisfaction: With just a few simple ingredients like garlic, butter, and lemon, this recipe transforms basic cod into an elegant dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal culinary skills.
• Healthy Protein Powerhouse: Cod offers lean protein and essential nutrients, making this recipe not just delicious but also a nutritious choice for anyone looking to enjoy a light, satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Simple Garlic Butter Cod Fillets

Main Ingredients:

Cod Fillets: Fresh, high-quality white fish with delicate, flaky texture that absorbs flavors beautifully. Wild-caught or sustainably sourced cod provides the best taste and texture.

Black Pepper: Classic seasoning that adds warmth and mild heat to enhance the fish’s flavor. Freshly ground pepper offers more robust taste compared to pre-ground varieties.

Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the cod and balancing the overall dish.

Cooking Fats and Aromatics:

Olive Oil: High-quality cooking oil for achieving golden brown crust on fish. Extra virgin olive oil provides a subtle fruity undertone.

Butter: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps create a luxurious sauce. Unsalted butter allows better control of the dish’s saltiness.

Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and intense flavor to the butter sauce. Fresh garlic cloves provide the most vibrant taste.

Finishing Ingredients:

Parsley: Fresh herb that adds bright, green color and light herbal notes to the dish. Flat-leaf parsley offers more intense flavor than curly variety.

Lemon Juice: Adds bright, acidic touch that cuts through the richness of butter and enhances the fish’s delicate flavor. Fresh lemon juice is recommended over bottled.

Cooking Instructions for Garlic Butter Cod Fillets

Step 1: Prepare Cod Fillets

Grab fresh cod fillets and gently pat them dry using paper towels. Season each fillet generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage.

Step 2: Heat Cooking Surface

Select a large skillet and pour olive oil, heating over medium-high temperature. Allow the oil to become hot and shimmering, then reduce heat to medium.

Step 3: Sear Fish Perfectly

Place cod fillets into the skillet with skinned side facing down. Using a spatula, press gently on each fillet for several seconds to create maximum contact with cooking surface. Allow fish to cook undisturbed until bottom turns golden brown, approximately 4 minutes.

Step 4: Create Butter Sauce

• Butter
• Minced garlic
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon juice

Cook fish for additional 3-4 minutes, continuously spooning melted butter over fillets until internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Remove cod from skillet. In same pan, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Drizzle warm garlic butter sauce directly over cooked cod fillets. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delicious flavors.

Expert Tips for Garlic Butter Cod That’s Not Overcooked

• Select Fresh Fish: Choose high-quality, fresh cod fillets with firm, translucent flesh and a mild ocean scent for the best flavor and texture.
• Dry Thoroughly: Use paper towels to completely remove moisture from cod fillets, ensuring a crispy golden-brown sear and preventing steaming in the pan.
• Perfect Pan Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat initially, then reduce to medium for even cooking and a beautiful golden crust without burning the fish.
• Minimal Handling: Resist the urge to move fillets while cooking; allow them to develop a crisp exterior and prevent breaking delicate fish during flipping.
• Basting Technique: Continuously spoon melted garlic butter over cod during the final cooking stage to enhance moisture, flavor, and create a luxurious golden finish.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Cod Fillets

• Refrigeration: Place cooled cod fillets in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate the fish from the sauce to maintain texture.
• Gentle Reheating: Warm cod slowly in a preheated 275°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of water or reserved sauce to keep the fish moist.
• Serving Tip: Drizzle fresh garlic butter sauce over reheated fish to restore its original rich flavor and prevent the cod from tasting bland or becoming rubbery.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Cod

• Enhance Seafood Flavors with Crisp White Wine: Pair this delicate cod with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light, zesty wines complement the buttery garlic sauce and cut through the fish's richness perfectly.
• Create a Fresh Mediterranean Side Salad: Toss together a simple cucumber, tomato, and herb salad with a light lemon vinaigrette. The bright, fresh ingredients will beautifully balance the rich, buttery cod and add a vibrant contrast to the plate.
• Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a side of roasted asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers seasoned with herbs. The caramelized vegetable flavors will harmonize wonderfully with the golden-brown cod and provide a nutritious, colorful accompaniment.
• Serve with Crusty Artisan Bread: Include a slice of warm, rustic sourdough or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. This simple addition transforms the dish into a more substantial and satisfying meal.

Variations on Garlic Butter Cod Fillets You’ll Love

• Herby Mediterranean Cod: Swap parsley for fresh oregano and thyme. Add diced kalamata olives and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese after cooking. Replace lemon juice with a touch of white wine for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Cod: Blend paprika, cayenne, onion powder, and dried herbs into the seasoning mix. Use blackened seasoning on the fish before pan-searing. Top with sliced green onions and a drizzle of hot sauce for extra kick.
• Coconut Curry Cod: Substitute olive oil with coconut oil. Add mild curry powder to the seasoning. Create a sauce using coconut milk, ginger, and turmeric after cooking the fish. Garnish with fresh cilantro and toasted coconut flakes for a tropical touch.
• Asian-Inspired Soy Cod: Replace lemon juice with rice vinegar and soy sauce. Add minced ginger and sesame oil to the butter sauce. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and green onions on top. Serve with a side of steamed bok choy for complete meal.

Simple Garlic Butter Cod Fillets Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent cod fillets bathed in rich garlic butter create a Mediterranean-inspired seafood delight. Quick and elegant, these fillets deliver restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen, promising a delectable meal you’ll savor with every delicate, herb-infused bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 cod fillets, about 6 ounces (170 grams) each and 1 inch thick

Herbs and Seasonings:

• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Cooking Components:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 4 tablespoons (60 grams) butter, cut into half-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice, for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly blot cod fillets with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Select a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high heat, allowing the pan to become evenly heated.
3. Reduce cooking temperature to medium and gently place cod fillets in the skillet, positioning them with the skinned side facing downward.
4. Apply light pressure using a spatula across each fillet for several seconds, ensuring maximum contact with the heated surface.
5. Allow fillets to cook undisturbed until the bottom develops a rich golden-brown color, approximately 4 minutes.
6. Delicately turn the cod fillets to prevent potential fragmentation, then introduce butter pieces into the pan.
7. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, continuously spooning the browning butter over the fish to enhance flavor and moisture.
8. Monitor the fish’s internal temperature, aiming for 145°F (62°C) to ensure proper doneness.
9. Transfer the cooked cod to a serving plate, keeping it warm.
10. Return the skillet to the heat and add minced garlic, sautéing briefly until the aroma becomes pronounced.
11. Incorporate freshly chopped parsley and a splash of lemon juice into the remaining butter, creating a vibrant pan sauce.
12. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if required.
13. Generously drizzle the aromatic garlic butter sauce over the cod fillets before serving.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality cod fillets with firm, translucent flesh for the best texture and flavor.
• Pat fish completely dry before seasoning to achieve a golden-brown, crispy exterior when pan-searing.
• Use medium-high heat initially, then reduce to medium to prevent burning while creating a perfect golden crust.
• Avoid moving fillets during initial cooking to develop a beautiful caramelized surface and prevent breaking delicate fish.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure cod is perfectly cooked at 145°F without overcooking.
• Baste fillets with garlic butter during final cooking stages to infuse rich, aromatic flavors into the delicate fish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 90mg