Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod is a quick and flavorful seafood dish that brings together tender cod fillets with a rich, zesty lemon-butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions, offering a delightful blend of tangy lemon and creamy butter. With minimal ingredients and just 25 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your home.
Ingredients:
4 cod fillets
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
Prepare the Cod: Start by patting the cod fillets dry with paper towels. This ensures a better sear. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper.
Sear the Cod: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cod fillets. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the fillets from the skillet and set them aside.
Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, allowing the sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Coat the Cod: Return the cod fillets to the skillet, spooning the lemon butter sauce over the top to coat the fish evenly. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through.
Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Serving Tips:
Presentation: For a restaurant-quality presentation, place the cod fillets on a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the lemon butter sauce generously over the top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges. The bright colors will make your dish visually appealing.
Accompaniments:
Vegetables: Serve with steamed asparagus, green beans, or sautéed spinach for a healthy side.
Starches: Pair with garlic mashed potatoes, herb-infused rice, or quinoa to balance the meal.
Salads: A fresh mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the cod and adds a refreshing touch.
Garnishes: Enhance the dish with additional fresh herbs like dill or chives if desired. A light sprinkle of capers can add an extra layer of flavor.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store leftover Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent any odor absorption.
Freezing: While freezing cod is possible, it may affect the texture of the fish. If you need to freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Use within 1-2 months for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, use a skillet over low heat to gently warm the cod. Add a small amount of butter or lemon juice if needed to prevent drying out. Avoid using high heat to prevent overcooking the fish.
Avoid Overheating: Reheat only the portion you plan to eat to maintain the best texture and flavor of the remaining cod.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of fish instead of cod?
Yes, you can substitute cod with other white fish like haddock, tilapia, or halibut. Just ensure that the fillets are of similar thickness to maintain consistent cooking times.
How can I prevent the cod from sticking to the pan?
To prevent sticking, make sure the skillet is properly preheated before adding the fish. Pat the cod fillets dry before seasoning, and don’t move them around too much while they’re cooking. Using a non-stick skillet or adding a little extra oil can also help.
Can I make the lemon butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat before adding it to the cod.
What can I do if my sauce turns out too thick or too thin?
If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of water, broth, or more lemon juice. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken, or stir in a little extra butter for a richer consistency.
Conclusion:
Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod is a dish that combines simplicity with elegance, making it a perfect addition to your weekly dinner rotation. The bright, citrusy flavors paired with the richness of butter create a harmonious balance that’s sure to impress your taste buds. Enjoy this light and flavorful meal with your favorite sides for a delightful dining experience.
📖 Recipe:
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Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod is a light and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender cod fillets cooked in a rich lemon-butter sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe combines the tangy brightness of lemon with the creamy richness of butter for a delightful meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a simple yet elegant choice for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
4 cod fillets
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cod fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and flaky. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest, allowing the sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Return the cod fillets to the skillet, spooning the lemon butter sauce over the top. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through.
- Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Ensure the skillet is preheated to prevent the cod from sticking.
For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before returning the cod to the skillet.
Pair with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
Keywords: Lemon butter sautéed cod, easy cod recipe, quick seafood dinner, lemon butter sauce, pan-seared cod, healthy fish recipe, weeknight dinner, light seafood dish.
