Description
Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin features perfectly cooked cod fillets with a flavorful crispy skin. Pan-seared in butter, olive oil, and garlic, then finished with fresh lemon juice and zest, this dish offers a delicious balance of buttery richness, zesty brightness, and fresh herbaceous notes. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an elegant yet simple seafood recipe perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and olive oil together.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Place seasoned cod fillets skin-side down in skillet.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Gently flip fillets, pour in lemon juice.
- Cook another 3-4 minutes until fish flakes easily.
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley and lemon zest.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
To substitute cod, use other white, firm fish like haddock or halibut. Butter can be replaced with ghee or olive oil for dairy-free options. Make the dish fresh for best crispy skin; leftover fish can be reheated but skin may lose crispiness. Ensure fillets are dry before cooking to achieve perfect crispness. Avoid overcrowding skillet to maintain sear quality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American