Garlic Butter Cod

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Cod doesn’t always get the spotlight, but this Garlic Butter Cod just might change your mind. It’s buttery, flaky, and infused with the kind of golden garlic flavor that turns a quiet dinner into something you want to make again tomorrow. Whether you’re working with fresh filets or something from the freezer, the magic lies in the simplicity of ingredients and the rich pan sauce.

This recipe is all about clean, comforting flavors that come together in less than 20 minutes. It’s the kind of meal you can turn to on a weeknight, yet elegant enough to serve with crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine for company. You won’t believe how something so simple can feel so satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Cod

Garlic butter and cod are a match made in weeknight dinner heaven. The cod becomes perfectly tender while soaking up all the rich, garlicky goodness from the butter. And because it cooks quickly, there’s no excuse not to make it. It’s low-carb, gluten-free, and can be paired with endless side dishes. Plus, cleanup is easy since it all comes together in one pan.

What Kind of Cod Should I Use?

Both fresh and frozen cod work well here. If you’re using frozen, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Pacific cod has a slightly firmer texture and works beautifully, but Atlantic cod is milder and flakes just as well. Look for filets that are uniform in size so they cook evenly.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Cod

Cod doesn’t need much to shine, but a few staple ingredients make all the difference. Here’s what brings this dish to life:

Cod filets give this recipe its heart. Look for thick, boneless filets so they cook evenly and flake perfectly.

Garlic cloves are the star of the show. They infuse the butter with an aromatic punch that defines the whole dish.

Unsalted butter creates a rich, velvety sauce that bathes the fish in flavor without overwhelming it.

Olive oil is used to sear the cod and prevent the butter from burning. It also helps create a lightly crisp exterior.

Lemon juice adds brightness and cuts through the richness, balancing every bite.

Fresh parsley brings a pop of color and a gentle herbaceous lift to the dish.

Salt and black pepper enhance all the natural flavors without masking the garlic and butter.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Cod

Step 1: Prep the Fish

Pat your cod filets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper. This step helps the filets sear better and hold their shape while cooking.

Step 2: Sear the Cod

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the cod filets. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the fish is golden and easily flakes with a fork. Transfer the cooked fish to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Return the cod to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for another minute so the flavors meld. Serve immediately with extra lemon and more parsley if desired.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Cod

This recipe serves 2 to 4 people depending on filet size and sides. Serve it hot, spooning that luscious garlic butter over rice, mashed potatoes, or sauteed greens. It also pairs well with a simple salad for something lighter.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, spooning some of the sauce over top to keep the cod moist. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the fish rubbery.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Cod?

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

The bright tanginess of this pasta balances the richness of the garlic butter.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

Add some extra protein and flavor contrast with this herbed bowl.

Easy Homemade Naan Bread

Soak up that garlicky butter with warm, pillowy naan bread.

Roasted Asparagus

This classic veggie side adds a crisp-tender contrast.

One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni

Serve cod alongside or over this hearty, creamy pasta to transform it into a feast.

Classic Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer a cooling, juicy bite.

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Lemony, crispy potatoes are the perfect zesty sidekick to buttery cod.

Want More Seafood Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Garlic Butter Cod, you’ll probably enjoy these other fish-forward favorites:

• Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon for a citrusy twist on salmon.
• Pan-Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce for a slightly crispier take.
• Irresistible Grilled Salmon with the Best Salmon Seasoning if you’re heading outdoors.
• Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque when you want something comforting and creamy.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna if you’re in the mood for pasta indulgence.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest seafood board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add red pepper flakes? Swap in halibut or tilapia?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated seafood, pasta, and healthy dinner ideas on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next weeknight favorite!

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Cod proves that dinner doesn’t need to be complicated to be completely delicious. With minimal effort, simple ingredients, and a skillet, you can have something that feels gourmet in under 20 minutes. It’s a keeper you’ll come back to anytime you crave buttery comfort with a bit of freshness on the side.

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