Name: Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cod Fillets: 4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each) Other Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic minced, juice of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, salt and pepper to taste, lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Meet your new go-to weeknight seafood superstar: Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod. This irresistible dish features tender, flaky cod fillets enveloped in a lush, garlicky lemon butter sauce with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and brightness. Every bite is all at once light, zesty, and deeply satisfying. It’s a meal that comes together quickly but tastes special—perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something restaurant-worthy at home. The best part? You don’t need any fancy ingredients or skills, just a skillet and twenty minutes.

Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll absolutely love how this ingredient list balances everyday simplicity with serious flavor impact. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the best in the cod and make Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod shine. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters:

Cod Fillets: Choose firm, boneless fillets—this mild, flaky fish is the star of Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod, soaking up every bit of flavor from the sauce.
Olive Oil: Gives the fillets a beautifully golden sear and a subtle fruitiness that sets the stage for the buttery sauce.
Unsalted Butter: Adds creaminess and richness, letting you control the saltiness while creating that luxurious sauce.
Garlic (minced): Just three cloves create an irresistibly savory aroma and infuse the butter with delectable warmth.
Fresh Lemon (juice and zest): Lemon juice brings bright acidity while the zest amplifies citrus fragrance all through the sauce.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped for a burst of color and a gentle herbal lift—don’t skip it for the freshest finish!
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to make all the flavors pop and your cod fillets taste perfectly balanced.
Lemon Slices (optional, for garnish): Adds instant visual appeal and a final zing of citrus if you like.

How to Make Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod

Step 1: Prep and Season the Cod

Begin by patting your cod fillets completely dry with paper towels—this step is crucial for getting a lovely golden crust instead of steam-cooked fish. Sprinkle both sides with a generous pinch of salt and a good grinding of black pepper. This not only seasons the fish itself but also intensifies the natural flavors as the cod cooks.

Step 2: Sear the Cod

Heat the olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Carefully lay in the fillets—you should hear them sizzle. Let them cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes (they’ll naturally release from the pan when ready), then gently flip and cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Once they’re perfectly cooked, transfer the fillets to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to keep things gentle and melt the unsalted butter right into the same pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, just until it smells amazing—don’t let it brown. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and scatter in the lemon zest, stirring to create a smooth, glistening sauce that’s ready to embrace your cod.

Step 4: Coat the Cod in Sauce

Slide the cooked cod fillets back into the pan and gently spoon the hot lemon butter sauce all over them. This step bathes the fish with flavor and keeps it juicy and tender. Shower everything with chopped parsley and add a few lemon slices for garnish if you want a stunning finish.

How to Serve Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod

Garnishes

A flurry of fresh parsley on top of your Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod brightens the whole dish, both in color and taste. For a little extra flair, tuck in a few lemon rounds or wedges—these not only look elegant but let your guests squeeze on even more fresh citrus if they like.

Side Dishes

This dish loves a simple, cozy companion. Spoon it over fluffy rice, roasted potatoes, or even a bed of steamed vegetables to catch every drop of the luscious sauce. Something starchy helps soak up that irresistible lemon butter, making the meal complete and incredibly satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod up a notch by plating it atop garlicky sautéed greens or swirling the sauce around the fish for a “bistro” look. You can even flake the cod and stuff it into warm tortillas with a drizzle of the lemon butter for ultra-fresh fish tacos. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Spoon any extra sauce directly over the fish to keep it moist and flavorful when reheating.

Freezing

While the cod itself can be frozen, the delicate lemon butter sauce is best enjoyed fresh. If you need to freeze, tightly wrap the cooked fillets (without sauce) and freeze for up to one month. Thaw gently in the fridge before gently reheating and making a quick fresh batch of lemon butter sauce to pour over just before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, place the cod and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a drizzle of water or lemon juice to loosen the sauce. Take care not to overcook—the fish should just be warmed through. A microwave works too, but use a low setting and brief intervals to preserve the fish’s delicacy.

FAQs

Can I use another type Main Course

Absolutely! While cod is traditional for Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod, you can substitute haddock, halibut, or tilapia. Just keep an eye on cooking time since thinner fillets will cook more quickly.

How do I tell if my cod is done?

The fish should turn opaque and flake easily with a fork when it’s done. For perfect results, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Don’t overcook, as cod is at its best when just-cooked and juicy.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

A microplane grater makes it super easy to take only the yellow zest (not the bitter white pith) from the lemon. Zest before juicing for the maximum flavor in your Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great choice for anyone avoiding wheat or gluten. Just serve it with gluten-free sides to make the meal complete.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Definitely! A splash of dry white wine enhances the sauce beautifully—add it in after the garlic, let it reduce slightly, then stir in your butter and lemon for a more complex flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so uplifting about serving (and devouring) Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod—it’s quick, fresh, and guaranteed to impress from the very first forkful. Give it a try the next time you need a speedy but stunning main course; you’ll be amazed how easily this dish finds a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in the bright flavors of Lemon Butter Sautéed Cod, a quick and elegant seafood dish perfect for any day of the week. Tender cod fillets are pan-seared to golden perfection, then drizzled with a luscious lemon butter sauce for a burst of citrusy goodness.

Ingredients

Cod Fillets:

4 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)

Other Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 cloves garlic minced, juice of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, salt and pepper to taste, lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Cook Cod: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cod fillets and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C). Remove the cod from the skillet and set aside.
Make Lemon Butter Sauce: In the same pan, reduce heat to low and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine.
Finish Dish: Return the cod to the skillet and spoon the lemon butter sauce over the fillets to coat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices before serving.