Lemon Butter Cod – Bright, Flaky, and Ready in 20 Minutes
This lemon butter cod is everything you want in a weeknight dinner—bright, buttery, and done in 20 minutes.
Say hello to your new favorite weeknight dinner: Lemon Butter Cod! This flaky, pan-seared fish is bathed in a golden lemon butter sauce that’s equal parts bright, rich, and ridiculously delicious. Best of all, it comes together in just 20 minutes with one pan and a handful of simple ingredients—so yes, it’s as easy as it is impressive. Whether you’re craving something cozy and comforting or light and fresh, this dish hits all the right notes. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, serve it with your favorite veggie or grain, and you’ve got a dinner that feels fancy but takes zero fuss. Let’s turn that plain cod into something crave-worthy!
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍋 Zesty & Bright: That lemon butter sauce? It’s tangy, silky, and absolutely unforgettable.
🐟 Flaky & Tender Cod: Each bite melts in your mouth with just the right sear on the outside.
⏱️ Ready in 20 Minutes: Fast enough for busy nights, fancy enough for date night.
🧄 One-Pan Wonder: Less mess, less cleanup, more time to relax and eat.
🌿 Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You probably have everything you need in your kitchen already!
🥗 So Versatile: Pair it with rice, roasted veggies, salad, or crusty bread—this cod goes with everything.
🎯 Beginner-Friendly: No complicated techniques, just delicious results.
🔪 How to Make Lemon Butter Cod
Pat and season the cod: Dry your cod fillets with paper towels, then season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika (optional for color).
Sear the cod: Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a skillet. Sear the fillets for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Remove and set aside.
Make the lemon butter sauce: In the same pan, melt more butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and zest, then simmer for a minute.
Finish and serve: Return the cod to the pan, spoon sauce over the fillets, and cook for another minute to warm through. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices, then serve immediately.
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Lemon Butter Cod Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 6 oz Cod filets skinless, about 1-inch thick
1 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour- ½ tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ¼ tsp Dried Thyme
- ¼ tsp Dried Oregano
- ⅛ tsp Cayenne Pepper
- ¾ tsp Salt to taste
- ¾ tsp Ground Black Pepper freshly ground
- 5 Tbsp Butter cut into 1 tbsp. pieces, divided
- 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp. Minced Garlic
- 1½ Tbsp. Chicken broth low sodium
- 1½ Tbsp. Lemon juice fresh
- 1 Tbsp. Parsley chopped fresh
Method
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, paprika, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Whisk briskly to ensure an even distribution of spices.1 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour, ½ tsp Paprika, ½ tsp Onion Powder, ¼ tsp Dried Thyme, ¼ tsp Dried Oregano, ⅛ tsp Cayenne Pepper, ¾ tsp Salt, ¾ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- Gently press the cod fillets into the flour mixture, turning to coat both sides completely. Use all of the flour mixture to ensure a flavorful crust.4 6 oz Cod filets
- Get that non-stick skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon each of butter and olive oil – you want it to shimmer! Now, gently lay those cod fillets in the pan and listen to them sizzle. Give them a good 3-4 minutes per side to get that irresistible golden-brown crust. They're ready to come out when they're opaque and flake easily with a fork. Transfer them to your plates, being careful not to break them apart.5 Tbsp Butter, 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
- Gently lower the heat to medium-low, allowing the skillet to cool slightly. Add the remaining butter, swirling the pan as it melts into a golden pool. Introduce the garlic, stirring constantly as it releases its fragrant aroma and softens, about 15 seconds. Be careful not to let it brown, as this can create a bitter taste.1 Tbsp. Minced Garlic, 5 Tbsp Butter
- With the skillet removed from the heat, carefully pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring gently as the sauce comes together. It will steam dramatically, so be cautious! Without delay, spoon the luscious sauce over the cod fillets, ensuring they are generously coated. For a final touch, sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately while the fish is still warm and flaky.1½ Tbsp. Chicken broth, 1½ Tbsp. Lemon juice, 1 Tbsp. Parsley
Nutrition
Notes
- Freshness: Look for cod fillets that are firm, moist, and have a fresh, mild scent. Avoid any with a strong fishy odor or discoloration.
- Thickness: Aim for fillets that are relatively similar in thickness so they cook evenly.
- Sustainability: Consider purchasing sustainably sourced cod to support responsible fishing practices.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Give the fillets enough space in the skillet to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets and your stovetop. Start with the lower end of the suggested time range and check for doneness by flaking with a fork.
- Avoid overcooking: Overcooked cod can become dry and tough. Aim for a tender, flaky texture.
- Butter quality: Use good quality butter for the best flavor.
- Garlic: Don't brown the garlic, as it can become bitter. Sauté just until fragrant.
- Lemon juice: Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Deglazing: The chicken broth helps to deglaze the pan, lifting up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
- Steam: Be careful when adding the liquid to the pan, as it will create steam.
- Garnish: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Temperature: Serve the cod immediately while it's still warm and the sauce is at its best.
- Sides: Consider serving with sides that complement the flavors, such as roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a simple salad.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!🍽️ What to Serve with Lemon Butter Cod
This bright and buttery cod pairs beautifully with just about anything—whether you’re going for light and fresh or warm and cozy. Here are some delicious ideas to round out your plate:
🥦 Roasted Vegetables: Think asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or brussels sprouts for a crisp, vibrant contrast.
🍚 Rice or Quinoa: Fluffy jasmine rice, lemon-herb rice, or even a light quinoa salad soaks up that buttery sauce like a dream.
🥔 Mashed or Roasted Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic roasted baby potatoes make a cozy, satisfying combo.
🥗 Simple Green Salad: Toss arugula or mixed greens with a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing bite alongside the rich cod.
🥖 Crusty Bread: Don’t let that lemon butter sauce go to waste—grab a slice of warm bread and soak it all up!
🍷 Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio brings out the citrus notes beautifully.
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📌 Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use frozen cod?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat it dry before cooking. This helps achieve that perfect sear and prevents the fillets from steaming instead of browning.
❓ What kind of cod works best?
Both Atlantic and Pacific cod are great options. Choose firm, fresh (or properly thawed) fillets for the best texture and flavor.
❓ Can I substitute another fish?
Absolutely. This recipe also works well with haddock, halibut, or tilapia—just adjust the cook time based on thickness.
❓ Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
❓ What if my cod falls apart in the pan?
Cod is delicate! Make sure your pan is hot before adding the fish, and don’t move it too much—let it sear and release naturally.
❓ How do I store leftovers?
Store cooked cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of lemon juice or butter to revive the sauce.
❓ Can I double the sauce?
Yes—and you probably should! It’s great over rice, pasta, veggies, or even spooned onto crusty bread.
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