Buttered Cod

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buttered Cod is a light, flavorful dish that combines the delicate, flaky texture of cod with rich, creamy butter. This simple recipe lets the natural flavors of the fish shine while adding a luscious, buttery coating that complements the cod perfectly. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s both comforting and elegant, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part? It only takes a few ingredients and minimal time to prepare, but the results are absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

• 4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.

3. Once the butter has melted and is hot, add the cod fillets to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.

4. While the cod is cooking, melt the remaining butter in a separate small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Once the cod is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a serving plate.

6. Pour the melted garlic butter over the cooked cod fillets and squeeze lemon juice on top for a burst of freshness.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Add Herbs: You can add fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill to the butter for extra flavor.

• Spicy Option: For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce.

• Different Fish: While cod works wonderfully in this recipe, you can substitute it with other white fish like haddock or pollock for similar results.

• Lemon Zest: For a more intense citrus flavor, add a little lemon zest to the butter sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cod in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Gently reheat the cod in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra butter to keep the fish moist. Avoid overcooking to maintain its delicate texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cod can be used, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking to avoid uneven cooking.

2. Can I cook the cod in the oven instead of on the stove?

Yes, you can bake the cod in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Drizzle the garlic butter over the fish before baking.

3. How can I tell when the cod is fully cooked?

Cod is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter offers the best flavor and richness, you can substitute margarine if needed. However, the taste may be slightly different.

5. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free butter substitutes like olive oil or coconut oil to make this dish dairy-free.

6. Is there a way to add more flavor to the cod?

You can marinate the cod fillets in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 15-30 minutes before cooking to infuse them with more flavor.

7. What can I serve with buttered cod?

Buttered cod pairs well with a variety of sides like steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad.

8. Can I cook cod in a different kind of pan?

Yes, you can use any skillet or frying pan, but a non-stick skillet makes it easier to cook the fish without it sticking.

9. Can I use a different fat instead of butter?

You can use olive oil, ghee, or even avocado oil as alternatives to butter, although the flavor will vary.

10. How do I store leftover garlic butter?

Store any leftover garlic butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it and use it for other dishes as well.

Conclusion

Buttered Cod is an incredibly simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the delicate taste of cod with a rich, buttery sauce. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a light, comforting meal. The buttery sauce adds a depth of flavor that enhances the fish without overpowering it. Whether served with vegetables, rice, or a salad, this recipe is a sure winner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Buttered Cod

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• Author: Ava
• Total Time: 25min
• Yield: 4servings

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Description

Buttered Cod is a light and flavorful dish that combines flaky cod with a rich, buttery sauce. With a touch of garlic, lemon, and fresh parsley, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The creamy butter enhances the delicate taste of the cod, creating a satisfying and elegant meal that’s ready in just 15 minutes.

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Ingredients

4 cod fillets (6 ounces each)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

• Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Season the cod fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.

• Once the butter is hot, add the cod fillets to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.

• While the cod is cooking, melt the remaining butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

• Remove the cooked cod from the skillet and place it on a serving plate.

• Pour the garlic butter over the cod fillets and squeeze lemon juice on top for a burst of freshness.

• Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

• Add Herbs: Add thyme, rosemary, or dill to the butter for extra flavor.

• Spicy Option: For a kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes into the garlic butter.

• Different Fish: Replace cod with haddock or pollock for a similar dish.

• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the garlic butter for an intensified citrus flavor.

• Prep Time: 5min
• Cook Time: 15min
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American