Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce is a quick, elegant dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing dinner guests. The tender fish pairs perfectly with the bright, creamy sauce—and it comes together in under 30 minutes. Even if you’re new to cooking fish, I’ll walk you through every step to ensure crispy fillets and a silky-smooth sauce every time!
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1⁄2 tsp black pepper
- 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1⁄2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Ingredient Prep Guide
Start by patting the cod fillets dry with paper towels—this helps them brown evenly. Measure the flour, salt, and pepper into a shallow dish for dredging. Zest the lemon before juicing it to avoid bitter pith in the sauce. Soften your butter at room temperature while prepping other ingredients; cold butter can make the sauce split. For the best flavor, use fresh garlic (not powdered) and real lemon juice, not bottled.
Equipment & Tools
- Large skillet (non-stick or stainless steel)
- Tongs or spatula
- Zester or microplane grater
- Juicer or fork for lemon
- Measuring spoons and cups
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season both sides of the cod fillets with salt and pepper. Lightly coat them in flour, shaking off excess. This creates a golden crust and helps thicken the sauce later. Tip: Don’t skip the flour—it’s key for texture!
Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp butter in your skillet over medium-high. Once it sizzles (but doesn’t burn), add the cod. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove fish and set aside—it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later.
Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 4: Swirl in remaining butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce becomes glossy. Stir in lemon zest, then return cod to the pan. Spoon sauce over fish and cook 1-2 minutes to warm through. Taste and adjust salt or lemon as needed!
Key Details
Total Time: 25 mins (Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 15 mins)
🍽️ Servings: 4 people
⚙️ Equipment: Skillet, tongs, zester, measuring tools
Serving Suggestions
Pair this lemony cod with roasted asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes. For a light meal, serve over a bed of arugula with crusty bread to mop up the sauce. Garnish with parsley and extra lemon wedges for a pop of color. This dish works beautifully for date nights or easy family dinners—it’s fancy enough for special occasions but simple enough for regular rotation.
Pro Tips
Perfect Fish Every Time: Don’t move the cod around once it’s in the pan. Let it develop a crust before flipping. If the fillets stick, they’re not ready—wait another 30 seconds and try again. For thicker fillets, finish cooking in a 375°F oven for 5 minutes after searing.
Sauce Mastery: Keep the heat medium-low when adding butter to prevent separation. If the sauce looks thin, let it simmer another minute or sprinkle in a pinch of flour. Too tangy? Balance it with 1⁄2 tsp honey or a splash of cream.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, place cod in a skillet with 1 tsp water or broth over low heat. Cover and warm gently for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving—it can make the fish rubbery or split the sauce.
Troubleshooting
Sauce Broke? Whisk in 1 tsp cold butter or 1⁄2 tbsp cream off the heat. Fish Sticking? Make sure the pan is hot before adding fillets, and don’t skimp on the initial butter. Bland Flavor? Brighten it with extra lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, but thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight first. Pat it extra dry to remove excess moisture.
What’s a dairy-free substitute for butter?
Use olive oil for cooking and a splash of full-fat coconut milk in the sauce for creaminess.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Cook the cod fresh, but prep the sauce base (broth, garlic, lemon) in advance. Reheat the base and finish with butter just before serving.
Cod with Lemon Butter Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets 6 oz each
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Juice of 1 lemon about 3 tbsp
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Season both sides of the cod fillets with salt and pepper. Lightly coat them in flour, shaking off excess.
- Heat 1 tbsp butter in your skillet over medium-high. Once it sizzles, add the cod. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove fish and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Swirl in remaining butter, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce becomes glossy. Stir in lemon zest, then return cod to the pan. Spoon sauce over fish and cook 1-2 minutes to warm through.
