Oh boy, do I have a delightful recipe for you today! I absolutely love cooking with fish, and nothing is quite as satisfying as a perfectly cooked piece of cod bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce. This Garlic Butter Cod is one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for a dinner party but is still super simple to whip up on a Tuesday night.
I remember the first time I made this dish; I was trying to impress a friend who was visiting from out of town. Little did I know, cod was her favorite fish! As soon as that garlic hit the pan, our conversation turned into a “ooh” and “ahh” fest while we breathed in its aromatic glory. Since then, this dish has been my go-to for special occasions, and it has yet to let me down!
What’s in Garlic Butter Cod?
Let’s break down what you’ll be needing for this scrumptious recipe:
Cod Fillets: The star of the show! I typically go for fresh cod if I can find it, but frozen works beautifully too. Just ensure it’s properly thawed before cooking.
Unsalted Butter: For that rich, creamy flavor and to create that garlic butter magic!
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is what I use, because honestly, can you really call it garlic butter without that delightful garlicky goodness?
Fresh Parsley: This adds a beautiful pop of color and freshness to the dish. And let’s face it, fresh herbs just elevate everything, don’t you think?
Lemon Juice and Zest: This brightens up the whole dish and adds a zingy contrast to the buttery sauce.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning – no meal is complete without them!
Red Pepper Flakes: Totally optional, but they give the dish just a hint of heat, which I adore!
Olive Oil: Just a splash to get that gorgeous golden sear on our fish!
Is Garlic Butter Cod Good for You?
Absolutely! This Garlic Butter Cod packs a nutritious punch while still being utterly delicious.
Cod: This fish is a great source of lean protein and is low in calories, making it a fantastic option for a healthy diet. It’s also rich in important nutrients like vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health. Just make sure to choose sustainable sources when possible!
Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic can help ward off those pesky colds and adds incredible flavor!
Butter: While it’s best to enjoy this ingredient in moderation, the fats found in butter are needed for absorbing vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Keep in mind, you control how much butter and oil you use, so feel free to adjust according to your preferences. If you’re watching cholesterol or you want to lighten things up further, try swapping a bit of the butter for some broth!
Ingredients
– 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Olive oil for cooking
*Serves: 4*
How to Make Garlic Butter Cod?
1. Start by patting the cod fillets dry with paper towels; this helps to get that perfect sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot and shimmering, carefully add the cod fillets. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt. Then toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant – but no burning!
4. Now stir in the chopped parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing it all together for a deliciously aromatic sauce.
5. Return the beautiful cod fillets back to the skillet and spoon that heavenly garlic butter sauce over them. Let it simmer for another minute to heat through.
6. Serve the cod immediately, drizzled with the garlic butter sauce and finished off with a sprinkle of extra parsley if you desire. Enjoy every bite!
Extra Tips for Delicious Garlic Butter Cod
– Switch up the herbs! If parsley isn’t your thing, fresh dill or basil could really jazz things up too.
– Pair it with sides like grilled veggies or a light salad to keep it fresh and healthy.
– If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding capers for a salty punch!
I truly hope you give this Garlic Butter Cod a try. It’s such a showstopper that will impress anyone you serve it to, and it’s straightforward enough to become a staple in your home-cooked meals. Let me know how it turns out; I can’t wait to hear all about your own buttery adventures! Happy cooking!
