There’s nothing quite like the tantalizing aroma of Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin wafting through your kitchen. Imagine golden, crispy skin crackling under your fork, giving way to buttery, flaky fish that bursts with citrusy goodness. crispy lemon zucchini chips This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that dances on your taste buds and leaves you craving more.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
- What side dishes pair well with lemon garlic butter cod?
- How do I know when my cod is cooked through?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Picture this: a cozy family dinner where laughter fills the air as everyone digs into this delightful seafood creation. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this cod recipe will impress even the pickiest eaters. try the Greek chicken gyros Get ready to savor every bite and create lasting memories around the table. For more inspiration, check out this easy chicken and dumplings recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin is incredibly easy to prepare, making dinner a breeze
- The flavor profile is a perfect balance of zesty lemon and rich butter
- Visually, it boasts a stunning golden crust that looks as good as it tastes
- Versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight or an elegant dinner party
I remember the first time I served Lemon Garlic Butter Cod for my family—my kids’ wide eyes said it all when they took their first bites, followed by joyous shouts of approval. For more inspiration, check out this creamy sausage rigatoni recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Cod Fillets: Look for firm, bright fillets; freshness is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Unsalted Butter: Opt for high-quality butter; it enhances the richness of the sauce beautifully.
Fresh Garlic: Use whole cloves for the best flavor; you can never have too much garlic in life.
Lemon Zest and Juice: Fresh lemons provide vibrant acidity that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Salt and Pepper: Simple yet essential seasonings to elevate every single ingredient in this dish.
Olive Oil: A drizzle helps achieve that coveted crispy skin without sacrificing flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Rinse the cod fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely.
Zest and Juice Your Lemons: Use a zester or grater to collect the lemon zest in a bowl. Squeeze fresh juice from one of those lemons into another bowl. Set aside both.
Create Your Flavorful Mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt unsalted butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—just about one minute should do.
Season Your Fish Generously: Sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides of your cod fillets. Don’t be shy; seasoning helps enhance that amazing flavor!
Sear for Crispy Perfection: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place your seasoned cod skin-side down and cook until golden brown—about 4-5 minutes should suffice.
Add That Zesty Touch!: Carefully flip the fillets over and drizzle them with your melted garlic butter mixture along with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through and flaking easily.
Enjoy every bite of this Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin as it’s sure to bring smiles all around! ultimate cheesy scalloped potatoes.
You Must Know
- This lemon garlic butter cod with crispy skin is a delightful dish bursting with flavors
- The combination of bright lemon and rich butter creates a perfect harmony that will impress even the pickiest eaters
- Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it great for busy weeknights!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfectly crispy skin, start by patting the cod dry before seasoning. Sear the fish skin-side down in a hot pan to lock in flavor and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this dish with fresh herbs like thyme or dill. You can also swap cod for other white fish such as haddock or halibut for variety.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover lemon garlic butter cod in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve its texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your pan is hot before adding the cod; this helps achieve that coveted crispy skin
- Use a fish spatula for easy flipping without breaking the fillet
- Always taste your sauce; adjusting seasoning can elevate your dish significantly!
Sharing this recipe always reminds me of the first time I made it for friends. Their expressions of delight inspired me to keep cooking and experimenting more with flavors!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cod for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat it dry before cooking.
What side dishes pair well with lemon garlic butter cod?
pair it with shrimp pesto pasta.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal.
How do I know when my cod is cooked through?
Cod should flake easily with a fork and have an opaque appearance when done.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin is a delightful seafood dish that combines the rich flavors of buttery cod with zesty lemon and fragrant garlic. The crispy skin adds an enticing crunch, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its easy preparation and impressive presentation, this recipe will become a favorite at your table, leaving everyone craving more.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh cod fillets (150g each)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place seasoned cod skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip the fillets, drizzle with garlic butter mixture and lemon juice, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cod fillet (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg