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- 2 cod fillets (about 6 oz each) - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon slices (for garnish) For the best flavor, use fresh cod fillets. Look for firm, bright fish with a clean scent. Fresh garlic adds a punch, so choose whole heads rather than pre-minced. Unsalted butter is ideal, as it lets you control the salt. Opt for high-quality olive oil for rich taste. Fresh herbs brighten the dish, so buy parsley right before cooking. If you can't find cod, halibut or tilapia works well. Use ghee or coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. For a twist, try lime instead of lemon, or add fresh herbs like dill or basil. If you want a kick, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes. First, grab your cod fillets. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps the fish to brown well. Next, sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. Use enough to season them well. Set the fillets aside while you make the sauce. Now, let’s make the lemon garlic butter. In a small saucepan, melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter and two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once melted, add four minced cloves of garlic. Stir constantly for about one minute. You want the garlic fragrant but not brown. Remove the pan from heat. Now, stir in the zest and juice of one lemon and one teaspoon of dried thyme. This mixture is your star sauce! Heat a large skillet with one tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, carefully add the cod fillets. Cook them for about three to four minutes on one side. You want them golden brown. After that, gently flip the fillets. Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over them. Cook for another three to four minutes. Spoon the sauce over the fish while it cooks. This helps keep the cod moist. You’ll know it’s done when the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. To cook cod just right, start by drying the fillets. Use paper towels to remove extra moisture. Season them well with salt and pepper. Heat your skillet until it's hot. This helps to get a nice golden color. Cook the first side for 3-4 minutes. Flip the fillets carefully with a spatula. Pour the lemon garlic butter over them. Baste often to keep the fish moist. Cook until the cod looks opaque and flakes easily with a fork. You can easily tweak the flavors to fit your taste. Want a bit of heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce. Prefer fresh herbs? Swap dried thyme for fresh thyme or dill. Want a touch of sweetness? Mix in a teaspoon of honey with the lemon juice. Each change makes the dish unique. Play around and find what you love! Make your cod look stunning on the plate. Serve it on sautéed spinach or a light salad. This adds color and nutrition. Add a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright touch. Fresh parsley not only adds flavor but also looks beautiful. Lemon slices on the side give a fresh look and taste. Remember, we eat with our eyes first! {{image_2}} You can add herbs to change the flavor. Try fresh dill or basil for a fresh twist. You can also use a pinch of red pepper flakes to add heat. This gives a nice kick to the dish. You can even mix in some chopped fresh chives for a mild onion flavor. Each herb brings a unique taste that enhances the lemon and garlic. Lemon garlic butter cod pairs well with many sides. A simple green salad adds crunch. You can also serve it over sautéed spinach for a healthy option. For a filling meal, try it with quinoa or rice. Roasted potatoes or steamed asparagus can add nice texture. Lemon slices on the side brighten the plate and the flavor. You can cook cod in different ways. Baking is a great option. Preheat your oven to 400°F, then place the cod in a baking dish. Pour the lemon garlic butter over the top and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Grilling is another fun method. Just brush the cod with olive oil and grill it for 3-4 minutes on each side. Each method brings a new taste to this dish. To store leftover lemon garlic butter cod, let it cool first. Place the cod in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Put the cod on a baking tray. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 10-12 minutes until warm. You can also use a microwave. Just heat it for about one minute. If you want to freeze it, wrap the cod tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen cod. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thaw the cod in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use cold water. Place the cod in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, pat it dry and season as the recipe directs. Many sides go well with lemon garlic butter cod. Here are a few tasty options: - Sautéed spinach - Steamed broccoli - Roasted potatoes - Quinoa salad - Light pasta with olive oil These sides add color and nutrition to your meal. They also balance the rich flavors of the cod. To check if the cod is fully cooked, look for a few signs. The fish should turn opaque. It should also flake easily with a fork. If it still looks translucent or raw, cook it a bit longer. Usually, 6-8 minutes total cook time is enough for the fillets. Use a meat thermometer if you have one; the internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C). In this post, we explored making delicious lemon garlic butter cod. We covered essential ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips. Remember to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Presentation matters too, so add a garnish for style. This dish is easy to store and reheat. Try frozen cod if fresh isn’t available. With these tips, you will create a tasty meal your friends and family will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod

Indulge in the delicious flavors of Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with this easy recipe! In just 20 minutes, you'll create a mouthwatering dish featuring tender cod fillets, zesty lemon, and fragrant garlic, all cooked to perfection. Perfect for a quick dinner or impressing guests, this dish pairs beautifully with sautéed spinach or a light salad. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delightful meal to your table today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

Zest of 1 lemon

Juice of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cod: Pat the cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Set aside.

    Make the Lemon Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and dried thyme.

      Cook the Cod: In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cod fillets to the skillet. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Carefully flip the fillets and pour the lemon garlic butter mixture over them.

        Baste and Finish Cooking: Continue cooking the cod for an additional 3-4 minutes, spooning the butter sauce over the fillets to baste. Cook until the cod is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

          Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the cod to serving plates. Drizzle with any remaining lemon garlic butter from the skillet. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 2

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the cod on a bed of sautéed spinach or a light salad for added color and nutrition. A sprinkle of extra lemon zest on top adds a vibrant touch.