Garlic Butter Cod Recipe (Pan Fried Cod)

Garlic Butter Cod Recipe (Pan Fried Cod)

2 servings
This garlic butter cod recipe is ridiculously easy to make. The Cod is pan-fried in oil until crispy on the outside and around the edges. It is then finished in garlic butter sauce. The result is restaurant-quality cod fish that is flavorful, tender, and flaky, more importantly, it is ready in less than 15 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 2 cod loin

    boneless

    280 g
  • butter

    salted or unsalted

    40 g
  • vegetable oil
    2 tbsp
  • garlic chopped
    1 tbsp
  • lemon juice
    1 tbsp
  • parsley chopped
    1 tbsp
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    15 minutes before you cook the fish remove it from the fridge so it comes to room temperature

  2. 2

    Pat the cod thoroughly dry with a kitchen paper towel (this step is important and should not be skipped)

  3. 3

    Season the cod with salt and black pepper (and any other seasoning of choice).

  4. 4

    Place a skillet on medium-high heat, add oil, and heat until hot and the oil shimmers.

  5. 5

    Carefully place the cod loin in the hot oil skin side down, do not move or touch the fish at this point, you want to form a nice golden and crispy crust on the bottom side of the fish.

  6. 6

    After 3-4 minutes use a (fish) spatula to carefully flip the cod over, be very careful not to break the fish. Continue to cook for another 3 minutes.

  7. 7

    Carefully remove the pan seared fish from the pan. this is optional as the following steps can be done with the fish in the pan

  8. 8

    Still using the same pan, reduce the heat, add butter and melt, add chopped garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to release flavor, add chopped parsley and stir to combine.

  9. 9

    Return the cooked fish to the garlic butter sauce and baste with the sauce for about 30 seconds, so that the fish can soak up the garlic butter flavor.

  10. 10

    Finally, squeeze about 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice over the fish, take it off the heat, and serve immediately. Serve as is with other sides of your choice and enjoy!

Garlic Butter Cod Recipe (Pan Fried Cod)

Garlic Butter Cod Recipe (Pan Fried Cod)

15 min2 servings267 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a dinner that feels elegant but comes together in a flash? This Garlic Butter Cod Recipe delivers restaurant-quality fish right in your own kitchen, perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can achieve such delicious results.

Why This Pan-Fried Cod Works So Well

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and technique. The cod is first pan-fried in oil, developing an incredibly crispy, golden-brown exterior and beautifully defined edges. This crucial step creates a textural contrast that elevates the dish far beyond simple baked fish. Finishing it in a rich garlic butter sauce ensures every bite is flavorful, tender, and incredibly flaky.

What to Expect from Your Garlic Butter Cod

Prepare for a truly delightful culinary experience. You'll enjoy cod that is remarkably tender and flaky on the inside, encased in a delicate, crispy crust. The vibrant garlic butter sauce, brightened by a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh parsley, infuses the fish with a savory richness without overpowering its natural flavor. This dish is designed to be effortlessly delicious, offering a luxurious taste with minimal effort.

Customization & Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to what you have on hand. Feel free to use either boneless, skinless cod loin or cod with the skin on – both will yield fantastic results with their own unique textural benefits. For the butter, either salted or unsalted butter will work beautifully; simply adjust any added salt to your taste preferences. While the recipe calls for specific amounts of garlic, lemon, and parsley, consider these as foundational flavors you can lean into based on your preference for more tang or herbaceous notes.

Serving & Context

This pan-fried garlic butter cod is ideal for a satisfying dinner. Serve it alongside your favorite simple sides, like roasted asparagus or a light rice pilaf, to complete a wholesome and incredibly flavorful meal that feels indulgent yet is ready in minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions