Introduction & Inspiration
When I want a quick seafood dinner that still feels elegant and special, Buttered Cod is always my first choice. It’s light yet satisfying, packed with flavor, and cooks up in no time at all. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when I want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Nostalgic Appeal
Seafood dinners like this remind me of coastal vacations, simple meals by the water with fresh fish and a squeeze of lemon. There’s something about buttery cod that feels both nostalgic and comforting, while still feeling light and fresh. This recipe captures all that goodness in a simple, fuss-free way that’s easy to recreate anytime.
Homemade Focus
Making this Buttered Cod at home means I can choose the freshest fillets and control exactly how much seasoning and butter I use. I love using real butter, fresh parsley, and a generous squeeze of lemon for that clean, bright flavor. Homemade always tastes fresher and lets the delicate flavor of the cod shine without being overpowered.
Flavor Goal
The goal for this Buttered Cod was to keep it simple but deeply flavorful, allowing the buttery richness to complement the mild fish perfectly. The cod needed to be flaky and tender, the butter infused with garlic and paprika, and the lemon juice providing just the right pop of freshness. Every bite needed to feel balanced between rich, savory, and bright flavors.
Ingredient Insights
Fresh cod fillets are ideal because they are mild, flaky, and take on flavors beautifully. Unsalted butter allows better control over seasoning and adds luxurious richness to the dish. Garlic powder and onion powder bring subtle depth and aromatic warmth to the seasoning mix. Paprika adds a hint of smoky sweetness and beautiful color to the cod. Salt and black pepper are essential for enhancing all the natural flavors. Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and cuts through the richness of the butter. Chopped fresh parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and a pop of vibrant green color.
Essential Equipment
A sharp knife helps cut the cod into smaller, even pieces for faster and more even cooking. A large non-stick skillet ensures the delicate cod doesn’t stick or fall apart while cooking. A wide spatula is perfect for gently flipping the cod without breaking it.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
1½ lbs cod fillets, cut into smaller pieces
6 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
¾ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
½ lemon, juiced
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Cod
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Season each piece of cod generously with the seasoning mix on all sides.
Step 2: Start Cooking
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, carefully place the seasoned cod pieces into the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes without moving them to allow a light crust to form.
Step 3: Flip and Add More Butter
Lower the heat slightly and gently flip each piece of cod using a wide spatula. Add the remaining butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Continue cooking the cod for another 3-4 minutes, spooning the melted butter over the fish as it cooks.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Parsley
Once the cod is cooked through and flaky but not falling apart, drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over the skillet. Sprinkle chopped parsley across the top and garnish with lemon slices before serving.
Troubleshooting
If the cod sticks to the pan, make sure the butter is fully melted and sizzling before adding the fish. If the fish starts to fall apart, it’s likely overcooked, so watch carefully and remove it from heat once it flakes easily. If you want more color, increase the heat slightly for a minute or two at the end but watch closely to prevent burning.
Tips and Variations
Swap cod for halibut, haddock, or tilapia if you prefer different white fish. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Serve the buttered cod over a bed of wilted spinach or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve Buttered Cod with a side of steamed asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp green salad. Pair it with garlic mashed cauliflower or buttery rice for a satisfying, low-carb meal. A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon complements the rich, buttery flavors beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Cod is a lean source of protein, making this dish light yet satisfying. Butter provides healthy fats, while fresh lemon and parsley add vitamin C and antioxidants. This meal is naturally low in carbs and perfect for gluten-free and keto-friendly diets.
Print
Buttered Cod
Description
This Buttered Cod recipe is a quick, easy, and flavorful way to enjoy tender cod fillets cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfect for a light, elegant dinner ready in under 20 minutes
Ingredients
1½ lbs cod fillets, cut into smaller pieces
6 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
¾ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
½ lemon, juiced
Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Cod
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Season each piece of cod generously with the seasoning mix on all sides.
Step 2: Start Cooking
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, carefully place the seasoned cod pieces into the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes without moving them to allow a light crust to form.
Step 3: Flip and Add More Butter
Lower the heat slightly and gently flip each piece of cod using a wide spatula. Add the remaining butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Continue cooking the cod for another 3-4 minutes, spooning the melted butter over the fish as it cooks.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Parsley
Once the cod is cooked through and flaky but not falling apart, drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over the skillet. Sprinkle chopped parsley across the top and garnish with lemon slices before serving.
Recipe Summary and Q&A
Today, I shared my simple and flavorful Buttered Cod recipe, perfect for light yet comforting dinners. We seasoned fresh cod, cooked it gently in garlic butter, and finished it with a bright splash of lemon and parsley. Can you make it ahead? It’s best fresh, but you can prep the seasoning and butter in advance for quicker cooking. Can you freeze it? Cooked cod doesn’t freeze well, but you can freeze raw cod and thaw it before cooking. This dish is the perfect blend of rich, savory, and fresh flavors that comes together in just minutes and feels effortlessly elegant!