This delicious recipe for simple garlic butter cod fillets is simple and extremely satisfying. Cooked in one pan, no fuss, amazing results.
Ready in under 30 minutes this will soon become your go-to cod recipe for busy weeknight meals.
When I cook fish I like it to be fresh, bright, and tasty. This recipe for garlic butter cod is a favorite of mine, I mean you can’t go wrong with garlic, butter, and fresh cod fillets can you?
Impress your family and guests with this incredibly easy dinner! It’s made with just a handful of ingredients, which makes it perfect for those busy weeknights.
Why This Recipe Works
- Basting the cod fillets in butter creates a rich tasty dish.
- Lemon juice adds a wonderfully bright element.
- Simple flavors such as garlic and parsley make this a kid-friendly meal.
Ingredient Notes
- Cod: I used fresh cod for this recipe, you can use frozen, just ensure it is fully defrosted and pat it dry before adding it to the hot pan.
- Butter: As a rule, I use salted butter in my recipe, but you can use unsalted, just check your dish for seasoning and add more salt if needed.
- Garlic: I like to mince garlic for this kind of dish, but you can also use finely chopped garlic.
- Parsley: I use fresh flat-leaf parsley, but if you don’t have this on hand, you can use whatever dried herbs you like best.
- Lemon Juice: I use freshly squeezed lemon juice. You can make this recipe without the lemon juice, but the lemon does add a lot of brightness and flavor to the dish. In a pinch, bottled juice works too.
Cod Buying Guide
Fresh Cod
When buying fresh cod, look for fillets with firm flesh that’s translucent to light pink in color. It should have no strong odors or weeping fluids.
Frozen Cod
Fresh seafood is not always better as it can be stored in icy seawater for days after it’s caught. For landlocked areas, frozen seafood can be the fresher option as the fish is flash-frozen on the boat.
When buying frozen cod fillets, avoid packs with signs of ice crystals, freezer burn, or frost. This may mean the fish has been in the freezer a long time or it’s been thawed and refrozen.
How to Thaw Frozen Fish ?
Frozen fish defrosts easily in the fridge. Just place your fillets in a food storage bag or airtight container overnight in the fridge.
Or to quickly thaw fish, place it into a zip lock bag (removing as much air as possible from the bag) and place it into a large bowl of cold water for 30 minutes (be sure to switch out the water if it gets to room temperature).
This method also works well with shrimp. If you’re in the mood for shrimp instead, try my Garlic Butter Shrimp Recipe or my delicious Shrimp Scampi Recipe.
How To Make Garlic Butter Cod
- Heat the oil.
- Sear the cod skin side down.
- Add the butter, sear the cod on the other side.
- Baste the cod with the butter.
- Remove the cod from the pan, add the garlic and parsley.
- Add lemon juice and seasoning.
- Serve the sauce over the cod. Enjoy!
Heat the oil in the pan over medium-high until the oil shimmers in the pan (but not so hot that it starts to smoke).
Reduce heat to medium and place fillets in the pan, skinned side down. Gently press each fillet on a spatula for 5 seconds to ensure good contact with the pan. Cook the fillets without moving them until the underside is golden brown, about 4 minutes.
The skin side of a skinless fish fillet is streaky in appearance and slightly darker than the other side.
Flip the cod and add the butter. Cook a further 3 to 4 minutes, basting with the butter (the butter will brown). When the fish is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F/62°C, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
For quicker melting, cut the butter into half-inch pieces. Doing this before you start will keep things moving smoothly when cooking.
Remove from the pan add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the lemon juice and parsley.
Taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the butter sauce over the cod. Enjoy!
How to Tell when Cod Is Cooked
Cooked cod will look opaque, but slightly translucent when it’s cooked through. You can check for doneness by placing a fork into the thickest part of the fish and gently twist the fork to one side. If it’s properly cooked, the fish should easily flake and will be white in color.
To be absolutely sure, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should read 145°F/63°C.
Tips & Variations
- You can substitute cod with red snapper or haddock.
- Buy fillets that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking times.
- Always ensure the pan is hot before searing the cod, it ensure the flavor is sealed in and prevents it from breaking apart.
- Always take cod out of the pan to cool, if left in the pan the residual heat will keep cooking the fish, resulting in a tough texture.
- If you don’t have cod on hand this recipe will work with most white fish.
Storing & Freezing Instructions
- In the fridge: You can keep leftover garlic butter cod in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- In the freezer: You can freeze the garlic butter cod, allow it to get to room temperature and transfer to a freezer safe container or bag and freeze for up to a month.
- To reheat: You can reheat this dish in the microwave or on the stove. You may need to add a little water or extra butter to increase moisture.
Other Easy Seafood Recipes
For something a little different, make my recipe for Easy Shrimp Tacos. It’s a delicious dish with tons of flavor. Or try one of these other great recipes:
FAQs
To prevent your cod from breaking up ensure you pat it dry before searing. It is also important to make sure your oil is hot enough before you sear your cod, this keeps it together and helps to seal in flavor.
Cod should be moist and flaky. Tough or rubbery cod usually means you’ve overcooked it.
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Let’s Make Simple Garlic Butter Cod Fillets
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets about 6oz each & 1 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter cut into half inch pieces
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice to serve
Instructions
- Pat cod fish dry with paper towel and season well with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium and place fillets in the pan skinned side down. Gently press on each fillet a spatula for 5 seconds to ensure good contact with the pan. Cook the fillets without moving them, until the underside is golden brown, about 4 minutes.
- Gently flip the cod to prevent them from breaking apart and add the butter. cook a further 3-4 minutes, basting with the butter (the butter will brown). When the fish is fully cooked reaching an internal temperature of 145°F/62°C, remove from the pan and set aside.
- Add the garlic to the butter in the pan and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the chopped parsley and lemon juice. Taste for seasoning and add salt as needed. Serve over the cod.
Tips + Notes
- Buy fillets that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking times.
- Always ensure the pan is hot before searing the cod, it ensure the flavor is sealed in and prevents it from breaking apart.
- Take the fish out of the pan to cool, if left in the pan the residual heat will keep cooking the fish, resulting in a tough texture.
- To make sure the cod is cooked thoroughly, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet. Twist gently at an angle (the fish should flake apart easily if cooked properly). The fish should have an opaque appearance rather than a translucent one, once it’s cooked. If you have a thermometer the temperature should be 145°F/63°C.
Robert Leitch says
Simple, easy recipe with a great taste. I served it on a bed of mashed potatoes; the butter sauce went well with the fish and the potatoes. We will make again.
Next time I will heat the pan a bit longer and hopefully have the fish fully defrosted. Did not detract from the taste; missed the look of the full sear. Took a bit longer to cook
Erren Hart says
Thank you for sharing your cooking experience! It’s valuable feedback for both us and other readers. Ensuring the pan is adequately heated and allowing the fish to fully defrost beforehand can indeed help achieve that desirable sear and reduce cooking time. We appreciate your constructive input, and we’re glad to hear that despite these challenges, the taste remained enjoyable. We hope your next attempt goes even smoother. Happy cooking!
Donna S says
This looks amazing. Could I bake or air fry instead of pan frying? What would then be the cooking instructions?
Erren's Kitchen says
You can adapt this recipe for baking or air frying if you prefer a different cooking method. Here’s how you can do it:
Baking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the cod fillets dry with a paper towel and season them with salt and pepper.
Place the seasoned fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Cook for about 30 seconds, just as in the original recipe.
Pour the garlic butter mixture over the cod fillets.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the cod reaches 145°F (62°C). Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of your fillets.
Once done, you can baste the fillets with the butter from the pan before serving.
Air Frying Instructions:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the cod fillets dry, season with salt and pepper, and place them in the air fryer basket.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Cook for about 30 seconds.
Pour the garlic butter mixture over the cod fillets.
Air fry for approximately 10-12 minutes, flipping the fillets halfway through the cooking time, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (62°C).
Baste the fillets with the butter from the pan before serving.
Adjust the cooking times based on the thickness of your cod fillets and the specifics of your oven or air fryer. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter cod!
Jonathan says
This is a fantastic recipe! I’ve made it quite a few times now and my kids ask for it more than any other fish dish!
Erren Hart says
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! It’s great to hear that you and your kids enjoy it so much.
Valerie says
My husband and I are eating much more fish than ever before. This recipe is so delicious. Thank you.
Erren Hart says
You’re very welcome! I’m so glad that you’re enjoying the recipe and that it has become a delicious addition to your increased fish consumption. If you’re ever looking for more fish recipes or any other culinary inspiration, feel free to ask. Happy cooking and happy eating! 🐟🍽️
Janet says
The cod was easy and so good that I used a piece of bread to wipe the pan clean!
Delish!
Erren Hart says
I’m delighted to hear that the recipe turned out well for you. Your positive feedback means a lot.
Valerie says
Oh wow! We will be seeing this again so delicious!
Erren Hart says
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the garlic butter cod! It’s always wonderful when a dish becomes a hit. I’m so glad to hear you’ll be making it again. Thanks for the fantastic feedback!
MR R M LUXFORD says
i fully intend to use your recipe, sounds delicious. not a very good cook but fingers crossed
Erren Hart says
I’m glad to hear that you’re willing to try the recipe! Don’t worry about being a perfect cook – cooking is all about experimenting and learning along the way. Just follow the instructions step by step, and I’m sure you’ll do great! Remember, it’s the effort and love you put into the dish that truly makes it delicious. Fingers crossed for a wonderful cooking experience and a tasty outcome! Enjoy! 😊
Alan Heintz says
Quick and easy! Great results with a cast iron pan. My cod filets come skinless but the recipe still worked very well. I even cheated a bit by using bottled lemon juice and minced garlic. I just finished eating and I look forward to making it for guests.
Erren Hart says
We’re pleased to know our recipe was a success! Thank you for your delightful feedback.
Sarah says
“WoW mom! This is so good!” said my four year old. And I would have to completely agree!
Erren Hart says
Your comment put a smile on my face. I’m happy that the recipe was a hit for you!
Lynn says
This was delicious and easy to make. Will make many more times!
Erren Hart says
Hi Lynn, Thank you for your positive review! I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the cod recipe and found it both delicious and easy to make. It’s always wonderful when a recipe becomes a repeat favorite. I hope you continue to enjoy making it many more times. Happy cooking!