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Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin

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Delicious Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin is a quick, elegant seafood dish where tender, flaky cod meets a zesty, buttery lemon-garlic sauce. The golden, crispy skin adds irresistible texture, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Pan-Seared
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

4 cod fillets, skin-on

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat cod fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Place cod fillets skin-side down in the skillet, pressing gently with a spatula for the first 30 seconds to prevent curling. Cook for 4–5 minutes until skin is crispy and golden.
  4. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 2–3 minutes until fish is opaque and flakes easily. Remove from pan and set aside.
  5. Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, and let it melt. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add lemon juice and zest, stirring to combine.
  7. Return cod to the skillet briefly to coat with sauce, then transfer to plates.
  8. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Ensure the fish skin is completely dry before cooking for maximum crispiness.
  • Add thyme or dill to the butter sauce for extra flavor.
  • Stir in red pepper flakes for a gentle heat.
  • Add 1 tablespoon capers for a briny upgrade.
  • Use a blend of lemon and orange juice for a softer citrus flavor.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of liquid.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/delicious-lemon-garlic-butter-cod-with-crispy-skin/