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Lemon Garlic Butter Cod with Crispy Skin served on a plate

Lemon Garlic Butter Cod

A quick and delicious dish featuring crispy skin cod fillets cooked in garlic butter with a burst of lemon flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fish Fillets
  • 2 pieces cod fillets (skin-on, about 180–200 g each)
Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For cooking
  • to taste Salt & freshly ground black pepper For seasoning
Garlic Butter Sauce
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter Melted for basting
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced Adds flavor
  • 1/2 lemon zest of For flavor
  • 1/2 lemon juice of For acidity
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped For garnish
  • a pinch chili flakes Optional for heat

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the cod fillets very dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat, place cod skin-side down and press gently for 20-30 seconds, then cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until skin is golden.
  2. Flip the cod, reduce heat to medium, add butter and garlic, and baste the fish with melted garlic butter for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and chili flakes if using, cooking until cod is opaque and flakes easily.
  4. Remove from heat, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately with crispy skin facing up.

Notes

For best crispiness, dry the skin well before cooking and use a hot pan. Do not move the fish while cooking the skin side.