There’s something about Lemon Butter Cod that just makes dinner feel light, fresh, and satisfying all at once. This recipe has been part of my regular weeknight rotation for years — mostly because it’s fast, reliable, and tastes like something from a nice coastal restaurant.
The buttery sauce with a pop of fresh lemon wraps around the flaky fish like a warm hug. And the best part? I can get this on the table in less than 30 minutes, even on my most chaotic evenings.
Why This Cod Recipe Is a Keeper
This recipe works so well because it’s simple but never boring. Cod has a clean, mild flavor, which means it soaks up everything you cook it with. The butter makes it rich, the lemon gives it brightness, and the garlic ties everything together.
I remember the first time I made this for my family — everyone thought I’d gone to a fancy fish market or spent hours in the kitchen. In reality, it was a quick sear and a buttery drizzle. That’s the beauty of cod: it doesn’t need much to shine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Cod fillets – Aim for 1-inch thick pieces so they cook evenly.
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Flour – Just enough to help the seasoning cling and give a gentle crust.
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Paprika, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper – A simple blend that wakes up the flavor without overpowering the fish.
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Butter – The heart of this recipe. I like using European-style butter for that extra richness.
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Olive oil – Keeps the butter from burning when searing.
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Fresh garlic – Never skip this. Bottled or powdered just doesn’t have the same punch.
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Lemon juice – Only fresh. It makes all the difference.
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Chicken broth – Adds a little body to the sauce without making it heavy.
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Parsley – For color and freshness at the end.
When cod is paired with lemon butter, it transforms into something elegant but approachable — the kind of dish that makes any ordinary dinner feel special.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
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Season the fish: Mix flour and seasonings in a small bowl. Coat both sides of the fillets evenly.
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Heat the pan: Melt 1 tablespoon butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Sear the cod: Cook for about 4 minutes per side until golden and flaky. Don’t rush this part — that browning is where the flavor builds.
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Make the sauce: Lower the heat, melt the rest of the butter, sauté garlic for 15 seconds, then pour in broth and lemon juice. Give it a gentle stir.
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Finish strong: Pour the lemon butter sauce over the cod, sprinkle parsley, and serve warm.
I like to plate the fish over a bed of rice or alongside some roasted vegetables. The sauce seeps into everything — it’s irresistible.
Real-Life Tips That Help
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If I’m using frozen cod, I always thaw it overnight in the fridge. A slow thaw keeps the texture firm and flaky.
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Patting the fish dry before seasoning gives that perfect light crust. If it’s too wet, it just steams.
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Cod is delicate. I use a thin spatula and flip it gently so it doesn’t break apart.
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Keep an eye on the heat. Cod cooks fast and can turn rubbery if left too long.
I learned the hard way once when I overcooked it — it went from buttery soft to bouncy in just two minutes. Now, I always pull it off as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.
Sauce Notes
The lemon butter sauce is simple, but it’s what makes the dish shine. I like to swirl the pan gently rather than whisk it like crazy — this keeps it silky. If I’m feeling a bit indulgent, I throw in an extra knob of butter at the end to give it a glossy finish.
If you want a little kick, a pinch of cayenne in the sauce goes a long way. If you prefer it mild, leave it out.
Flavor Variations You’ll Love
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Swap parsley for fresh dill or cilantro for a different herb note.
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Add extra garlic if you’re like me and believe there’s no such thing as too much.
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Use lime instead of lemon for a slightly tangier profile.
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For a light creaminess, whisk in a spoon of cream into the butter sauce.
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Skip the cayenne if cooking for kids or add more if you like some heat.
This is one of those base recipes that you can tweak endlessly without losing its charm.
What to Serve It With
I love this dish over a simple bed of white rice because it soaks up all that lemon butter. But it pairs beautifully with so many sides:
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A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
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Steamed asparagus or broccoli for freshness.
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Mashed potatoes for a heartier dinner.
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Crusty bread to mop up that sauce (trust me, you’ll want every drop).
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm the fish gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. The sauce can separate a little, but a gentle stir usually brings it back.
I don’t recommend microwaving because cod can dry out fast. A quick warm-up on the stove always works best.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and pat it dry before cooking. That gives the best texture.
What’s the best pan for searing cod?
A non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron pan works beautifully. It helps keep the fish from sticking or tearing.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can use a good quality olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, though the flavor will be a little different.
How do I know the cod is cooked perfectly?
It should flake easily with a fork and lose its translucent look. Overcooking will make it tough, so watch closely.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The sauce can be prepped in advance, but the fish is best cooked fresh. Cod tastes its best when served right off the pan.
Lemon Butter Cod
Light, flaky cod fillets meet rich, velvety butter and bright lemon in this elegant yet easy dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 cod fillets (6 oz each, skinless, about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¾ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided into 1-tablespoon pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1½ tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth
- 1½ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Whisk together the flour, paprika, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Pat the cod fillets dry, then coat both sides evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter and the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cod and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. The fish should flake easily with a fork. Transfer the fillets to serving plates.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and melt the remaining butter in the same skillet. Add the garlic and sauté just until fragrant and lightly golden, about 15 seconds.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully stir in the chicken broth and lemon juice (it may steam).
- Pour the warm lemon butter sauce over the cod fillets and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality cod fillets for the best flavor and flaky texture.
- For a little extra brightness, add lemon zest to the sauce before pouring it over the fish.
- This dish pairs beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a light green salad.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 362Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 8gCholesterol 137mgSodium 654mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 42g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This Lemon Butter Cod is proof that a good meal doesn’t need to be complicated. A few fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and less than half an hour — that’s all it takes.
Every time I make it, the kitchen smells warm and bright, and the first forkful always gets a little smile from whoever’s eating it. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a simple date night at home, this dish fits right in. And trust me, that lemon butter sauce will make you want seconds.
